People who live in places that experience hot weather will know all too well how important it is to have a functioning air conditioning unit, especially in the summer months. There is nothing worse than finding out your AC unit has broken during those stifling summer days/nights, trying your best to get some shut-eye while drenched in layers of your own sweat.

As with any other appliance in your home, your AC unit will need some level of maintenance from time to time to keep it in tip-top condition. If you fail to give it the TLC that it needs, you will more than likely encounter a few issues that leave your unit performing below its optimal level, or even worse, a complete breakdown.

In this article, we will take a look at some of the most common AC problems that typically arise and what you can do to fix them so you can get some well-needed relief.

Blocked Filters

Blocked filters are by far one of the most common issues that AC owners face. The reason for this is due to the owner’s neglect of regular maintenance and replacement of the filters.

When your AC unit is working, it is continually filtering the air that is pushed throughout your home. When the air enters the system, it must pass through air filters that are in place to catch allergens, pollutants, and unwanted bacteria that are in the air.

As you can imagine, these filters can get rather filthy over time. Leave them long enough, and they could even start to inhibit the airflow of the entire system, leaving your unit blowing a strange smell or having a reduced airflow.

What’s the fix? Replace all of the filters in your AC unit at least twice per year. If you have pets or smoke indoors, then you should increase the frequency of the replacements as required.

Leaking Refrigerant

Your AC unit should never run out of refrigerant. A properly functioning unit is supposed to cycle the same amount of refrigerant in perpetuity and does not need to be replaced over time; however, occasionally, there may be instances where your refrigerant is leaking and needs to be addressed. Here are some of the classic signs that you may have an issue with leaking refrigerant:

•       Loss of cooling
•       A hissing sound coming from the unit
•       Rising electricity bills (as your unit is working harder to cool the air)

What’s the fix? Unfortunately, a refrigerant leak can be tricky to fix, which means you may need to call in the professionals. You should call your local Las Vegas AC repair services to assist you.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

Your AC unit will typically have two coils, the evaporator coil indoors, and the condenser coil outdoors. These coils allow for the evaporating and condensing of the refrigerant as mentioned earlier, which in turn gives your unit the ability to regulate the temperature in your home.

The evaporator coil is responsible for absorbing heat from your home’s air; however, from time to time, problems arise with the coil, which can result in it’s freezing and the subsequent failure of your unit. Here are some of the main causes of frozen evaporator coils:

•       Poor system airflow
•       Dirty evaporator coil
•       Low refrigerant (or a leak)
•       Dirty filters

What’s the fix? The fix for frozen evaporator coils really depends upon the reason as to why they froze in the first place. You can go ahead and change the air filters throughout the system and give the coil themselves a clean down. If the problem persists, it could be indicative of a larger problem, which means you may need to call in the Las Vegas AC Repair Services.

Clogged Drains

All AC units have a drain line that siphons off dirty water away from home. This is usually the water released when the evaporator in your AC unit converts refrigerant from a liquid to a gas. Over time, this line can build up substantial amounts of dirt and can lead to a blockage that can wreak havoc on your unit. Common signs of clogged AC drain line:

•       Moldy smell in and around the unit
•       Nearby water flooding
•       Water damage around the unit
•       The condensate pan is always full

What’s the fix? Locate your AC drain line and try to assess the severity of the clog. If possible, try to fish out the clogs by using protective gloves. It also helps to flush the line with a vinegar solution to try and open up the drain line by dissolving any masses with its acidity. If the clog is too big, you may need to contact Las Vegas AC Repair Services to remove it for you.

Final word

For the most part, the issues listed above generally arise due to a lack of regular maintenance conducted on the air conditioning unit. Once one part of the unit starts to fail, it can put unnecessary stress on other areas of the appliance, which can lead to further issues and an overall lack of performance.

The harder the unit has to work to keep your air temperature regulated, the more likely it will be to develop some sort of issue (plus your electricity bills will be higher).

To avoid this, try to change your filterers at least twice per year and keep an eye on your unit for obvious signs of water damage or any strange sounds or smells.

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