3 Common Air Conditioner Problems Your HVAC Expert Can Diagnose

Air conditioner problems generally fall into predictable causes and cures. To a skilled HVAC technician, there really aren’t too many surprises involved in troubleshooting most residential A/C units. The specialized equipment and necessary training take diagnosis and repair out of the reach of the average do-it-yourself homeowner. Still, you can gain an advanced preview of what you might be facing by checking out these three common air conditioner problems and the kind of things your HVAC technician will investigate to find the cause.  

Low system airflow

This is the most common complaint and can be both a primary cause and a secondary symptom of various malfunctions. First, the obvious: The technician will check for a clogged filter. Then, he’ll visually inspect your ductwork for blockages, leaks, disconnected segments, or crushed or bent ducts. He will also verify that supply dampers are fully open and that return air registers aren’t inadvertently obstructed by residents. Proper operation of the blower fan will be checked, and he’ll inspect the evaporator coil for a buildup of ice.

Excessive household humidity

Temperature controls will be verified to ensure that cooling functions, particularly the evaporator coil that extracts humidity, are operating efficiently. The capacity of the A/C unit will be compared to the actual cooling load of the home. An oversized unit will cycle on and off frequently, which isn’t good for humidity control. Ductwork will be checked to verify that humid air from outdoors or unconditioned zones of the home isn’t being drawn into the system through duct leaks.

The system doesn’t start

First, the technician will look for tripped circuit breakers and reset as required. Operation of the thermostat and associated wiring will be tested, as well. Voltage to the indoor air handler and the outdoor compressor/condenser will be measured. The run capacitor in the outside unit that provides a voltage boost to start the compressor may require replacement.

CCAC, Inc. stands for Constantly Concerned About Customers. In the Corpus Christi area, we’re your local source for year-round household comfort and quality service. Contact us for fast diagnosis and repair of all your air conditioner problems.