All Your AC Unit Common Problems Answered Here

 

We strongly recommend getting your system professionally tuned up twice a year: once in the spring (for your AC unit) and once in the fall (for your furnace or heating system). This preventive maintenance is essential for keeping your system running at peak efficiency, preventing unexpected breakdowns, and ensuring your manufacturer's warranty remains valid.

Our comprehensive tune-ups cover dozens of points to maximize your system's performance and safety. For AC tune-ups, this includes checking refrigerant levels, cleaning the condenser coil, inspecting electrical components, and checking the thermostat calibration. For heating tune-ups, we check gas pressure, test the ignitor/pilot, inspect the heat exchanger for cracks (a vital safety check!), and ensure proper airflow.

If you notice your outdoor unit (condenser) or the indoor refrigerant lines are frozen or covered in ice, follow these two critical steps before calling for service:

1. Stop the Cooling Cycle: Immediately go to your thermostat and set the system mode to "OFF." This stops the compressor from running, which is what is causing the ice buildup.

2. Turn the Fan ON: Switch the Fan Mode from "AUTO" to "ON." This keeps the blower fan running indoors, which helps circulate air over the frozen coil, speeding up the thawing process.

Crucial Check: While the system is thawing (which can take 2-4 hours), inspect your air filter. A dirty or clogged filter is the most common cause of restricted airflow, which often leads to freezing. If the filter is dirty, replace it.

Once the ice is completely melted, you can try running the system again. If it refreezes, it's time to call Air Care for a professional diagnosis, as the issue is likely a mechanical problem like a refrigerant leak or a faulty component.

With proper, twice-yearly maintenance, you can generally expect a lifespan of 10 to 15 years for an air conditioning unit and 15 to 20 years for a furnace. Lack of regular maintenance, however, can significantly reduce these lifespans, making early replacement a necessity.

If you hear grinding, screeching, or metal-on-metal sounds, turn the unit off immediately and call us—this often indicates a motor failure or serious mechanical issue that can cause catastrophic damage if ignored. For persistent rattling, buzzing, or loud humming, it's best to schedule an appointment right away to prevent a small problem from becoming a costly failure.

Yes, we understand that replacing a major HVAC system can be a significant and often unexpected expense. Air Care works with several reputable financing partners to offer flexible payment plans that fit your budget, ensuring you get the comfortable home you need right away. Ask us for details during your consultation!

System size (tonnage) is absolutely critical for performance and efficiency. We perform a detailed load calculation (often called a Manual J calculation) for your specific home. An oversized system cycles on and off too quickly (short-cycling), which wastes energy and leaves your home humid. An undersized system runs constantly and can't keep up on the hottest or coldest days. The right size guarantees maximum comfort, balanced humidity, and energy savings.

Upgrading your thermostat is one of the quickest ways to improve comfort and save money. Benefits include: Energy Savings (by programming temperature setbacks when you're away), Remote Control (adjusting the temperature from your phone), and System Optimization (many smart models help fine-tune your HVAC unit's performance for efficiency)

Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency service for critical breakdowns that can't wait. We understand that comfort emergencies can't wait, and as a local team, we pride ourselves on having some of the quickest response times in the Grand Lake area to get your system back up and running.