Top 5 Causes Behind the Most Common AC Repairs
December 21st, 2021Air conditioner repairs are not always a result of damaged components. Repairs are regulatory when ensuring the projected lifespan of a unit. However, as a homeowner, you’re most likely curious about how, why, and when air conditioners need repairs. Don’t worry! More often than not, AC problems are to be expected when units have been working for a number of years.
To clarify the importance of AC repairs, our specialists have listed the key reasons air conditioner repairs may be necessary. In Hawaii, air conditioners typically run year-round. So, it’s no surprise why a homeowner should have their system inspected—or even require AC repairs from a professional—every once in a while. Here you will find the top problems that may require professional air conditioner repairs.
Top 5 Air Conditioner Problems
1. Refrigerant Leaks
Sometimes, AC units begin to run low on refrigerant. It should be noted that this depletion of coolant isn’t the result of normal AC processes. Low refrigerant levels are often a result of leaks or undercharging during the installation process. If your system is experiencing a leak, adding more refrigerant is never a sound solution. The leak will ultimately need to be fixed and the AC system itself will need to be recharged.
It’s important to utilize the expertise of a trained and licensed AC technician near you who can identify the issue, fix the leak, inspect refrigerant lines, and properly charge the air conditioning unit with the appropriate amount of coolant. Your system should never be undercharged or overcharged with refrigerant, which is why this process is best left to HVAC experts.
2. AC System Corrosion
It’s no “shock” that when wires and other components are exposed to high levels of vapor or moisture, they are prone to corrosion. Don’t worry, this exposure will not be a cause for any immediate safety concerns. Instead, this exposure will cause your AC to struggle to reach optimal efficiency due to the effect corrosion has on the terminals and wires of your unit.
In some cases, corrosion may cause your system to come to a complete stop altogether. While corrosion isn’t a dangerous issue to deal with, it’s still best practice to leave relevant repairs to a professional HVAC technician.
3. Clogged Drains
When your unit is functioning normally, it removes moisture from the air and disperses it via drain lines. Moisture then drips into the pan underneath the AC unit, and eventually travels down a pipe that drains the excess moisture outside of your home. If your pan is full or the drain has become clogged, the condensation can accumulate and begin to overflow. This can damage floors or ceilings, and even stop your system from cooling altogether.
4. Dirty Air Filters
Air filters should be changed at least once a month to ensure proper airflow and avoid any health problems, ranging from trouble breathing to dizziness and headaches that result from inhaling debris. Too much debris coating or lining specific components of your unit can reduce system efficiency. Air blowing through dirty filters can even pump dirt, dust, pollen, and dander into your home, causing poor indoor air quality. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable about changing or cleaning your filters, an experienced HVAC technician can clean or replace your filters during a tune-up for optimal efficiency.
5. Frozen Evaporator Coils
Evaporator coils in an air conditioning unit are responsible for capturing hot air. These condenser coils require warm air circulating around them in order to avoid freezing over. Too much cold air on the evaporator coils will create ice buildup, which can be harmful to your AC unit’s efficiency. It’s best to have frozen coils diagnosed and treated by a professional in air conditioning system repairs.
Do You Need HVAC Service?
The air conditioning repair specialists of Island Comfort have been offering their expertise and professional HVAC system services to Hawaii residents for years. If you require AC repairs, you can count on us to solve the issue fast and restore indoor comfort! Contact us for a service call today! Be sure to ask about your preventative maintenance services to avoid common air conditioning problems in the future.
Top Reasons Behind What Causes a Sudden AC Failure
November 23rd, 2021Island life is an absolute dream for those living in the continental United States. However, as most Hawaiians attest, this dream can quickly become a sweaty nightmare when your AC is not working. If your HVAC system experiences a sudden power failure, you may think the worst has occurred. You may even fear you will need to purchase a new system.
However, in reality, an AC tech can quickly resolve most power failures. So the next time that your AC suddenly stops working, consider the following possible causes behind the power failure and remember that the technicians at Island Comfort Air Conditioning are here to resolve your problems and restore functioning as soon as possible.
Frozen Coils
The coils within your AC are responsible for transporting the hot air outward but hinder the airflow if they become dirty from built-up debris. As a result, the coils can freeze, which can lead to a sudden power failure. To stop your coils from freezing over time, clean them regularly.
Damage in the Internal Components
Damage to the internal components of your HVAC system can lead to premature failure of your home’s AC. In particular, older models are more likely to experience this type of failure, but only due to a lack of maintenance. By replacing damaged compressors, fan blades, and electrical connections and contacts, you will be able to avoid any severe damage and shutdowns as well as prolong the life of your AC.
Broken Thermostat
If your AC fails to work because of a faulty thermostat, repairs are usually quick and effective. However, when your thermostat is damaged, your HVAC system will usually cycle on and off without stopping, which can lead to the system failing by overworking itself.
The key is to catch the malfunction before any significant damages occur. You should immediately contact your maintenance team when you notice that your thermostat isn’t working correctly. Luckily, there are many thermostat replacement options today that offer an array of different features, such as room-by-room control options and WiFi connectivity.
Leaking Refrigerant
Anytime that the refrigerant levels within your HVAC system are low, there will be problems with functioning. Leakage can result from many reasons but is most often caused by an aging AC. When your AC has been running for over ten years, the components that hold the freon in the refrigerant can become damaged and result in leaks and system failure. This is typically a more severe issue, as the only practical solution is investing in a new HVAC system.
Lack of Annual Maintenance
Ultimately, it’s best to keep in mind that routine maintenance can help avoid all of these reasons behind AC failures. Schedule servicing for your HVAC system at least once a year to ensure that it is in working order. During servicing, your certified technician will be able to spot any potential damage or errors that could result in a system failure in the future. Furthermore, remember to leave all AC repairing to the professionals, as DIY attempts could result in additional problems.
Island Comfort Air Conditioning
We are happy to provide this information about the possible causes of AC failures to our customers, in addition to our HVAC installation and maintenance services.
Island Comfort is located in Hawaii and strives to provide the highest level of quality and customer satisfaction. With the help of our expertly trained technicians, you can rest assured that they will conduct all of your HVAC-related needs with the utmost care. So, if your AC stopped working or you’re interested in learning more about our products and services, contact us today!
AC Blowing Warm Air: Why Is It Happening?
November 16th, 2021Is your AC blowing warm air? If so, you are not alone! This is a widespread occurrence resulting from various issues and malfunctions that negatively affect your HVAC system. However, a faulty AC can lead to miserable and sweaty nights when you already live in a hot climate.
For this reason, it is essential to reach out to your maintenance team so that a technician can administer the proper AC repairs and get your HVAC system back to running as usual. Here are several possible causes for your AC not blowing cold air. Fortunately, you can avoid most issues by conducting routine maintenance.
Low Refrigerant Levels
The most likely explanation for your air conditioner blowing out hot air is a decrease in refrigerant levels. Refrigerant is the chemical that cools the air blowing out of your vents. Unfortunately, low levels of refrigerant are usually caused by a leak somewhere in your HVAC system. In this instance, it becomes impossible for your AC to produce cool air, and therefore, you must contact a technician to patch the leak and refill the refrigerant.
Clogged Filters
Anytime the filters in your AC become clogged, the quantity and quality of air decrease significantly. Typically, clogged filter results not from a build-up of dust and debris but rather from a foreign object lodged within the filter. To compensate for the lack of airflow, your AC will work overtime, which can damage the compressor, and the overall result will be hot air.
Faulty Thermostat
While this may seem obvious, if your AC is blowing out hot air, you should first check and make sure that the set temperature is not too high. If it is set to a low temperature yet the air continues to blow hot, there could be an electrical error within the thermostat itself. Such errors can cause electrical signals sent by the thermostat to fail, leading to a constantly high temperature. Generally, if your thermostat is to blame, you will need to schedule a maintenance appointment to install a replacement.
Loss of Compression
A faulty compressor can also be the cause of your AC blowing hot air. The sole responsibility of the compressor is to compress the freon within the refrigerant to produce cold air. If there are insufficient refrigerant levels or if the compressor is malfunctioning, the result will be hot air.
We recommend purchasing a brand new compressor rather than conducting repairs, which can be pretty expensive. Your technician will be able to install the new compressor, and you can rest assured that your AC will produce cold, refreshing air for the years to come.
Other Electrical Malfunctions
If you have already checked your refrigerant levels, filter, thermostat, and compressor, then some other electrical error must be causing your AC to blow only hot air. Other electrical malfunctions include blown fuses and problems with the circuit breaker.
Of course, you should never attempt to try and fix electrical malfunctions yourself. Instead, leave all AC repairing to the professionals by calling your servicing team and scheduling an appointment.
Island Comfort Air Conditioning
Though our island may be a tropical paradise, air conditioners are a necessity! For this reason, schedule routine maintenance on your air conditioner to deter any malfunctions that could lead to the production of hot air.
Our company has provided HVAC installation and maintenance to the residents of Hawaii for years, and we have developed a reputation for high-quality and excellent customer service.
To learn more about our products and services, visit our website.
