3 Common Springtime A/C Problems To Watch For
While the switchover from winter to spring is nothing short of smooth sailing for most households, others may struggle with air conditioning issues. If you haven't used your air conditioner in a while, a few post-winter issues could easily cause it to break down sooner than expected.
Being proactive when it comes to your air conditioning needs not only helps you save money, but you'll also get more use out of your A/C system. The following highlights three of the most common A/C issues you'll likely run into as the season progresses.
1. Dirty Evaporator Coil
Despite your A/C air filter trapping the vast majority of dust and debris in the air stream, it won't filter out every single particle. The air introduced into your A/C system can still deposit small amounts of dust and debris on the evaporator coil. If nothing's done to mitigate it, these small deposits can eventually grow into a big problem.
A dirty evaporator coil can throw a wrench in the air conditioning process. Dirty coils simply can't reduce air temperatures as effectively as a clean coil. If you're experiencing performance issues due to a dirty coil, you're better off having an HVAC technician, like those at Soco Air Conditioning, clean it using the latest tools and techniques.
2. Condensate Drain Clogs
The air conditioning process does more than remove heat from indoor spaces. It also pulls moisture out of the air in the form of condensation. The condensate eventually drips onto the condensate drain pan, where it's eventually funneled out of the air conditioner.
Over time, sludge caused by dust and debris can clog up the condensate drain, causing water to back up and overflow out of the drain pan. Cleaning the condensate drain and drain pan is a crucial step towards preventing clogs. You should also disinfect the drain pan to prevent algae and mold growth.
3. Heavy Frost Buildup
It's normal for small amounts of frost to form on your air conditioner. What's not normal, however, is seeing your A/C unit encased in thick, seemingly impenetrable sheets of ice. Excessive frost buildup has a number of causes, from poor air flow to refrigerant leaks and subsequent low refrigerant levels. Regardless of how it happens, heavy frost buildup prevents your A/C system from working properly.
Regularly scheduled inspections can help curb problems that could otherwise lead to heavy frost buildup. If frost takes over your air conditioner, your HVAC technician can help you safely unthaw your A/C unit and correct any issues responsible for the severe buildup.
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