Many people find their air conditioner hard to understand and when they break down, tend to leave air conditioning repair to the experts. However, by being able to detect some early warning signs that your unit may be failing, you can save some money when it comes to AC repair in Chesapeake, VA. These tips will cover a short range of troubleshooting for your central air conditioning unit and how to correct them.
Poor Air Flow
Poor airflow from your cooling unit can occur from any number of things. The most common problem usually arises from dirt and dust blockage. The system has a large filter inside of it that can look like a paper fan, which traps dust particles and debris from being brought into your home from the outside. When this filter gets old or clogged airflow starts becoming reduced, making it feel like the house is not being cooled. The unit will then be cranked up, spiking your energy bill with it. Problems with the fan motor or damaged fan blades can be another reason airflow is weak, which can be from handling the blades when cleaning the filters or owning an old unit. To rectify this problem make sure to clean the filter yearly, especially at the beginning of each cooling season, which is at the start of spring. Another option is to replace the filter so that you don’t have to go through the trouble of cleaning it yourself.
Lack of Dehumidification
The number one problem that results from a lack of dehumidification is low refrigerant charge. A refrigerant absorbs the heat from the air as it changes from a liquid to a gas to a liquid again as it moves through the system. If there is a lack of proper drainage from the evaporator coil, the refrigerant won’t be able to condense itself and humidity will stay in the air. Water leaks and open windows can also mess up the dehumidification process. Make sure the system is the right size for your house and is cleaned by a professional, especially during the summer months when humidity is high.
Air Duct Leakage
Leakage is most commonly occurred with ducts that pass through attics, garages, and crawlspaces. Air duct leaks can guzzle the energy from your house and cost you more money each month. This is due to poor insulation in walls, floors, and ceilings. The most essential thing to do to stop this is to seal the air ducts, which can save you about a half ton of AC capacity.
If you have any of these problems, call a professional today.
