Common Issues With AC Units
Hey there! Living in Tampa, we all know how brutal our summers can get. The heat and humidity make having a working AC unit needed, it’s a necessity to survive! But our crazy Florida climate can put our air conditioners through the wringer. Let me walk you through some of the most common issues we face with our AC units and share some tips to help keep yours running. Here are some common AC repairs when you have an AC unit breaks down.
Refrigerant Leaks
One biggie is refrigerant leaks. The intense heat and moisture put a ton of strain on the AC unit, which can cause cracks and leaks in the refrigerant lines over time. When that happens, your unit can’t cool your home properly anymore. If your AC is blowing warm air or you hear a hissing sound, chances are you’ve got a refrigerant leak on your hands.
- Pro tip: Get your unit checked out at least once a year during regular maintenance – that way, we can catch those leaks early before they become a nightmare.
Clogged Drain Lines
Another issue? Clogged drain lines. With all this crazy humidity we deal with, it creates the perfect conditions for algae and mold to grow inside the drain lines where the moisture from the AC is supposed to drain out. Next thing you know, it’s all clogged up.
- Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for any water pooling around your indoor unit or a funky, musty smell – that’s a sign the drain line needs some TLC. A simple bleach and water mixture can sometimes clear out minor clogs, but getting it professionally maintained is your best bet.
Dirty Coils
Then you’ve got dirty coils – both the condenser coil outside and the evaporator coil inside. Our sandy Florida environment means the outdoor coil gets coated in dirt and debris, while the indoor coil collects dust and mold from that humid air we breathe. Coils need to stay clean for the AC to run efficiently.
- Pro Tip: Hosing down the outdoor unit should be part of your regular routine, and you should change your indoor air filters monthly. We also offer coil cleaning as part of our maintenance package—easy peasy.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Frozen evaporator coils are another headache. If you notice ice buildup on the coils but your AC is running without cooling, that’s a surefire sign of airflow issues or potential refrigerant problems. At that point, it’s best to just turn it off and let it thaw out.
- Pro Tip: Keeping up with air filter changes is key to maintaining good airflow. If the freeze-up keeps happening, though, give us a call so we can check for leaks or other culprits.
Thermostat Issues
Sometimes, it’s not even the AC unit itself acting up – it could just be a faulty thermostat causing your home to not cool properly or the unit to cycle too frequently. It could also be that the thermostat setting is not set properly.
- Pro Tip: Placing the thermostat in the right spot, away from sunlight and drafts, can make a big difference. But if it’s still on the fritz, we may need to get you a new one.
Electrical Problems
Electrical issues are no fun, especially with all the crazy thunderstorms we get pummeled. Power surges and outages can seriously damage the electrical components in your AC unit. Next thing you know, it’s not working at all or acting really wonky.
- Pro Tip: Invest in a quality surge protector to help safeguard your unit. And don’t skip those regular inspections – we can spot and fix any electrical gremlins before they cause a total meltdown.
Wear and Tear
At the end of the day, even with perfect maintenance, no AC unit lasts forever. With our intense climate, that wear and tear just happens faster. Moving parts eventually break down, and you’ll notice reduced efficiency or flat-out failure if those aging components don’t get replaced.
- Pro Tip: Staying on top of that routine maintenance allows us to catch any worn-out parts before they croak entirely, so we can swap ’em out and extend the life of your entire system. Efficiency is everything!
Why Choose Us?
Look, we get it – dealing with AC drama is the last thing anyone wants when those sizzling summer days roll around. That’s why we’re here at Service Minds One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating. We know our Tampa neighbors’ struggles, and we’ve got your back to keep your home comfortable. With our professional maintenance services, we’ll help you steer clear of the most common issues. Give us a call and let the cool crew come to the rescue!