When your AC fails to give you relief from the heat, you have a problem. On a hot day, there’s almost nothing quite as frustrating as a broken HVAC system. The only way to escape the heat is to call for AC repair in Tampa, FL. But before you experience a problem, take some time to understand why your AC might not be working.
- Filthy Air Filter
One of the most common reasons for an AC to not work well is a dirty air filter. Fortunately, it’s a simple fix and is easily avoidable. By changing out your filters every few months, you can limit the dirt from accumulating in your filter.
When you have a dirty air filter, your system needs to work harder to get air through it. The extra workload is bad news for your air conditioner. Along with making your home less comfortable, the clogged filters can result in frozen evaporator coils.
As long as you change your filters regularly, you will keep your filters clean and your system efficient. Set a reminder on your calendar to change out your filters a minimum of every three months. When you call for HVAC maintenance, have the technician check your filters.
- Thermostat Settings
Your air conditioning in Tampa depends on the thermostat. And although the thermostat is relatively easy to use, user error can result in a lack of cold air. Typically, thermostats have a setting for fan mode or auto mode. If you have the thermostat set to fan mode, it will only circulate warm air until the cooling system kicks on. Warm air blows out from your vents, which is both annoying and uncomfortable.
For the best results, keep your system on auto mode. When your air conditioner isn’t cooling, the fan remains off. The fan only circulates air when the system introduces cold air. An easy way to prevent this from happening is to know how to use your thermostat. Whether you install a new HVAC system or you move into a home, ask a technician to explain the thermostat to you.
It’s also important to mention that there may be other settings you should know about on your thermostat. If you have a smart or programmable thermostat, you can use the right settings to decrease the load on your AC and your energy bills.
- Outside Unit is Dirty
The exterior unit of your AC plays a crucial role but is also the most exposed part of your system. Directly in the elements, your outdoor unit deals with debris, sun, and rain regularly. Sadly, this exposure causes problems. A dirty exterior unit can cause the air in your system to be warm.
To understand how a dirty unit affects your air, you need to know a bit about its functionality. The outdoor unit, or condenser, receives warm air from the indoor evaporator. Then, it condenses the air and makes it cool. Finally, it sends the air back through your system and into your home.
If a condenser is dirty, the heat to cold transfer can’t happen. Dirt and debris prevent the coils in the condenser from doing their job. To restore cool air, you need to hire a technician to clean your exterior unit. You may also prevent the problem by keeping plants away from your unit. Check the area weekly for leaves and branches and remove them as necessary.
- Broken Motor
Without a functional motor, your air conditioning in Tampa can’t work. The outdoor unit won’t be able to get rid of the heat, and your AC won’t cool your air.
When a broken motor is the issue, there’s no DIY fix. The only solution is to hire a professional to confirm the problem and repair it.
- Low Refrigerant
As your AC runs, refrigerant absorbs heat from the air and makes the air cooler. As you might expect, a lack of refrigerant or low refrigerant makes it impossible for your AC to work. With no heat absorption by the refrigerant, your system can only blow warm air.
All too often, low refrigerant is caused by a refrigerant leak. Common signs of a refrigerant leak are hissing, bubbling, and ice on the outdoor unit. In addition to leaving, you with warm air, the leak is hazardous to your health. Refrigerant is toxic and requires the hand of an experienced professional. It’s not a repair you should wait on, as it’s an immediate concern.
- Faulty Compressor
An essential part of your HVAC, the compressor handles the refrigerant’s flow. It keeps the right amount of refrigerant going between the condenser and evaporator. If the compressor is faulty, the flow won’t be correct, and the AC might blow cool air.
Any damage to the compressor probably requires a replacement. Although the fix isn’t too complex, it’s not one you should do on your own. - Lack of Regular Maintenance
Quite a few HVAC issues are tied to poor maintenance. Every season, your system works hard to meet your heating and cooling needs. Your AC is particularly abused, barely getting a break. If you don’t have someone, come in to maintain your AC, it won’t last.
By hiring someone for maintenance once every three or four months, you can keep your HVAC in working order. The technician will go through an extensive checklist designed to keep your AC functional and efficient. Typically, air conditioners fail because they don’t get the maintenance or attention they need.
Who to Call for Your AC Repair in Tampa
If you notice your AC blowing warm air, you need to act quickly. There’s a problem with your HVAC, and it demands immediate attention. Waiting to call for help increases the chance you need a costly repair.
Here at Comfort All-Stars, you can rely on us for your AC repair in Tampa FL. Our team is quick to respond and repair your system. Rather than wait in the sweltering heat, call us for help.
