In the hot Raleigh, NC summer, your air conditioning system is your home's most valued appliance. When it breaks down, relaxation turns to frustration quickly. While some AC issues must be looked at by a professional as soon as possible, many are recognizable, and even repairable, if you follow a few simple trouble-shooting steps. It might save you time, money, and even a great deal of misery if you know what to do.
At Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC, our promise is to help your house stay comfortable and cool. As your trusted AC maintenance Raleigh and AC repair professional, we are dedicated to informing homeowners. The following is an informative air conditioning problem guide and some troubleshooting tips that will allow you to understand when to DIY repair and when to call professionals.
This is probably the most common and intimidating AC problem. When your system runs but refuses to cool, or blows air that is not cold, many things could be going on.
Symptoms: Vented air is warm or simply not cool enough; the system cycles continuously without reaching the set point.
Troubleshooting:
When to Call Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC: If the filter is clean, the breaker isn't tripped, and the outdoor unit won't still run, or if you suspect issues like low refrigerant (special tools and a license are required), call for Raleigh NC AC repair.
When your AC freezes, ice appears on indoor evaporator coil or refrigerant lines on outdoor unit. This is a serious issue that prevents cooling.
Symptoms: Icy appearance on refrigerant lines or indoor coil; decreased airflow from vents; AC blowing warm air (since it can't remove heat); water dripping around the indoor unit.
Troubleshooting:
When to Call Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC: If the ice persists after filter replacement and vent clearing, or if you suspect there is a leak of refrigerant, have a technician perform AC repair in Raleigh NC. Never try to chip off the ice. Turn off your AC unit at the thermostat and allow the ice to melt naturally before putting it back into service, then schedule service.
Your AC system will make some normal noises when running, but sudden new noises, or excessively loud noises, are certain signs of issues.
Symptoms: Hissing, banging, grinding, squealing, buzzing, clanking, or gurgling sounds.
Troubleshooting:
When to Call Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC: Any frequent and/or loud unusual sound typically signals a mechanical issue that requires professional AC repair in Raleigh NC. Getting these issues addressed quickly can prevent serious damage to expensive parts.
A properly working AC unit will turn on and off to maintain your set temperature. If your AC is running continuously or "short cycling" (turning on and off repeatedly), it's a sign of inefficiency or a more serious problem.
Symptoms: Unit never appears to turn off, or it comes on for a very short period and turns off repeatedly.
Troubleshooting:
When to Call Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC: Continual operation and short cycling are both as likely to result in wear and tear, higher energy bills, and future system failure. These are typically harbingers of more complex issues like sizing mismatches, refrigerant, or electrical/sensor faults that need to be diagnosed by an expert and maintained by Raleigh AC maintenance.
Water collection near your indoor unit, or water spots on your ceiling or walls beneath the unit, are clear signs of a condensate drain problem.
Symptoms: Water accumulation in view near the indoor unit or wet drywall water spots.
Troubleshooting:
When to Contact Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC: For simple clogs, you can try to unclog the drain line with a cup of distilled vinegar. When water is still a problem, however, it's crucial to get AC repair in Raleigh NC immediately in order to prevent serious water damage and mold infestation. Our AC maintenance Raleigh services involve drain line checks and unclogging.
The majority of these common problems can be prevented or detected early by regular professional AC maintenance Raleigh. Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC's comprehensive spring maintenance includes extensive coil cleaning, refrigerant level inspection, inspection of electrical parts, drain line cleaning, and filter replacement. This proactive approach ensures:
Being a veteran-owned business, we aim to provide quality, affordable HVAC repair and replacement with prompt, dependable service you can rely on.
Having your AC professionally maintained at least once a year, ideally in the spring before summer begins, will guarantee optimal performance and identify any issues that could arise early.
No, refrigerant is a hazardous chemical, and it should be worked on by someone who has the specialized equipment and EPA certification. If you think that you have a refrigerant leak, always call a professional for AC repair in Raleigh NC.
A buzzing sound can be signifying several problems, such as a malfunctioning fan motor, loose components, electrical issues (such as a contactor fault), or even a refrigerant leak. It is advisable to let a professional inspect and determine the root cause.
This could be due to a clogged filter, obstructed airflow, slightly lower than normal refrigerant charge (from a slow leak), dirty exterior coil, or malfunctioning compressor that's not able to function at full load.
With regular AC maintenance Raleigh, an air conditioner should last from 10-15 years. Neglect of maintenance or repeated breakdowns will significantly cut its lifespan.
Understanding how to fix common air conditioning issues saves you time and distress. While some issues are simple to fix, being able to identify when to call in the pros is just as vital. Regular AC maintenance Raleigh by a well-established company such as Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC is your greatest form of protection against breakdowns and ensures that your home remains cool and comfortable all summer long.
Don't let AC problems destroy your comfort! Enjoy reliable AC repair and maintenance in Raleigh, NC, from Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC. Contact us at (919) 348-9399 to get your unit purring like a kitten!
At Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC, our promise is to help your house stay comfortable and cool. As your trusted AC maintenance Raleigh and AC repair professional, we are dedicated to informing homeowners. The following is an informative air conditioning problem guide and some troubleshooting tips that will allow you to understand when to DIY repair and when to call professionals.
Air Conditioning Problems & Troubleshooting Tips
1. AC Not Cooling (or Blowing Warm Air)
This is probably the most common and intimidating AC problem. When your system runs but refuses to cool, or blows air that is not cold, many things could be going on.
Symptoms: Vented air is warm or simply not cool enough; the system cycles continuously without reaching the set point.
Troubleshooting:
- Thermostat Settings: Ensure that the thermostat is on "Cool" mode and the temperature is below room temperature. Also ensure that the fan setting is "Auto," and not "On," to allow the fan to only run when the compressor is running to cool.
- Air Filter: A clogged air filter will restrict airflow so much that the evaporator coil freezes up (see #2 below). Check and replace a dirty filter immediately. Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC's AC maintenance Raleigh always includes checking and replacing customer-supplied filters.
- Outdoor Unit (Condenser): Ensure your outdoor condenser unit is running and its fins are not plugged up with debris (leaves, grass clippings, bushes grown too close). Gently clear any obstructions.
- Tripped Breaker: Check your home's electrical panel for a tripped circuit breaker labeled for your outdoor AC unit or indoor air handler. Turn it off, then try turning it on again. If it trips right away again, there is a bad electrical issue.
When to Call Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC: If the filter is clean, the breaker isn't tripped, and the outdoor unit won't still run, or if you suspect issues like low refrigerant (special tools and a license are required), call for Raleigh NC AC repair.
2. AC Unit Freezing Up
When your AC freezes, ice appears on indoor evaporator coil or refrigerant lines on outdoor unit. This is a serious issue that prevents cooling.
Symptoms: Icy appearance on refrigerant lines or indoor coil; decreased airflow from vents; AC blowing warm air (since it can't remove heat); water dripping around the indoor unit.
Troubleshooting:
- Air Filter: The most frequent cause of a coil freezing is that the air filter is dirty or obstructed, restricting air flow across the coil so it gets too cold and ices up. Replace the filter immediately.
- Blocked Vents: Ensure all supply and return vents around your house are fully open and unobstructed by furniture or drapes. Restricted airflow can contribute to freezing.
- Low Refrigerant: This is a primary reason for freezing. If your system low on refrigerant, it indicates that there's a leak.
When to Call Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC: If the ice persists after filter replacement and vent clearing, or if you suspect there is a leak of refrigerant, have a technician perform AC repair in Raleigh NC. Never try to chip off the ice. Turn off your AC unit at the thermostat and allow the ice to melt naturally before putting it back into service, then schedule service.
3. AC Making Strange Noises
Your AC system will make some normal noises when running, but sudden new noises, or excessively loud noises, are certain signs of issues.
Symptoms: Hissing, banging, grinding, squealing, buzzing, clanking, or gurgling sounds.
Troubleshooting:
- Hissing: Could indicate refrigerant leak (serious and requires professional attention).
- Banging/Grinding: Typically indicates a problem with the blower motor, loose parts, or shattered fan blades in the indoor or outdoor unit.
- Squealing: May be a sign of a loose fan belt (on earlier models) or deteriorating motor bearings.
- Buzzing: May be caused by an electrical problem, faulty fan motor, or iced-up coil.
When to Call Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC: Any frequent and/or loud unusual sound typically signals a mechanical issue that requires professional AC repair in Raleigh NC. Getting these issues addressed quickly can prevent serious damage to expensive parts.
4. AC Running Continuously or "Short Cycling"
A properly working AC unit will turn on and off to maintain your set temperature. If your AC is running continuously or "short cycling" (turning on and off repeatedly), it's a sign of inefficiency or a more serious problem.
Symptoms: Unit never appears to turn off, or it comes on for a very short period and turns off repeatedly.
Troubleshooting:
- Short Cycling: This can be attributed to an oversized unit (incorrectly installed), dirty air filter, low refrigerant level, or faulty thermostat sensor.
- Constant Running: Due to an undersized unit, excessive refrigerant leak, improper calibration of thermostat, or plain harsh outside temperatures.
When to Call Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC: Continual operation and short cycling are both as likely to result in wear and tear, higher energy bills, and future system failure. These are typically harbingers of more complex issues like sizing mismatches, refrigerant, or electrical/sensor faults that need to be diagnosed by an expert and maintained by Raleigh AC maintenance.
5. Water Leaking Around AC Unit
Water collection near your indoor unit, or water spots on your ceiling or walls beneath the unit, are clear signs of a condensate drain problem.
Symptoms: Water accumulation in view near the indoor unit or wet drywall water spots.
Troubleshooting:
- Clogged Condensate Drain Line: The most common culprit. Algae, mold, and dirt can clog and hinder the condensate drain line and lead to water backing up and overflowing the drain pan.
- Frozen Evaporator Coil: As mentioned earlier, a frozen coil will eventually defrost, perhaps overflowing the drain pan if the buildup of ice is excessive.
When to Contact Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC: For simple clogs, you can try to unclog the drain line with a cup of distilled vinegar. When water is still a problem, however, it's crucial to get AC repair in Raleigh NC immediately in order to prevent serious water damage and mold infestation. Our AC maintenance Raleigh services involve drain line checks and unclogging.
The Importance of Professional AC Maintenance in Raleigh
The majority of these common problems can be prevented or detected early by regular professional AC maintenance Raleigh. Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC's comprehensive spring maintenance includes extensive coil cleaning, refrigerant level inspection, inspection of electrical parts, drain line cleaning, and filter replacement. This proactive approach ensures:
- Increased efficiency of the system and lower energy bills.
- Longer system life for your AC system.
- Less unexpected breakage and costly repairs.
- Improved indoor air quality.
Being a veteran-owned business, we aim to provide quality, affordable HVAC repair and replacement with prompt, dependable service you can rely on.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How frequently should I have AC maintenance Raleigh?
Having your AC professionally maintained at least once a year, ideally in the spring before summer begins, will guarantee optimal performance and identify any issues that could arise early.
2. Do I need to fix an AC refrigerant leak myself?
No, refrigerant is a hazardous chemical, and it should be worked on by someone who has the specialized equipment and EPA certification. If you think that you have a refrigerant leak, always call a professional for AC repair in Raleigh NC.
3. Why is my outside AC unit buzzing so much?
A buzzing sound can be signifying several problems, such as a malfunctioning fan motor, loose components, electrical issues (such as a contactor fault), or even a refrigerant leak. It is advisable to let a professional inspect and determine the root cause.
4. My AC is blowing cool but not cold, what's wrong?
This could be due to a clogged filter, obstructed airflow, slightly lower than normal refrigerant charge (from a slow leak), dirty exterior coil, or malfunctioning compressor that's not able to function at full load.
5. How long does an AC unit last in Raleigh, NC?
With regular AC maintenance Raleigh, an air conditioner should last from 10-15 years. Neglect of maintenance or repeated breakdowns will significantly cut its lifespan.
Understanding how to fix common air conditioning issues saves you time and distress. While some issues are simple to fix, being able to identify when to call in the pros is just as vital. Regular AC maintenance Raleigh by a well-established company such as Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC is your greatest form of protection against breakdowns and ensures that your home remains cool and comfortable all summer long.
Don't let AC problems destroy your comfort! Enjoy reliable AC repair and maintenance in Raleigh, NC, from Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC. Contact us at (919) 348-9399 to get your unit purring like a kitten!