Ac Tips Archives - Fort Myers-Naples HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical Services

Why Isn’t My HVAC Working?

Sharique Khan on December 16, 2021

Don’t worry, we’re some of the best at figuring it out…

Unlike most of the country, we use our air conditioners year-round here in Southwest Florida! So when they break down on a warm day during a Florida winter, it can be annoying, to say the least!

The good news is that whether the fix is easy or complex, our team at Best Home Services is here to help. But before you give us a call, our pros recommend trying these easy troubleshooting tips!

#1. Is your AC unit plugged in and the breaker on? They need power to run.

#2. Check the thermostat. Is it on and the batteries working?

#3. Inspect your outdoor condenser. You may need to clear the area of leaves or weeds.

#4. Is the filter clean? Think about it, when was the last time you changed the filter…

If you’ve gone through this list or don’t have time to figure it out, don’t worry. You can call our local team of experts to come to solve why your HVAC unit isn’t working properly. But if you want to try to troubleshoot the unit, scroll down for more how-tos.

HVAC Troubleshooting Tips

If your air conditioning system is not working, there could be many reasons such as a dirty air filter, or low refrigerant. But before you panic, consider doing some sleuthing of your own; you might just find that what’s wrong with your HVAC is a very easy fix!

#1. Is Your AC Unit Plugged In?

This might sound silly, but stranger things have happened! If your air conditioner isn’t working at all, it might not be receiving any power at all! First, check your home’s main electrical panel to ensure that your system has a working supply of power, you might just need to simply reset a breaker. If that’s not it, check to see if the unit is plugged in.

If the breaker seems to be tripping regularly, contact our experienced electrical technicians at Best Home Services, as this is likely an issue with your home’s electrical system and not your HVAC system.

#2. Check the Thermostat

Another common culprit of an HVAC that isn’t working is the thermostat, but luckily that is a simple fix! Your thermostat might be turned off or its batteries might need to be replaced.

Remember to check that your thermostat is set to “Cool.” We know that this seems too obvious, but trust us, we’ve seen it happen before!

#3. Inspect the Outdoor Condenser

If your air conditioner is running but isn’t blowing enough cool air to sufficiently cool your home, it’s time to inspect your condenser. The outside condenser unit may occasionally become dirty, blocked by weeds, grass, leaves, or pollen, and cease to operate effectively.

If this is the case, clear anything that might be in the way. We like to recommend a minimum of three feet of clearance around the unit for optimal airflow.

After cleaning the outside condenser, let the AC run for a couple of hours and see if the airflow issues improve. If not, the problem might be elsewhere in the system and it’s time to call in an experienced technician from Best Home Services.

#4. Is the Filter Clean?

We cannot stress the importance of regularly cleaning or replacing the air filters in your HVAC unit enough. Dirty or clogged air filters will block the flow of cool air throughout your entire system and cause your HVAC system to work way harder than it needs to.

Many HVAC units also have a built-in system that engages when the air filter is too clogged to prevent damage to your HVAC system, so if your AC won’t run at all, try changing the air filter first.

Simple seasonal HVAC maintenance can reduce equipment breakdowns by as much as 95%! Contact Best Home Services to schedule your seasonal HVAC maintenance appointment today—844-921-2833!

My AC Is STILL Not Working!

If you’ve tried everything above, and you are still having issues with your HVAC, the problem is likely a little more complicated. It could be that:

The air conditioning coils could be iced over, affecting the compressor, and restricting the airflow to your unit.
The coils on either the indoor or outdoor units could be dirty.
You could have a refrigerant leak.
The drip pan could be full.
The compressor has failed completely.
Or more!

HVAC repairs can be complex, so make sure that you call on a team that has the experience and expertise to get the job done right, like our 5-star rated team at Best Home Services!

Southwest Florida HVAC Maintenance and Repairs

If your HVAC system isn’t working and the problem is too complicated for you to handle on your own, give our team at Best Home Services a call!

We will send one of our knowledgeable AC service technicians out to your home ASAP to take care of the problem and get the cool air flowing throughout your home again!

We’re on call 24/7 for all your HVAC problems. Schedule service or repairs with Best Home Services today—844-921-2833!

Fall AC Maintenance Tips

Sharique Khan on October 26, 2021

With autumn just around the corner, the AC installation, repair, and tune-up professionals at Best Home Services figured it was high time to talk about the most essential fall AC maintenance tips that homeowners in Southwest Florida should know about.

Maintaining your air conditioner doesn’t need to be tricky. Neglect your A/C maintenance for too long, though, and you may find your A/C unit breaking down when it’s least convenient — like, say, at the beginning of Autumn, when temperatures outside are dropping fast.

It’s important that homeowners maintain their A/C unit to save money, extend their air conditioner’s lifespan, and ensure their indoor comfort year-round. An air conditioner that’s running properly can easily get rid of excess moisture that’s hanging in the air, and it’s essential that homeowners follow the below A/C maintenance tips just before colder seasons such as Fall begin.

If you have a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home, then it includes either a furnace and air conditioner unit or a heat pump that can heat and cool your home. Regardless of what your HVAC system consists of, our tips below still apply: both types of HVAC systems that we described above have interior units and exterior units that can be maintained regularly.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the most important Fall A/C maintenance tips you should be aware of as the weather outside begins to cool down!

Clean Your AC Unit

When discussing AC maintenance tips for the fall, it’s usually a good idea to start with cleaning your unit. First thing’s first: power off your unit to avoid hazardous conditions when working around electricity and the many moving parts of your unit. Completely shut off your air conditioner by using your exterior shut-off box that’s typically located somewhere close to your unit

With our air conditioning unit powered down, it’s time to clear the debris inside. Start by taking off your A/C unit’s fan cage that’s found on the exterior condenser/compressor. You can usually accomplish this with a wrench or screwdriver, after which you can take off your unit’s fasteners to lift away your cage or fan grill. Use a wet/dry vacuum or simply use your hands to start removing debris such as leaves and dirt from the inside of your air conditioning unit.

Pay particular attention to your fins as you clean your air conditioner. You’ll want to take off your unit’s outer covers and then use either a brush attachment or industrial-grade vacuum to suck up dirt that’s accumulated on your fins. Consider using a stream of water from something such as your garden hose to get rid of any remaining gunk that’s gotten wedged between your fins. The team at Best Home Services recommends that you do not use a pressure washer – pressure washers can actually damage your unit’s fins, which are relatively delicate and sensitive to too much force. Not feeling comfortable cleaning out your A/C unit yourself? The experts at Best Home Services have the proper tools and experience to return your air conditioner quickly and efficiently to a condition that’s as good as new.

Clean the Area Around Your Air Conditioner

Now that you’ve finished cleaning your air conditioner, it’s time to take care of the area around it. Put your fan cage back on your unit and start raking back any leaves and debris that you can find outside your unit’s condenser. While you’re at it, cut back branches and vegetation at least two in any direction so that your air conditioner has as much airflow as possible.

The Fall and Winter months don’t require that you use your condenser, so the Best Home Services team recommends that you cover the top of your unit with material such as plastic or plywood to make sure nothing falls in. Leave a little room around your unit’s sides, though, to prevent moisture build-up inside your air conditioner and any subsequent corrosion.

It’s time to level your A/C unit. Once you’ve cleaned the area around your air conditioner, don’t forget to level your unit to prevent your compressor from failing prematurely. Over time, the pad where your condenser unit is situated can start to slope downward due to the soil that is settling underneath. Condenser units that aren’t level can cause your compressor to fail early: check with HVAC pros such as those at Best Home Services to see whether your condenser is level. Our team can use rot-resistant shims to bring your unit back to level.

Clean Your Evaporator Coil

Let’s turn toward your evaporator coil and move on inside. You’ll find your evaporator coil door located on the inside blower or furnace unit that your system uses. After you’ve removed some foil duct tape and taken off a few screws or bolts, you can use a soft brush to begin dusting away your evaporator coil. Spray your coil with a no-rinse cleaning solution, which you can usually spot at any home improvement store located near you.

Now begin to clean out your coil’s drain pan with a little bit of hot water and some bleach. As an added measure, pour a cup of 50 percent bleach/50 percent water down the drain. You can keep your drain cleaner for longer by placing a commercially available drain pan tablet in your coil’s pain to keep things such as algae and microbial growth at bay.

Warm, humid air from your home’s interior is blown through the evaporator coil on the interior. The cold coil absorbs heat from the air, cooling it, before the air is circulated back into your home. The humidity in the air condenses on the cool surface of the evaporator coil as liquid water, dripping into a pan below. From the pan, the water flows into a drain tube which is typically routed into a basement floor drain, utility sink or outside.

Clean Your Evaporator Drain

It’s finally time to tackle your evaporator drain before you turn your unit back on. Unwanted debris such as algae and microbial growth can, over time, build up in your evaporator drain and potentially cause it to become clogged. If you notice that your evaporator drain is having a hard time flowing, it’s likely the case that you need to unplug it. Unplug your drain as soon as possible to prevent damage to your home’s floors due to flooding. The team at Best Home Services can help you quickly determine whether your drain isn’t flowing fast enough or not flowing at all.

You’ll want to first locate your drain line when it’s time to clean your evaporator drain. Find the drain line that leaves your evaporator coil’s enclosure (it’s typically a 1-inch PVC pipe that’s white, gray, or black) and follow it all the way to where it drains water. Your line most likely drains outside near your condenser unit, although it may be draining into a basement floor drain or utility sink instead.

Once located, use a wet/dry vacuum to clear the drain. It’s best to remove the paper filter from the wet/dry vacuum so as not to ruin the filter. Hold the hose of the wet/dry vacuum to the end of the drain line. You can use duct tape or simply hold a rag around the gap. Turn on the vacuum for a moment, then turn it off to clear your drain of microbial growth.

The Best Home Services team emphasizes that, while the above steps can keep your A/C unit in tip-top shape for the fall season and beyond, it’s sometimes best to have a trained team of HVAC technicians to double-check your unit for anything you’ve missed. Living in or around Southwest Florida? Call us today at (833) 263-3097 for an inspection of your AC unit to ensure it’s ready for the fall season!

3 Reasons to Regularly Change Your AC Filter

Sharique Khan on October 26, 2021

There’s a lot to talk about when it comes to air filters. From knowing how to change your filter to understanding why you’re changing it in the first place, it’s important that homeowners in Southwest Florida take proper care of their home’s air conditioning system.

But why, exactly, do you need to change your filter, and why is it so important that you do it on a regular basis? The professionals at Best Home Services are here to break down these questions for you. Let’s dive into the top three reasons to regularly change your home AC filter.

Why Your Air Filter Is So Important

Before we go into the reasons for regularly changing your AC filter, it’s a good idea to first understand why your filter is important to begin with. Your home’s air conditioning and heating system are sensitive to the dust, dirt, and debris that it can accumulate. Too much gunk that gets inside your HVAC system can impact your heating and cooling, which leads to poor efficiency.

The bottom line: your HVAC system’s air filter is its first and best line of defense against unwanted contaminants. Your filter keeps your air clean and your air conditioner and heating system free of debris provided you regularly replace it. If you don’t replace your filter regularly, debris will keep piling up until you’re left with an inoperable, broken-down HVAC system.

What Does “Regularly” Mean?

By now we’ve hopefully made it clear that you need to regularly change your AC filter. But what does “regularly” mean, anyway?

When we emphasize that you should replace your filter regularly, what we really mean is that you should consistently change it within a specific timeframe. It’s best for homeowners – especially those living in the Southwest Florida area – to replace their AC filter at least once every one to three months. This time frame typically gives you enough wiggle room to keep your filter from clogging up too much without sacrificing you and your family’s indoor comfort.

With that said, there are a few caveats to this that are worth bearing in mind. HVAC systems that are set to full throttle during cold spikes or sudden heat waves may need their filters replaced monthly. On the flip side of things, HVAC systems that have hardly been running under more mild weather conditions likely only need a filter replacement once every three or four months.

Changing Your AC Filter Prevents Damage to Your HVAC System

An air filter that’s all clogged up with dirt and debris is likely to cause widespread and unwanted damage to the rest of your air conditioning and heating system. When you change your AR filter regularly, you prevent potential damage to your HVAC system over the long term.

Make sure to prevent damage to your HVAC system by staying up to date on your filter’s condition. Following this simple step can both increase the lifespan of your air conditioning and heating system and maintain your indoor comfort. Never neglect to change your AC filter if it’s been a few months since you last replaced it!

You Save More Money in The Long Run

There’s no denying the fact that you save money in the long run when you protect your HVAC system from unnecessary damage. You must replace a clogged air filter as soon as possible so that you can cut down on operating and maintenance costs.

Dirty air filters draw more power than brand-new ones and can leave you with an electricity bill that’s much higher than expected. Keep your air filter clean and in good operating condition with regular maintenance — homeowners typically save up to 15% on their utility costs by regularly changing their filter.

Replacing Your AC Filter Protects the Environment

A dirty air filter not only causes your HVAC system to fail — it causes the environment to fail, too. Clogged air filters make for harder-working HVAC systems, which in turn release high amounts of carbon monoxide into the atmosphere. Homeowners should maintain an eco-friendly home by regularly changing their air filters and protecting the environment from greenhouse gases.

The experts at Best Home Services have the solutions to your biggest heating and cooling needs: we specialize in maintenance, service, and repair, from furnace installation to heat pump repair — call us today at (833) 263-3097 to learn more!

8 Reasons to Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned Regularly

Sharique Khan on September 22, 2021

Your air conditioner works hard to keep your home cool. South Florida’s climate can range from searing hot to warm and humid throughout most of the year. If you want to enjoy your home and have it be the relaxing retreat that it should be, you need to keep your AC system clean.

Air duct cleaning isn’t a service that you need to think about every day or even every year, but you’re eventually going to need it if you want clean and cool air with a perfectly functioning air conditioner.

The ductwork in your home is responsible for moving air. Over time, contaminants can accumulate. These compromise the air quality, performance, and durability of your entire air conditioning system.

With more than 40 years of experience installing, diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining AC systems, the team at Best Home Services is ready to help when you need air duct cleaning.

Why Is Air Duct Cleaning Important?

Air ducts are a critical component of any AC system. Beyond simply delivering air, they need to do their job without introducing contaminants that could lower your home air quality. Odors, dust particles, pollen, and other contaminants are all potential risks. Over time, debris builds up on the sides of ducts, compromising system efficiency.

Most air conditioning systems in South Florida will require cleaning every three to five years. If you’ve never had a duct cleaning service or if it has been several years since you last had a contractor out, it’s time to talk to the expert team at Best Home Services.

The benefits of scheduled air duct cleaning are significant. Here are the 8 reasons why you should have your air ducts cleaned regularly.

1. Cleaning Removes Microbial Growth from AC Air Ducts

The air ducts of your air conditioner are dark, can get damp, and create the perfect environment for microbial growth. When moisture enters air ducts there is little chance of it evaporating. This is especially true if the ducts are dirty.

A professional AC air duct cleaning service will clear the microbial growth and the debris that houses it, keeping your home free of that unwanted material.

2. Pet Hair and Dander Could be Collecting in Your Ducts

If you have pets in your home, hair and dander can get into your air conditioning system and end up in the ducts. The sides of your air conditioning ducts aren’t completely smooth. Over time, dust collects, which works as an adhesive for dander and hair. Even if the air dislodges some debris, it can recirculate through your system and end up clogging vents and filters, compromising your entire system.

3. Professional Air Duct Cleaning Removes Dust

Dust is the most common contaminant in air ducts. While much of it is deposited on the walls of the ducts, the rest gets recirculated throughout your home. Dust is an irritant and can cause allergic reactions and respiratory distress, depending on what it contains.

There’s also the problem of keeping your home clean. If air conditioning ducts are dirty, you’ll find that you must vacuum and dust in your home more frequently. This makes household upkeep more of a chore than it needs to be.

Avoid this problem by contacting Best Home Services for a complete air duct and air conditioner cleaning service.

4. Best Home Services Can Provide Cleaning to Keep Your AC Efficient

As dust, debris, hair, and other contaminants build up inside air ducts, your AC will lose efficiency. It will have to work harder to keep your home at the temperature set on your thermostat. This increases wear and tear on the unit, while also increasing its energy usage.

Severely clogged ducts and filters can noticeably increase your energy spending and significantly limit the lifetime of your air conditioner. Consider air duct cleaning as a form of preventative maintenance that can save you money in the long term.

5. Cleaning Can Catch AC Problems Early

Duct cleaning involves more than just cleaning the inside of ducts. Filters and vents are also inspected and cleaned, along with the main components of the AC system. The professionals at Best Home Services take this opportunity to check that the system is working efficiently and that all components are in good condition.

Regular cleaning can also serve as an inspection so that you can get on top of AC problems early before small issues become major (and costly) repairs.

6. Dirty Air Ducts Attract Pests

Just as air ducts are welcoming environments for dirt and debris, the buildup becomes the perfect home for pests. If you want to avoid infestation, keep your air ducts clean and avoid the costly and disruptive process of pest extermination.

7. Overall Air Quality Will Improve

Your home is your castle. You should be able to breathe freely with clean and cool air whenever you want it. Keeping your ducts clean will keep your air quality optimal. If you suffer from asthma or any type of respiratory difficulty, clean air will be essential. If you have elderly family members in your home, clean air will be just as important.

Regardless of the age of your family, clean air is something that you should be able to enjoy and appreciate. A professional cleaning service every three to five years will make this possible.

8. Cleaning AC Air Ducts is Good Home Maintenance

Considering all the points above, it’s clear to see that regular AC air duct cleaning makes good sense. From a home maintenance perspective, it will keep your air conditioner in good working order, help you to detect problems early, keep pests away, and allow you to breathe cleaner and safer air.

The team at Best Home Services is standing by to provide the most reliable AC air duct cleaning service in South Florida. With more than four decades of experience, we have the knowledge and experience to provide thorough air duct cleaning that leaves your air conditioning system fresh and supportive of a healthy home.

Efficiency, durability, and comfort all come together with air duct cleaning. Get the most efficient and effective AC services from a company that has been living up to its name since 1980. Talk to us today to schedule your air conditioning duct cleaning service or get your free estimate. Best Home Services is available at (833)-263-3097.

META: Enjoy your home and relax in fresh air with the most reliable air duct cleaning service in South Florida. Learn the benefits of having your AC air ducts cleaned regularly and call for a free quote.

Your A/C Maintenance Plan: How to Save on AC Repair Costs

Sharique Khan on September 22, 2021

For most people, a home is the single most important investment that will ever be made in a lifetime. Part of preserving and even growing that investment involves keeping its most important features well-maintained.

An investment in an AC maintenance plan will ensure that your air conditioner is always available when you need it, without the risk of preventable issues causing costly and significant damage. AC maintenance is an investment that will provide you with benefits in both the short and long term.

If you haven’t had AC maintenance in some time or if you need help scheduling maintenance for a new system or a home that you’ve just moved into, we can help. Best Home Services has more than 40 years of experience in air conditioning and general home maintenance including plumbing and electrical services. We’re trusted locals ready to deliver a service that can save you money.

Air Conditioner Maintenance Ensures Efficiency

Like every major mechanical or electrical device, an air conditioner has specific operating requirements that ensure it is working at its peak potential. Problems like dust and debris in the ducts, clogged filters, and unmaintained components all force the air conditioner to work outside of its normal parameters.

When this happens, an air conditioner has to work harder to move the same amount of air as normal. Your system will end up using more energy to keep your home at the temperature that you set on your thermostat.

This adds to your monthly energy bill which can create a significant cost over time. If you want to spend less on keeping your home comfortable, then an AC maintenance plan is an absolute necessity.

Consider some of the ways that your air conditioner loses efficiency without maintenance:

Cleaning or replacing a clogged filter can reduce the energy consumption of your air conditioner by 5 to 15%, depending on how bad the blockage is.
Bent fins on evaporator and condenser coils block airflow and reduce efficiency. A professional can use a specialized tool to return the fins to their normal position.
Condenser coils within outdoor units can become dirty over time. Dust and organic debris will reduce airflow and compromise efficiency. Keep the outdoor unit clear with a 2-ft. perimeter to ensure adequate airflow. Professional inspection and cleaning as part of an AC maintenance service can remove embedded debris from within the outdoor unit.

A highly trained air conditioning and home maintenance technician will know exactly what to look for to keep your AC unit perfectly maintained and running at its most efficient. All you need to do is book a maintenance technician and enjoy the immediate and long-term savings that come.

Maintenance Extends the Lifetime of Your Air Conditioner

Whether considering a window unit, a split-type air conditioner, or a centralized system, maintenance can extend the life of your air conditioner. Regular inspection and maintenance will identify components that are running inefficiently or that are approaching the end of life. These components can be replaced or repaired by the contractor to ensure that everything runs at peak efficiency.

Catching problems early prevents hefty repair bills.

Many homeowners look at professional services like air conditioner maintenance as an additional cost on top of home maintenance. The reality is that maintenance saves money when looking at things over a longer period. It’s more of an investment.

Even knowing this, you might be left wondering: when and what should I do for maintenance? Aside from cleaning user-accessible vents and filters, most of your air conditioning system isn’t user-serviceable without a significant amount of experience. This is where the professionals come in.

How Often Do You Need Air Conditioner Maintenance?

We’ve described how an air conditioner loses efficiency over time if it isn’t maintained. We’ve also explored how maintenance can keep parts working so that your air conditioner is protected from unexpected and sudden failures.

The key question remains. How often do you need air conditioner maintenance?

The answer to this, as with many areas of home maintenance, is that it depends…

The average home will require an inspection and general air conditioner maintenance service at least every year (this is considered the bare minimum). This will ensure that the unit and all its components are clean, functional, and in good condition to provide more years of trouble-free operation.
If you live someplace where there are excessive levels of dust, then you will need a maintenance service for your air conditioner every six months. Examples include a new development where construction is ongoing or an area that is particularly dry due to a lack of natural foliage and lawns. If your home is on a particularly busy road, then vehicle pollutants could work their way into your outdoor unit.
If you run your air conditioner often, then two service visits per year are recommended. South Florida gets seriously hot and living without an air conditioner can be a miserable experience. Many homes operate with the AC blowing throughout most of the day and evening. Air conditioners see more use than temperate regions, so the stress on components is higher.

The best way to determine the right schedule in your unique case is to talk to an expert today. At Best Home Services we offer free estimates and would be happy to provide a consultation to develop the best plan moving forward.

Keep Things Simple with a Home Maintenance Plan

Best Home Services has provided reliable home maintenance and air conditioner services to homeowners for more than 40 years. We understand that people want to keep things simple, and worrying about when, how, and where to get air conditioner maintenance is an extra bother on top of a busy lifestyle.

With the Best Home Care Maintenance Plan, you can enjoy whole-house protection at a reasonable yearly rate.

Our plan includes:

2 Maintenance Visits for Air Conditioning
1 Maintenance Visit for Electrical
1 Maintenance Visit for Plumbing
24/7 Emergency Services
1 Year Parts and Labor Warranty
10% Discount on any Necessary Repairs

That’s all your most essential home maintenance services taken care of with one simple, convenient, and affordable plan.

Protect the value of your home, increase system longevity and efficiency, have confidence in a safe home, and enjoy cool air whenever you want it. Contact Best Home Services for the most experienced AC and home maintenance technicians in South Florida. We’re ready for your call for scheduling or more information at (239) 932-6738.

META: Keep your air conditioner running efficiently with the best maintenance professionals in South Florida. Learn about your AC maintenance plan with Best Home Services and save on repair costs.

12 A/C Repair Tips to Follow If Your Unit Isn’t Cooling

Sharique Khan on August 5, 2021

There’s nothing like a warm summer day by the poolside or at the barbeque relaxing and spending time with family. It’s always nice to enjoy some summer heat, and it’s even nicer to step inside a cool and comfortable home afterward. So, when you start feeling as hot indoors as you do outside, you’ll know right away that your air conditioning system is likely in trouble.

DIY A/C Repair for Homeowners in Southwest Florida

For homeowners in Southwest Florida, ignoring a faulty A/C unit simply isn’t in the cards. You need to know how to follow some useful DIY tips to be able to fix your system yourself until you can get some help from a team of experts. There’s good news, though: the DIY tips to fix your air conditioner that we’ve collected in this quick guide are all straight and simple to follow.

With more than 40 years of experience diagnosing and fixing A/C issues on the spot, the Best Home Services team knows which A/C problems homeowners most commonly encounter as well as the best ways to handle them yourself. To that end, we’ve put together a short list of the 12 best A/C repair tips homeowners in Southwest Florida should follow to lower their indoor temperatures as well as their energy bills.

Common Issues with Air Conditioners and How to Solve Them

Homeowners at some point or another are bound to run into A/C issues of all different kinds. The best A/C repair companies understand how to tackle as wide a range of air conditioning problems as possible; as Southwest Florida’s go-to source for A/C repairs and installations, the Best Home Services team is here to break down the 12 most common problems you’ll run into you’re A/C system and the best methods you can follow to fix them.

Issues with your air conditioner can stem from your filters and the size of your A/C unit to the way your system was installed or previously repaired. Instead of becoming an A/C repair expert overnight, it makes more sense for you to focus on practical solutions you can quickly apply yourself to common A/C problems that you need to solve.

Let’s break down the top 12 A/C issues that you’re likely to encounter as well as the DIY tips you can follow to solve them until you get professional assistance from A/C repair experts:

1. Adjust Your Thermostat Settings

Central A/C units can start to blast hot air if your thermostat is set to the wrong setting. Check your thermostat to see whether you have it set to the ‘heat’ or ‘cool’ setting. Switch it to the ‘cool’ setting to quickly see whether your problem is solved.

Thermostats sometimes display an incorrect temperature because their reading is off. Thermostats can display a reading that’s wrong if they get too hot for too long. Remove your thermostat from any direct sunlight if you notice that its reading is off to ensure it always displays the correct indoor temperature.

2. Unclog Your A/C Unit

Your outdoor compressor unit needs to circulate air without restriction to function properly. Your central air conditioning also needs adequate space between its outdoor compressor and any structures nearby. So, always keep the top of your outdoor air conditioner at least five feet away from any trees and their branches that are close to your unit.

Clogged A/C units can have trouble consistently blowing out cool air because of issues with their signaling. Dirty condenser and evaporator units can cause your air conditioning to repeatedly switch on and off, so clear your units of any blockages or debris to promote constant and unobstructed airflow.

3. Change Your Air Filter

Air filters that get too dirty can start to restrict the flow of air that passes through them. Even top-of-the-line A/C systems will struggle to circulate air if their air filters become clogged. Switching out your dirty air filter is one of the best A/C repair tips to follow because it hugely improves your A/C efficiency without requiring a lot of effort on your part.

Dirty air filters reduce the efficiency of your air conditioning and negatively impact how well your systems can cool the inside of your home. Always clean the filters in your central A/C units and switch out the filters in your central unit at least every 3 to 6 months. If you’re not sure whether you’re experiencing airflow issues, place your hand over the air your unit is blowing out. Warm air typically points to a dirty and clogged air filter that you need to change ASAP.

4. Prevent Refrigerant Leaks

An air conditioner with appropriate refrigerant pressure can move freon freely through its refrigerant lines to keep your home feeling comfortable. When your refrigerant levels start to run low, though, that pressure can begin to drop while your indoor temperatures start to rise.

Leaking freon can cause your refrigerant lines to lose pressure and eventually trigger their low-pressure safety setting. Refrigerant leaks typically require expert assistance because they can potentially cause harm to you and your family’s health. HVAC professionals like those at Best Home Services can identify leaks on the spot, drain your system of remaining refrigerant, and refill your freon levels to restore your refrigerant pressure.

Refrigerant lines can occasionally become blocked and cause condensation to occur even when you don’t have a freon leak. You can clear your pipes and condensate pump in this case to prevent damage from moisture. Remember to double-check that your condensate pump still has its electrical connection whenever you clean your condensation drainpipes.

5. Refill Your Freon Levels

Low levels of freon can cause your air conditioning unit to stop cooling your air. Low refrigerant levels can also cause your system to stop cooling air properly and sometimes occur due to a refrigerant line leak. Verify that you’re free of any leaks and then refill your freon levels. It’s best to get professional assistance when refilling your refrigerant if you’re not confident, since problems with leaking freon can be hazardous to your health as well as to the environment.

6. Restore Your Heat Pump

Damaged heat pumps on outdoor A/C units can reduce the cooling effect inside your home. Heat pumps can sustain damage from just about any piece of debris they come into contact with outside. Heat pumps will also inevitably degrade with age and develop problems with their compressors and coils. Consider professional assistance to repair or replace your heat pump, depending on the extent of the damage that it’s sustained.

7. Clean Your Ducts

Damaged and dirty ducts are common culprits behind leaking A/C units and reduced A/C system efficiency. Ducts can easily become damaged by things such as improper installation or repair and even pests that find their way inside your house.

Leaky ducts with too much dust and debris need to be cleaned as soon as possible. Clean your ducts regularly to prevent the inefficient distribution of cool, conditioned air throughout the rooms in your home.

8. Thaw Your Evaporator Coil

Your evaporator coil is a key part of your central A/C system. A frozen evaporator coil can prevent your A/C system from cooling your home and will drive up your utility bills. Check your evaporator coil for layers of ice and thaw it out to the best of your abilities. It’s important to thaw your evaporator coil to keep ice from spreading to your central air conditioning unit.

9. Reset or Replace Your A/C Fan

Outdoor air conditioners with fans that don’t turn prevent your A/C from cooling. You can try resetting or overloading your outdoor unit to see if its fan blades begin to spin. If, however, your outdoor unit’s blades spin too freely when your unit is off, it’s likely that you need to replace your fan altogether. Freely spinning fan blades often point to issues with your capacitor, which will need to be replaced by a team of experienced technicians like those at Best Home Services.

10. Replace Your Compressor

Faulty start capacitors can cause your compressors to go bad and stop running. Other things such as burned wires can also cause your compressors to stop working. You can try manually resetting your start capacitor to get it to run, but otherwise, you’ll want to adjust your refrigerant charge and clean out the inside of your condenser coil. In more extreme cases, your team of HVAC professionals may suggest that you completely replace your start capacitor.

11. Reset Your Circuit Breaker

Air conditioning units that stop turning on often have their breaker tripped. Check your circuit breaker and make sure that it’s not tripped. If it is, you’ll need to reset it to be able to turn your unit back on.

12. Check for Blown Fuses

Blown fuses will prevent your air conditioner from working. Check your circuit breaker for any blown fuses and make sure that your unit is plugged into an electricity source.

Why You Need to Regularly Maintain Your Air Conditioner

A regular schedule of routine A/C maintenance is the best A/C repair cost-killer out there. The better you become at performing routine maintenance on your A/C system, the easier it becomes to maintain inexpensive energy bills and prevent potential repairs. Problems with your air conditioner cause your unit to work twice as hard as normal, but a properly functioning air conditioner keeps utility costs low while running efficiently and effectively.

Extend the lifespan of your A/C system by developing a schedule of routine A/C maintenance that you’re comfortable following. The Best Home Services team recommends that you incorporate the below steps into your new schedule.

Incorporate these steps into your schedule of routine A/C maintenance:

Clean or replace your air filters once a month. Air filters quickly get dirty and need to be replaced to prevent restricted airflow.
Maintain your evaporator coil. Check on your evaporator’s coil fins once or twice a year and straighten them out if they’ve become bent. It’s also wise to clean your coil fins if they’ve gotten particularly dirty over the past few months.
Clear your drain line. Your A/C drain line can sometimes get backed up with water and clogged by dirt. You should remove any blockages from your A/C drain line whenever you see them with a plumber’s snake or similar tool.

Contact Southwest Florida’s Go-to A/C Repair Pros

Doing A/C repair yourself can be a breeze, and it’s even easier with the help of experienced HVAC experts.

Get efficient, effective A/C repair service from the team that’s been living up to its name since 1980. Schedule your repair or installation estimate today by calling Best Home Services at (833)-263-3097.

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Sharique Khan on March 23, 2015

While you’re clearing out the dust and clutter that has accumulated in your home over the winter, don’t forget about cleaning your air conditioner. Making cleaning your air conditioner a part of your spring cleaning routine is important, and doing so has more benefits than you probably realize. Air Conditioner Spring Cleaning A thorough air […]