Central Air Not Working? Here’s 10 Potential Reasons Why!
Air conditioning is essential for enjoying the hot summers we experience in Virginia. And while modern central air conditioners are more energy efficient and reliable than ever, they can still experience issues during the cooling season. Parker Oil & Propane are your air conditioning experts in the South Hill area. Here are 10 reasons why your cooling system may be underperforming or not working.
- Dirty air filters: A clogged air filter restricts airflow, reducing cooling efficiency and causing the AC system to overwork. Check and clean or replace your filter at least once a month during the cooling season.
- Frozen evaporator coil: Dirty evaporator coils can impede airflow and cause the coil to freeze. Regular cleaning paired with professional maintenance can help prevent this.
- Refrigerant leak: Reduced refrigerant levels can significantly impact cooling performance. Look for signs of leaks, like hissing noises or ice buildup on the refrigerant line. A refrigerant leak requires professional repair.
- Drainage issues: Clogged condensate drain lines can lead to water leaks from your AC unit. Regularly flush the drain line to prevent backups.
- Thermostat malfunctions: A faulty thermostat can cause the AC to run constantly or not at all. If your AC isn’t responding to thermostat settings, it might be time for a replacement.
- Tripped circuit breakers: A tripped circuit breaker can cut power to your AC unit. Check your breaker box to see if a breaker has tripped and reset it if necessary.
- Unusual noises: Strange grinding, banging or screeching noises can indicate loose parts, failing bearings, or other internal component issues.
- Reduced airflow: Poor airflow throughout your home could be due to blocked vents, dirty ductwork, or an undersized AC unit.
- Uneven cooling: Inconsistent cooling in your home or warm air coming from your vents could indicate problems with ductwork, airflow, or thermostat placement.
- AC not turning on: If your AC won’t turn on at all, check the thermostat settings, breaker box, and for any error codes displayed on the unit. If none of these are the culprit, contact Parker Oil & Propane!
You can always call Parker at 434-447-3146 to schedule an inspection so one of our experienced technicians can examine your system! We know how hot Virginia summers can get, and our wide range of central AC maintenance, repair, and installation services are sure to keep your home comfortable all summer long.
