One mistake far too many people make when it comes to their air conditioning system is ignoring problems and putting off necessary repairs. While some of the common issues you can encounter may not seem like a big deal, immediately scheduling a repair service can help you avoid major hassles and added expenses. It also helps reduce the possibility of your AC failing prematurely. If you notice any of these issues, our team at Childers Air Plumbing & Electric is ready to quickly get you the professional help you need.
Short Cycling or Frequent Shutdowns
Short cycling refers to an AC system cycling on and off more often than normal, shutting down before completing a full cycle. This can happen for a few reasons, such as a clogged air filter that causes the blower to overheat or a malfunctioning condenser fan that makes the compressor overheat. Other possible causes include a malfunctioning or wrongly calibrated thermostat and a wiring or electrical issue.
One concern with short cycling is that it can lead to a significant increase in your electricity bills. This is due to the amount of energy an AC system uses each time it turns on. The system’s motors are also under much more strain when starting up, so they can fail far faster. If the system keeps shutting down because the compressor overheats, excessive heat can cause the compressor motor to suddenly burn out.
Increasingly Long Cooling Cycles
When your house is cool and your AC system needs to maintain your desired temperature, the system typically won’t need to run frequently or for very long. The only exceptions are if it’s extremely hot outside, it’s humid, or your house is poorly insulated.
If it’s suddenly starting to take your AC much longer than normal to cool your house, this is a sign that it isn’t working effectively or efficiently. Some of the most common issues that can lead to poor cooling performance are dirty coils, a clogged blower, a dirty air filter, and a refrigerant leak.
Longer cooling cycles increase wear and tear. This makes the system more likely to break down, which can be inconvenient in the midst of extreme weather. The longer you wait to have the problem diagnosed and fixed, the greater the chance that an issue will arise to shorten your air conditioner’s life and result in a premature failure.
Hearing Unusual Noises
Have your AC system inspected as soon as possible if it has suddenly started to make any type of unusual noise. This includes humming, buzzing, squealing, screeching, rattling, or grinding. All these noises can result from different issues, some of which are potentially serious and could lead to major damage.
Humming or buzzing sounds are often a sign of an electrical problem. Electrical issues can quickly lead to equipment failure or cause the motor to experience permanent damage that affects performance. This type of noise can also indicate that the compressor is failing, and you will soon need to replace your air conditioner.
Another possibility is that a capacitor is worn out, in which case the compressor will usually fail to turn on. The start capacitor provides the extra surge of energy needed for the compressor motor to engage smoothly. The motor can end up failing if it continually tries to turn on without the extra power from the capacitor.
A loud squealing or screeching sound may occur because the bearings in one of the motors are wearing out. Worn-out bearings are a serious concern, as they will often result in the motor overheating and experiencing extensive damage.
The AC Keeps Freezing
Despite how cold the evaporator coil is when an AC system is running, the warm air that continually flows across it normally prevents it from freezing. If the blower is malfunctioning and not bringing in sufficient air, or the airflow is restricted because the air filter is clogged, ice can quickly start forming on the coil. This can also happen if warm air can’t come into direct contact with the coil because it’s coated in dust.
A frozen evaporator coil prevents an air conditioner from being able to cool. Instead, it will circulate warm air throughout your home. The only way you can get your AC working again is to shut it off and wait at least a few hours for all the ice to melt before turning it back on.
You can speed up this process by switching the fan setting on your thermostat from Auto to On so that the blower keeps running and pulling in warm air. However, this isn’t an ideal scenario, as it uses a lot of energy and can cause AC wear and tear.
Never let the outdoor unit keep running if you suspect your air conditioner is frozen. When everything is working normally, the refrigerant has already changed from a liquid into a gas when it flows into the compressor. If liquid refrigerant enters the compressor, it will instantly boil when it’s compressed.
All the heat it releases when it boils can then the oil in the motor to burn. If too much of the oil burns off and the motor is no longer properly lubricated, it will seize up and fail.
Unexpected Spike in Your Electricity Bill
It’s normal for your electricity bills to fluctuate from month to month during the summer depending on how hot it’s been. Your energy bill will reflect how frequently your AC has been running.
Unless the weather has been hotter than normal, a major increase in electricity usage is most often a sign that your air conditioner needs to be tuned up or repaired. The problem may be something minor like needing to have the coils cleaned, but it could also be something more serious like an electrical issue.
Another possibility is that the run capacitor is worn out, resulting in the compressor and condenser fan drawing more energy than normal. As with many other issues we’ve discussed, the biggest concern is that the added strain on the motor can lead to it experiencing extensive and permanent damage.
Beckley’s HVAC Repair Experts
Since 1951, Childers Air Plumbing & Electric has been the leading name for cooling and heating services in the Beckley, WV area. We work with both residential and commercial HVAC systems. Our experienced technicians are standing by to help you tackle whatever issues you encounter. Whether you have a central AC, a heat pump, or a ductless mini-split system, we have the knowledge and skills to properly diagnose the cooling problem and quickly get everything working properly again.
Our team can repair and service all makes and models of AC equipment and advise you whether repairing your existing system or installing a replacement is the better way to go. You’ll receive exceptional customer service and a full satisfaction guarantee when you choose us.
For affordable AC repair services in Beckley, contact Childers Air Plumbing & Electric today.
