When you live on a tropical island, you need an air conditioner that functions properly. However, as Hawaii’s climate remains at a constantly warm temperature for the majority of the year, the possibility of your AC overworking itself increases significantly.
Whenever you find yourself asking, “Why is my air conditioner not cooling the house?” there is most likely a common cause that your AC technician can quickly repair.
To help identify potential signs that your HVAC system is overworking itself, we have devised a list of the five most common signs to keep in mind the next time your AC isn’t working as usual.
High Utility Bills
Typically, the first and most obvious sign that your air conditioner is overworking itself is a high monthly electricity bill. An overworking AC usually results in a high electricity bill, especially when you don’t use the system any more than usual. Therefore, if your bills are higher than average and you are not consuming more energy, an overworking AC is most likely the culprit. We recommend contacting your maintenance team.
Increased Humidity
More often than not, if your home has been muggy lately, the reason is that your HVAC system is too large for your home. Therefore, its powerful compressor turns off before adequately humidifying the air. Over time, your air conditioner can become damaged due to overworking by frequently turning on and off before an entire cycle is complete. In this instance, you may have to consider replacing it with a smaller unit to achieve your desired results.
Strange Sounds Coming from the AC
Of course, all air conditioners produce sounds, with larger and more powerful units louder than others. However, loud, mechanical noises emitting from your AC usually warrant further investigation, as this could be a sign that your HVAC system is overworking itself.
When your AC has been in use for years, its internal components have been subjected to wear and tear. Such wear and tear can lead your AC to malfunction. As a result, your AC overworks itself while continuing to operate in this state. In this instance, contact your servicing company immediately, as prolonged use can lead to significant damages and costly repairs.
AC Fails to Cool Home
Another noticeable sign of an overworking air conditioner is when you notice that it is not cooling your home as it shoulds. Even on the hottest days, your AC should still be able to achieve a comfortable temperature in your home. However, if you turn down the thermostat and make sure your unit is running and it is still hot, then the internal components of your AC have likely been damaged due to being overworked. Therefore, you need an appointment with a technician.
Hot and Cold Spots
When your air conditioner is running, and you have checked that all of your vents are open, yet only a few rooms in your home are cool, then your HVAC system is probably overworking itself. This issue generally results from a burned-out compressor, which is a severe issue that requires immediate attention from a professional.
Island Comfort Air Conditioning
If your AC is not cooling your home correctly, it could be experiencing complications from being overworked. Luckily, at Island Comfort, air conditioner repairs are our specialty.
We are proud to provide HVAC installation and maintenance services to the residents of Hawaii. No matter what issue you’re experiencing, we are the company for all of your HVAC-related needs.
For additional information in regards to our products and services, contact ustoday!
AC refrigerant leaks pose many problems for homeowners. One of the most inconvenient problems is an increase in costs associated with electricity bills. But there are also health risks, potential air conditioner malfunctions, and other harmful implications associated with coolant leaks.
An AC refrigerant leak often warrants immediate repairs from a qualified technician. But before scheduling for repairs, it’s important to recognize the signs of a refrigerant leak. These leaks can be hard to identify, which is why we have composed a series of indications that your system is leaking coolant.
Join us as we provide insight regarding signs of refrigerant leaks and help you to understand how these symptoms impact you, your loved ones, and the functionality of your AC.
High Electricity Bills
When the cooling component of your AC isn’t operating as it should, it can cause your air conditioner to work overtime. This increases kilowatt usage and ultimately causes an increase in costs associated with your electric bill. Take some time to compare your previous electric bills with your current ones to determine the difference in costs. Have your most recent bills skyrocketed and you have noticed any of the following signs of a refrigerant leak? Then it may be time for AC repairs.
1) Long Cooling Cycles
The duty of refrigerant in the cooling process is to absorb the heat from inside your home and expel it outside. When a leak is present, coolant levels deplete. When a system’s refrigerant levels get too low, it takes longer for your AC to cool your home. This will cause your system to work harder and longer than usual to reach the desired temperature. You may also find yourself constantly lowering the thermostat simply for your home to reach the previously desired temperature.
2) Hissing Noises
Hissing noises are typically a result of cracks or holes in the coils that circulate refrigerant. If the coolant in your unit is leaking through a relatively large hole, these hissing sounds could develop into a larger more prominent gurgling sound. Any noises emitting from your air conditioner should be taken seriously and checked out by a qualified AC technician.
3) Frozen Evaporator Coils
The most common sign of a coolant leak in your system is the formation of ice on your evaporator coils. When inadequate refrigerant levels circulate through your evaporator coils, the coils will not sufficiently absorb heat. This will cause the condensation on the coils to freeze and could result in a complete breakdown of your AC system, causing expensive repairs. It is highly recommended to monitor your evaporator coils regularly. If ice is forming, you may have a refrigerant leak.
4) AC Failing to Distribute Cold Air
This is undoubtedly the most apparent sign that your AC is leaking refrigerant. When your unit is failing to distribute cold air, check all vents to determine if the issue is constant and present among all vents. If the air emitting from all vents is not cold, you may have a coolant leak.
Do You Have A Refrigerant Leak And Require Repairs?
Don’t worry! If you live on Oahu or Kauai, you’re in luck! Island Comfort has been providing the members of our Hawaiian communities with the AC services required to repair refrigerant leaks for many years. If you have questions, comments, concerns, or require the service of one of our qualified technicians, contact us today! One of our specialists would be happy to assist you and provide you with some tips and tricks to avoid refrigerant leaks in the future.
AC units have improved by leaps and bounds in the last few decades. Air conditioners are now quieter than ever. If your system is making louder noises than usual, take note. These mysterious noises can be indications that your system has encountered a problem.
5 Noises Your AC System Shouldn’t Be Making
Air conditioners now incorporate sound-dampening technology that minimizes the sounds of your AC system’s many functions. Whereas some noises are natural, many noises could be signs of potential AC malfunctions resulting in the dysfunctionality of your unit.
Take a minute to read up on these various AC sounds. If you’re currently experiencing any of the following strange noises emitting from your AC unit, don’t hesitate to contact an expert technician.
1) Buzzing
Your outdoor AC unit should never emit a buzzing noise, which could be an indication of loose parts. Due to improper installation or normal wear and tear, components of your unit could become detached.
The key culprit of this noise is typically an outdoor fan motor that’s loose or about to fail. When experiencing buzzing, it’s imperative to contact a technician immediately for air conditioner repairs. The outdoor fan motor is an integral part of the functionality of your AC unit, and a malfunctioning one could be the cause of your AC making noise.
2) Clicking
The clicking sounds that an AC unit emits when starting up and shutting down are typical for its function. However, consistent and constant clicking isn’t a normal part of the operation of a unit. Clicking can be an indicator of a failing thermostat, which monitors and regulates your home’s indoor temperature and communicates with your AC unit.
3) Clanging
Clanging is another sign of loose parts, most likely indicating a problem with your AC unit’s compressor. Clanging can also suggest that the indoor blower or outdoor fan is out of balance and hitting other parts. Issues such as these could pose a more significant threat to your AC system’s overall efficiency and health if a technician isn’t contacted to repair AC clanging.
4) Squealing
A malfunction regarding the indoor blower or outdoor fan could potentially create a squealing sound. These noises can often be heard throughout the ducts of your AC system and indicate a blower or fan that’s going bad. The indoor blower wheel will squeal if it’s malfunctioning. These sounds can be typical during AC start-up, but if they’re just beginning to occur, it could mean that it’s time for air conditioner repairs.
5) Rattling
If your air conditioner rattles, it could be a clue that components of the unit are beginning to deteriorate. This can be a sign of normal wear and tear, corrosion, or a refrigerant leak. Another cause of rattling could be that debris such as twigs or leaves has gotten caught in your system.
In addition, rattling could signify loose parts in your unit, most likely the compressor. Rattling noises are the most notorious of AC systems as they can indicate many internal malfunctions. It’s best to contact a technician if your AC is making a rattling noise.
How Do I Stop Loud AC Noises?
An AC making noise nowadays should be considered a rarity. Getting the noises to stop is about more than minimizing the sound; it’s about fixing the cause of the noises in the first place. Noises emitted from your AC unit could signify many problems with your air conditioner. Therefore it’s in your best interest to contact a professional.
Island Comfort has been providing Hawaii residents with peace of mind regarding their air conditioners for years. If you’re experiencing noises coming from your AC, give us a call today!
Not knowing whether to replace or repair your air conditioner during a Hawaiian summer can feel stressful. There are many signs that point to whether your AC unit should be repaired or replaced. Some malfunctions are common and require standard AC repairs. However, other problems are more serious and could mean that it’s time to replace your AC unit.
When your air conditioner is malfunctioning or not operating at full capacity, the first step toward a solution is simply diagnosing the problem.
3 Signs That You Might Need AC Repairs
There are a variety of symptoms that require a professional to repair AC units that aren’t functional. When it comes to the expertise of highly trained technicians like those of Island Comfort, these signs for AC repairs quickly become testaments to the experience of vetted technicians.
Use the following information to decide the best way to go about restoring your air conditioner to its former glory!
1) Dirty AC System
A dirty AC filter or ducts can not only be harmful to the functionality of your air conditioning, but they can also be harmful to your health. Dirt, debris, and tropical mold commonly build up in AC filters and ducts throughout the lifetime of a unit. It’s best to replace your filter regularly and have a professional inspect, unclog, and clean your ducts for the filtered air to remain safe, clean, and most importantly, cool your home.
Unclean air conditioner filters and ducts can cause many health problems. Viral, bacterial, and fungal infections are more likely when you’re breathing in dirty air or coming into physical contact with dirty filters or ducts. It’s best to leave a task like cleaning your unit to professionals who work under the proper protocols.
2) Leaking Refrigerant
You may have noticed leaks coming from your air conditioner. More often than not, this is a sign of a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant (also known as coolant) is a liquid chemical that circulates and transforms hot air to cold air and disperses it throughout your home in a gaseous form. Many things cause coolant leaks, including vibration of your unit, corrosion of copper tubes, factory defects, improper installation, and more. This coolant can be a dangerous chemical; therefore, it’s best to leave refrigerant leaks to the pros.
3) Corroded Or Frozen Coils
Leaks can also be a sign of a frozen coil. The coils of your air conditioning unit hold coolant and are responsible for capturing and releasing heat from your AC unit. It’s common for these coils to freeze when the interior copper tubing that houses the refrigerant becomes corroded over time. Again, maintenance for such an issue is best left to expert technicians.
2 Clues That it’s Time for AC Replacement
AC replacement is the next course of action if repairs are an inadequate solution. Here are two clues that it’s time to replace your AC.
1) Constant AC Repairs
AC replacement cost pales in comparison to the money you already spend if your unit requires constant repairs. Some repairs are necessary throughout the lifespan of your AC unit. Yet, when it gets to the point where a technician is constantly repairing your AC unit, it may be time to consider AC replacement. In addition, certain repairs aren’t even worth pursuing due to their intricate nature and the cost associated with the procedure. Sometimes it truly is better to replace your air conditioner and discover more modern, cost-effective units.
2) Your AC Unit Is Outdated
AC units typically have a lifespan of 10-15 years. If your AC unit has made it to that age, then you should be proud; you’ve gotten a lot out of your investment! However, trying to extend your air conditioner’s usefulness beyond this period could make for high costs for repair when AC replacement costs would be significantly less.
Want To Learn More?
Island Comfort has an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau, and our reviews are a testament to our expertise. If you’re currently experiencing problems with your AC or would like a question or two answered, contact us today!
Some projects around your house can be safely done yourself. However, AC repairs aren’t usually DIY because of the complicated and sometimes risky variables at play. For example, there’s the possibility of electrocution, carbon monoxide poisoning, and the risk of damaging an expensive HVAC unit. Therefore, be sure to call an AC technician to fix the following issues.
1) Faulty Wiring
With regular use of an air conditioning unit in Hawaii comes the risk of corroding wires, as well and wires becoming exposed or otherwise damaged. This is particularly a concern if your unit is switching on and off frequently. If faulty wiring is plaguing your air conditioning unit, you may not be able to turn it on.
While hot temperatures sustain through the year in parts of Hawaii, this is particularly inconvenient in the summertime. Homeowners who attempt to DIY a faulty wiring issue on their air conditioner run the risk of electrocution from handling exposed or frayed wires. An AC technician has the expertise to service these types of equipment safely. Also, they can diagnose and resolve your faulty wiring issues with relative ease because of their air conditioning services experience.
2) Corroded, Dirty, Or Frozen Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil on an air conditioner can experience a multitude of problems over their average 10-15 year lifespan. When cooling your house down, part of that process requires the air conditioner to cool the hot air in the room. This is where the evaporator coil comes in. It contains Freon, a refrigerant that cools down the hot air as it passes over it. If the evaporator coil corrodes, freezes, or gets dirty, that impedes its ability to function.
Dirty coils can cause significant damage to your air conditioner, including a full breakdown. It can also lead to higher energy costs as your air conditioner works hard to make up for lowered efficiency. To return your air conditioner to its former glory, you’ll need to have a tech to clean your unit. Some homeowners try to clean the coil themselves, running the risk of injury to themselves or costly damage to the unit.
A variety of issues can cause an evaporator coil to freeze. One of the most common reasons, however, is that there’s a Freon leak. If your air conditioner has a frozen evaporator coil, you must turn it off immediately. Upon inspection, an AC technician can determine if the frozen coil is due to a Freon leak. These leaks are sometimes caused by corrosion.
Corrosion can damage the evaporator coil if it is exposed to car exhaust or other pollutants. Since most air conditioning units are installed outside, this is a consideration for most homeowners. Corroded evaporator coils are usually replaced as repairs are often expensive. Replacing an evaporator coil is dangerous business, as it requires the handling of Freon. It also requires the use of specialized equipment. It’s always best to leave this type of repair to a professional.
3) Leaking Refrigerant (Freon)
Freon leaks are a serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately. It’s a poisonous gas that is tasteless and odorless, like carbon monoxide. Also like carbon monoxide, it can harm your airways and prevent the circulation of oxygen around your body. Symptoms of Freon poisoning can damage your organs and even cause sudden death. A professional can identify the source of a Freon leak and repair it or install replacement parts. This way, homeowners don’t risk Freon poisoning, and can get their air conditioner back up and running in no time.
Island Comfort technicians can perform these services and more. If you’re in need of AC repair on the Hawaiian Islands of Oahu or Kauai, contact Island Comfort today!
Aren’t Hawaiian “winters” the best? We can save money on our electric bills by just popping open the windows to let those cool island trade winds blow through the house.
When that first scorcher of the season hits, that AC unit needs to work and it needs to work well. No one wants an AC unit blowing hot air in their face!
6 Reasons an AC Unit is Blowing Hot Air
1. The Settings Got Messed Up
It may sound simple, but you’d be surprised how many times we get to a customer’s home and realize someone has just bumped the settings and screwed things up.
Remember that if an AC unit is set to “on” rather than “auto,” it may keep blowing room temperature air when it’s not cooling – like a fan.
2. The Intake Vent is Blocked with Debris
If the unit is covered with leaves or dirt, that means it isn’t getting air which can lead to an AC unit blowing hot air. Cut off the electricity and clean off the intake vent.
3. The Coils are Dirty or Fins are Bent
Even if an AC unit looks clean, that doesn’t mean the coils aren’t clogged up with gunk.
For window units, cut off the electricity and pop open the back panel. Vacuum out any dust, hair, and dirt. Use a brush and some cleaner to wipe down the condenser fins. If they’re bent, use a special fin comb to straighten them out.
Make sure to wear leather gloves for this.
4. The Filter Needs a Change or Cleaning
While the AC is open, we recommend cleaning or changing the air filter. It’s important to clean your AC filter once a month during the summer when it’s running all the time.
5. The AC Unit Needs Refrigerant or Freon
For an AC unit blowing hot air, icing over, leaking, or triggering sky-high electric bills, freon might be the culprit. This is a fix best left to the professionals, so give us a call.
6. There’s an Electrical Issue
Power outages can lead to blown fuses and brownouts. Remember that AC units draw a ton of power!
Check the fuse box to make sure all the switches are on.
Inside the unit, faulty wiring is also common.
Whether an AC unit is tipping the circuit breaker or needs an internal wire fix, this is another job only a professional should handle.
AC Unit Still Blowing Hot Air?
In many cases, we can fix an AC unit blowing hot air with a simple tune-up so there’s usually no need to replace the whole thing. Our experts will conduct a 32-Point Safety Inspection & Tune Up to diagnose the specific problem and get your AC running icy cold again!
If the humidity level drops below 30%, it can cause viruses to spread, make dry skin, worsen eczema, or lead to respiratory irritation.
If the humidity level jumps over 50%, this can cause mold growth and dust mites, so bringing down the humidity level is critical.
Why Is My House so Humid in the Summer and How Can I Fix It?
Keeping the humidity level in a normal range is important to reduce the spread of mold and keep your house healthy. Check these three things first before you call us.
The AC Unit Is Too Big
With AC units, bigger doesn’t always equal better, whether it’s central air or a window unit.
AC units have something called an evaporator coil, which cools the air’s temperature and removes humidity.
The thing is, these processes happen simultaneously, and removing humidity from the air takes time. If an AC unit is really big and cools down the room within 10 minutes, that means it hasn’t had the chance to remove all the moisture from the air.
Air conditioners need regular maintenance to function properly – just like a car! If an AC unit’s coils are clogged up with dust, dirt, hair, or frost, it can’t do its job dehumidifying the room.
Cut off the electricity to the unit and pop open the cover. Make sure the fins aren’t smashed, clean out or replace the filter, and ensure there’s no visible ice anywhere.
It’s Not the AC – It’s You
Many people don’t realize that moisture seeps into the air of their home from basic appliances and activities. Keep these things in mind:
Cracks in the walls and poor insulation – both notorious across the islands
Those signature Hawaii jalousie windows that lack an airtight seal
Steamy showers
Talking, heavy breathing, and parties (large groups of people)
I Still Can’t Figure Out Why My House Is So Humid
Still wondering “why is my house so humid?” Island Comfort Air Conditioning can help!
Our experts will conduct a 32-point Tune-Up & Safety Check to make sure everything is running smoothly. We always work on YOUR schedule and show up on time.
In Hawaii, most of us are lucky enough to enjoy cool breezy nights–even in the summer.
For those of us living in low-lying or humid areas, however, a high-functioning AC unit is necessary year-round.
One of the most frequent questions customers ask us at Island Comfort is “how often should I service my AC unit?”
Well, it depends! Let’s take a look…
How Often Should I Service My AC Unit and Why Does It Matter?
People living in a valley that doesn’t enjoy much wind or somewhere wet like Waialua get stuck running their AC unit 24-7 year-round. In that case, we suggest professionally servicing the AC unit every three-to-six months or so.
We recommend a 32-point Safety Check & Tune-Up. Our experts will pop open the AC and make sure everything is running smoothly, clear out debris, check the wiring, and implement changes on all the technical stuff that non-professionals should not be touching.
For anyone lucky enough to live upon a ridge where it isn’t necessary to run the AC all winter, an annual 32-point Safety Check & Tune-Up should suffice. Give us a call in the spring so we can make sure the AC is ready to handle the summer heat.
Why Is It Important to Service My AC Unit?
Air conditioners are delicate pieces of machinery.
Dirt, debris, and gunk cause them to overwork themselves and run hot which can drive up electric bills and lead to increased risk of breakdown, both of which are expensive, especially in Hawaii!
A dirty AC unit or filter also leads to dirty air. For anyone with allergies or sensitive skin, a slight increase in dust mites, mold, and microorganisms can make a massive difference.
Can I Service My AC Unit Myself?
Servicing your air conditioner isn’t as easy as it sounds. Maintenance tasks like checking the wiring and freon leaks are definitely best left to an AC repair company that won’t risk your safety and/or cause damage to your unit. While you could help the health of your air conditioner by changing your filters regularly and other minor forms of maintenance, this will not increase the life cycle of your HVAC unit compared to what we provide in our 32 point safety check and tune-up.
Let Us Do the Dirty Work
Don’t air conditioners in Hawaii always seem to break down at the worst times? Give us a call at Island Comfort and we’ll make sure your AC unit is always running smoothly – year-round!
You love your old home, and how every nook and cranny tells a story. It brings you back in history, and you pride it for its vintage-style architecture. But you also live in Hawaii, where the average daytime temperature averages to about 85 degrees and the air is incredibly humid.
For the sake of your comfort and controlling the levels of humidity to preserve your beloved home, you may consider installing an AC unit. But is this a project that is safe to DIY? Most likely not. This article outlines the reason why you should use a technician for the AC installation process.
An AC Technician Can Evaluate Your Home
To properly install an air conditioner system, especially in the unique designs of older homes, there are several factors that must be considered. Location, square footage, and type of installation all impact the type of unit you may need, and the way it is installed. A technician has the knowledge to evaluate your home, calculating all these factors, to set up a system that best works for you.
They Can Install Needed Ductwork
Installing air conditioning units in homes that do not have existing ductwork can be tricky. An incorrectly installed duct system can end up increasing your electric bill, cause inconsistent temperatures and uncomfortably stuffy rooms. If you want to avoid these inconveniences, it’s best to hire a professional who can ensure the installation is done correctly.
There are options if you want to minimize the overall appearance of ductwork in your home. In fact, certain systems allow you to eliminate ductwork altogether. Ductless mini-systems that usually consists of ducts about 3 inches wide can be snaked through walls or floor joists. Ductless air conditioners have their compressor outside with a wall-mounted unit inside.
They Are Knowledgeable on How to Keep the Integrity of Your Home
Old homes are special. You value your home for its unique architecture and history. This is why when installing an air conditioning system in your beloved home, it’s best to proceed with caution and rely on professionals.
Old homes are abundant in Hawaii, but so are high temperatures. It’s a hard decision to “modernize” anything in your home, but your comfort is important. Fortunately, a certified AC technician will have a lot of experience working in a variety of homes and will have the know-how.
Do What Is Best for You and Your Home
Hiring a technician to install your AC unit isn’t just an excellent way to protect your home, it’s a way to protect yourself and your family. Improperly installed air conditioners can lead to humidity problems, inconsistent temperature shifts, and even dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. There are so many factors to consider during the installation process, and technicians will know each and every way to handle those varying factors.
Bringing Your Old Home into Modern Times
It’s understandable as a resident of Hawaii that you want the cool comfort of AC. With the right AC technician, this convenience and modern luxury of central air conditioning is a real possibility.