Residents in Southwest Florida see an average of 21 to 35 days of extreme heat each summer. On these days, peak temperatures can reach 95°F, making an AC breakdown a true emergency.
If your system fails during a heat wave, you may need emergency HVAC service to avoid putting your health and safety at risk. However, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try first.
In this blog post, the HVAC experts at Grande Aire Services cover the top five reasons your AC may stop cooling and what to do to attempt to restore it.
1. Thermostat Issues Could Be the Culprit
As the brain of your AC, your thermostat controls its performance. That’s why improper settings or other issues can prevent it from cooling. First, check that the thermostat is properly set to “cool,” as settings like “heat” or fan-only mode can cause malfunctions.
If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you may need to replace the thermostat batteries. If settings or batteries aren’t the issue, call a technician.
2. Dirty Air Filters Can Block Airflow
Proper airflow is critical for your AC. Clogged filters can reduce this airflow and cause your AC to underperform. If you notice warm air from your vents, a musty smell, or reduced energy efficiency, dirty air filters are likely to blame.
To restore the system, replace your current filters. Then, prevent the issue from recurring by scheduling annual AC maintenance and continuing to change your filters every one to three months.
3. Low Refrigerant Levels or Leaks
Refrigerant absorbs heat from your home, making it a critical part of your system’s cooling process. If your refrigerant is low or leaking, you may have a serious issue and notice problems like warm air or ice on the coils.
Only professionals can safely refill refrigerant and repair leaks, so you’ll need to call a technician to schedule AC repairs. It’s important to do this quickly, as low refrigerant can lead to compressor damage.
4. Frozen or Dirty Evaporator Coils
Your AC’s evaporator coils house the refrigerant that absorbs the heat from your home. If these coils are frozen or dirty, you may notice ice buildup, poor cooling, or hissing sounds.
Start by shutting off your unit and letting the coils thaw. Once they’re thawed, make sure they’re clean to improve airflow. If the problems come back, call a professional.
5. Electrical or Mechanical Failures
An AC that won’t turn on may have electrical or mechanical failures like blown fuses, tripped breakers, or a worn-out compressor. Before calling for emergency repairs, check your electrical panel and look for a breaker halfway between the “on” and “off” position.
Switch the breaker to “off” and then back to “on.” If this doesn’t restore power, call a professional to diagnose internal electrical or mechanical problems.
Choose Grande Aire Services
Keep your AC working properly this summer by entrusting its total care to Grande Aire Services. Our trustworthy team offers expert AC installations, repairs, and maintenance with 24/7 availability and service for all makes and models.
We provide quality care from highly trained technicians who are committed to your satisfaction. Plus, we provide free estimates on installations and replacements to help you stay on budget.
Contact Grande Aire Services today to schedule AC services for your Southwest Florida home.
