Hawaii Residents: Repairing Vs. Replacing Your AC
August 11th, 2021Not 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!
Why Is My AC Unit Blowing Hot Air? Check These 6 Things First
December 18th, 2019
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.
Always double-check the settings first. Sometimes, they may need to be calibrated by a professional too.
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!
Schedule an appointment for a 32-point tune-up on either Oahu or Kauai today!
Why Is My House So Humid in the Summer?
December 18th, 2019
Hawaii is known for its ideal weather. Cool nights and sunny days.
It isn’t always humid on the island, but when that humidity kicks in, it’s bad.
“But I’m running the AC non-stop. Why is my house so humid?” We recommend looking at the AC unit first to see if that’s the problem.
What’s the Ideal Home Humidity Level?
For humans, 40% to 50% is the perfect humidity level for homes.
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.
Schedule an appointment and we can get to the bottom of it.
The AC Coils Are Frozen or Dirty
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:
- Houseplants – especially when overwatered – can push moisture into the air.
- Coffee pots, clothes dryers, and boiling water
- 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.
Schedule an appointment now and let our experts handle it!
In Hawaii, most of us are lucky enough to enjoy cool breezy nights–even in the summer.