During a hot and muggy Ohio summer, it’s a known fact that you will be running your air conditioner a lot. Air conditioning systems can be subject to breakdowns for many reasons.
Broken AC: What Should I Do?
If you are experiencing a broken AC unit in Cincinnati, Columbus, or Dayton, you can count on the team at Logan Services to help get your air conditioner running in no time! We can fix your existing air conditioner unit, replace it, or install a whole new HVAC system if necessary.
Perhaps your air conditioner is making strange noises and requires a tune-up. Our technicians are trained to diagnose multiple issues within your ac, from the main electrical panel/control panel, evaporator coils, or thermostat sensors. Whether your unit needs repair or replacement, we can help with your AC problems, no matter how big or small.
From testing on electrical connections and blown fuses to installing a new thermostat or capacitor, let our team at Logan A/C & Heat be your one-stop shop for all things AC.
What Causes A Broken Air Conditioner?
Below are the most common air conditioner problems that can lead to a breakdown. Not only can these common air conditioner problems sometimes be prevented, but it is vital to know the facts to make the best decisions for your property.
1. Dirty HVAC Filter or Air Filter
One of the most common reasons an AC unit’s system starts blowing warm air or stops working altogether is due to a dirty air conditioner filter. Most HVAC filters only last about 30 days, and when the system runs longer cycles, as it does in the hot summer months, the air filter may need to be checked and changed even sooner.
Getting your broken air conditioner back up and running can sometimes be as simple as checking and replacing a dirty HVAC filter with a clean one.
2. Tripped Circuit Breaker
If you notice that your air conditioner has lost power altogether, the solution can sometimes just be that a circuit breaker has been tripped. In this scenario, all you would need to do is locate the tripped breaker and turn it back on.
3. Thermostat Malfunction
Your thermostat controls your HVAC system, and you want to make sure that it’s working correctly so that your heating and cooling equipment are operating properly. To make sure the thermostat for your HVAC system is working correctly, check the batteries (if applicable), and make sure the thermostat is turned on and set to ‘cool’ mode.
If you’ve done all of the above and the air conditioner doesn’t work still, you can contact your local Logan Services office in Dayton, Columbus, or Cincinnati, and we can try to help troubleshoot further over the phone.
4. Evaporator Coil Issues
The evaporator coil is located inside your home near the furnace of the HVAC system; it absorbs heat and humidity in the air that is sent outside. The evaporator coil then sends cool air into the house through the duct system. If the evaporator coil is dirty it will not absorb the heat and humidity like it should; this causes the lower temperature inside your home to rise.
If you think your evaporator coil needs to be cleaned, you can contact our office to have a technician come out to service it.
5. Dirty AC Condenser Coils
If you have an outdoor unit, your AC condenser coils can become dirty due to outdoor elements like dirt and seasonal debris. If there is too much dirt build-up on the condenser coils, it will cause higher utility bills.
While the condenser coils for air conditioners can be cleaned off with a water hose, in many cases of extreme build-up, they will need to be chemically cleaned by an HVAC service technician.
6. Refrigerant Leaks
Another reason an AC breakdown could occur is due to a refrigerant leak. When the refrigerant leaks out of the system, it will cause indoor temperatures and humidity to rise, causing the home to be uncomfortable. In many cases, a refrigerant leak can be repaired after performing a leak test in order to get your system back up and cooling your home again.
If you are experiencing a ‘no cool’ situation and suspect it could be a refrigerant leak, contact our office for a service call. An expert HVAC technician will come out to look over the system to diagnose and determine whether a refrigerant leak has occurred. If a refrigerant line repair is needed, you will be quoted for that work; the location of the refrigerant leak and the amount of refrigerant lost will affect the cost of repairs.
Oftentimes, the cost to repair a refrigerant leak can outweigh the cost to invest in a new air conditioner. Your technician will review both repair and replacement options with you so you can make the most informed decision for your home.
7. Clogged Drainage Line
Like the HVAC filter, the drainage line can get clogged with dirt, dust, and lint from the home. If the drain becomes clogged, the drain pan will fill up with water and will leak out, potentially causing damage to the AC system and furnace; the water leaking out could possibly damage anything that is around your system as well.
Depending on the way the drain is run/connected, you may be able to unclog it; however, if you feel that it’s too hard to reach or you just feel more comfortable with a technician getting it, you can schedule service with our office. We also check it when we come out for a tune-up if you get those seasonal check-ups.
8. Bad Capacitor
The capacitor powers the motors that run the compressor and fan motors in the cooling and heating system. The start capacitor sends a jolt to start the motor. The run capacitor sends a series of jolts to keep the motor running. The air conditioning unit will not run efficiently or sometimes won’t even run at all if the capacitor is weak or bad.
Having a technician out from a residential HVAC company will be the best answer to finding if a capacitor has gone bad and if your cooling equipment needs to be replaced.
9. Burnt Out or Pitted Contactor
When it comes to parts of your HVAC system, a contractor is what supplies the voltage to your compressor and fan motor. If the contactor is burnt or pitted, it becomes difficult for the proper voltage to power the compressor and fan motor, causing the system to not run properly or even run at all.
If this is found to be the root of the air conditioner issue, a Logan Services technician can diagnose a bad contractor and provide you with AC repair to help get your system back up and running again.
MAINTENANCE REMINDER: Regular maintenance on your system will prolong your HVAC system’s life and efficiency-levels and can also help to prevent an untimely AC breakdown.
Is Your Air Conditioner Broken? Reach Out To Us!
Air conditioner breaks are frustrating but all too common. Let our team of expert HVAC technicians show you the best AC repair solutions for your malfunctioning home cooling equipment. Get started and schedule your service call today by calling 800-564-2611 (option 2) or request an appointment online.
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