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As homeowners, we rely heavily on our air conditioning systems to keep our homes comfortable during summertime. Unfortunately, over time, air conditioning problems can arise that lead to discomfort, frustration, and higher energy bills.
In our latest blog post, Sanborn’s Air Conditioning & Heating will explain how to diagnose an AC problem and determine if repair or replacement is best to keep the cool air flowing. Contact us today for service in the Redlands, CA area.
Low Airflow
One of the most common problems that occur with air conditioning is low airflow, which leads to decreased cooling power. This issue typically arises from a dirty or clogged filter or a blocked air duct. When your air filter becomes clogged with dust, dirt, and debris, airflow can become restricted, causing the air conditioning system to struggle, leading to higher energy bills. Homeowners can remedy a dirty air filter by cleaning or replacing the filter.
If the problem persists, it is time to have a professional inspect your air ducts to identify any potential blockages. A problem with the blower motor may need to be corrected, as the blower motor is responsible for pushing air through the duct system. Low airflow can also be the result of an undersized HVAC system, in which case system replacement is the best solution.
Warm Air
Another common problem that homeowners face is warm air blowing from the vents when the AC unit is running. This issue can be attributed to various causes, including a dirty evaporator coil or low refrigerant levels.
In most cases, a dirty evaporator coil is the culprit leading to insufficient cooling power. Homeowners can diagnose this issue by inspecting the outdoor unit of their air conditioning system.
If the coil appears dirty or has debris on it, it needs to be cleaned to restore maximum efficiency. You can do this yourself, or schedule a professional maintenance visit to take care of it.
In addition to a dirty evaporator coil, low refrigerant levels can also cause warm air to blow from the vents. Refrigerant leakage is often the cause of this issue, and homeowners can determine if the refrigerant levels are low by checking the refrigerant lines, typically situated near the outdoor unit.
Refilling refrigerant is often costly on older models due to the phaseout of certain refrigerants, and may not be worth the repair bill – it’s generally advisable to replace your system if you have an older model that uses Freon.
Strange Sounds or Odors
Air conditioning systems are meant to run smoothly and should not produce any unusual sounds or odors. If you hear rattling, squealing, or grinding sounds coming from your central air conditioner, it may be an indication of a problem.
Typically, strange sounds are attributed to a fan motor or a loose belt, which can be diagnosed with a quick inspection by a homeowner. You may be able to tighten the belt yourself, but if not, you can call your HVAC company to make this repair.
Other sounds like knocking or banging may be due to loose parts, and you’ll want a professional to repair them. If the damage is minimal, repair is likely all that is necessary – if loose parts have caused extensive damage, it may be time to replace your unit.
Strange odors are often caused by mold growth or debris buildup inside the ductwork or due to blockages in the AC’s drainage system, and when left unaddressed, the situation can worsen. It is critical to have an HVAC technician inspect the unit to determine the root cause of the abnormal sound or odor. Usually, these problems can be cleared up with repair services.
Contact Sanborn’s to Get Help with Any AC Problems
Knowing how to diagnose AC problems is crucial for homeowners to ensure optimal comfort and energy efficiency. While some problems may be easy to diagnose, others may require professional assistance.
It is often a good idea to schedule routine inspections and maintenance to identify issues before they become major problems, ultimately leading to the need for expensive repairs or system replacement.
At Sanborn’s Air Conditioning & Heating, we are dedicated to providing quality air conditioning repair and replacement services to ensure your home remains comfortable.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with all your air conditioning unit repair and replacement needs in Redlands, CA, and the surrounding areas.