Summer has arrived, and the last thing anyone wants is problems with central air conditioning. The following explains the most common issues that occur with AC systems.

Refrigerant Leak

An air conditioner uses refrigerant to reduce humidity and remove heat from the air in an office or house. This is usually caused by leaks in the lines that carry the refrigerant. When the level becomes too low, the unit cannot cool the space effectively. A professional plumber or technician is required to repair the lines, which can be costly and time consuming.

Dirty Condenser Coils

The condenser coils push removed heat outside of a home or building. When the coils get dirty, they become inefficient, and the unit is forced to work harder. This causes parts to wear out faster, and the unit can eventually fail.

Icy Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil holds the refrigerant and absorbs hot air much like a sponge. The coil requires a circulation of warm air around it to work the right way, and if the air does not flow properly, ice will build up on the coil. The central air conditioning unit will blow warm air or nothing at all.

Fan Problems

A central AC system has two fans. One moves indoor air over the evaporator coil for cooling, and the other blows the absorbed heat over the condenser to the outside. Dirt, worn parts, a faulty motor or even just insufficient lubrication can cause fans to not work right, leading to poor airflow. Neglecting this issue may cause the compressor to fail, requiring the unit to be replaced.

Duct Leaks

The ductwork is the space cooled air travels through from the air conditioner to the interior of a building or house. If there are leaks in the ducts, the cooled air will accumulate in the walls, making the unit work harder and increasing the cost of operation.

Drain Clogging

Air conditioners remove humidity from the air, and the water travels down a drain line to a collection pan, where it eventually drains. If the line gets blocked or the pan overfills, the water can accumulate and damage the system. Water can also damage ceilings, walls and furniture. If it is not found quickly, it can also cause mold.

A central air conditioning system is vital to both home and office during the hot summer months. Annual inspections can prevent small problems from turning into expensive repairs.

 

For more information, contact Vinny’s Jersey Plumbing, located in Wayne, New Jersey.  We also service other cities in New Jersey, such as Parsippany, Montclair and Livingston.