There’s nothing worse than an air conditioner breaking down in the heat of Florida summer. If you notice the slightest issue with your HVAC system, you’ll want to address it right away. Whether it’s making noise, running on a shorter cycle than it should be, or simply not cooling your home, you want to know what’s wrong and if you need to call the pros for HVAC repair. Here are the most common HVAC problems and how you can diagnose them.
Cooling Problems
The most common issue people have with air conditioners is that they’re not blowing cool air like they used to. Here are the steps you should take to see if it’s something you can fix yourself or if you need to call the professionals to take a look:
- Check the refrigerant level.
- Inspect the evaporator for ice.
- Ensure the condensate is draining properly.
- Look for blocked supply or return vents.
Loud Noises or Vibrations
Air conditioning systems need to make some amount of noise to operate properly. However, if your system is making sounds you’re not used to hearing, it can be cause for concern. When your HVAC unit starts making new noises, take the following steps:
- Check the system’s fan motors and blades.
- Inspect the routing of belts connected to the system.
- Check the condition of the fan motor in the condenser unit.
Short Cycling
The cooling cycle of your HVAC system should take approximately 10 minutes. When the cycle shortens, it causes the compressor to turn on and off in shorter intervals, which puts strain on your cooling system. Here’s what you need to do if this starts happening:
- Check the thermostat temperature setting.
- Inspect the air filters.
- Check the fan motor.
- Inspect for conditions that could cause poor air flow.
HVAC System Won’t Turn On
In the heat of the summer, one of the worst things you can experience is your HVAC system not turning on at all. The reasons this happens can range from a simple fix to a job for an electrician. Take these steps to see if you can diagnose the issue:
- Check the thermostat settings.
- Inspect the electrical wiring.
- Test the safety switches.
- Check the power supply to the unit.
Thermostat Malfunctioning
The thermostat is the part of your HVAC system you interact with the most. In modern units, it should be as simple as selecting a temperature and having that be the temperature inside your home. Unfortunately, thermostats can malfunction. Here’s what you should check if the thermostat stops working properly:
- Check the thermostat’s batteries. Inspect the thermostat sensor. Verify that the thermostat is wired correctly.
Some problems, you can fix on your own, but if you have an issue that can’t be fixed with a battery or filter change, it’s time to call the pros. With more 5-star reviews than any other South Florida HVAC contractor, you can count on Freezing Mechanical to help with your HVAC repair needs. Call us at 305-363-7021 or schedule an appointment online today.
