Why Isn't Your HVAC System Keeping You Comfortable?
Everyone has AC issues once in a while. They're usually small and easily handled, like a dirty filter or dead batteries in the thermostat. But when they start to stack up, many homeowners are at a loss for what to check. A couple of the most common things to look for include debris or dirt in the outdoor unit, the unit's size, and a malfunctioning thermostat. Read on to discover how these issues impact a unit and what homeowners should do to fix them.
Falling Leaves and Debris Collecting In or Around the Unit
Although it may not get too cold in Florida in the fall, there can still be seasonal issues that cause an AC unit to malfunction. The outdoor unit works to dispel warm air from the home using a fan, a condenser coil, and a compressor. When leaves fall into the system and pile up, it can start to drastically affect the system's efficiency.
A couple of ways homeowners can prevent this is cleaning around the system regularly and inside the system once a year. It's also good to trim any overhanging branches that may be dropping leaves and other debris into the outdoor unit. This can extend the unit's lifespan, and can improve tree health too.
Unit Is Not the Proper Size
Another often overlooked issue regarding HVAC units is their size. It's easy to guess why a too-small unit can cause issues, but units that are too big can cause issues, as well. The biggest small unit issue is longer run times. When the house's size outmatches the size and power of the AC, the until tends to run for longer and longer times, sending electric bills skyrocketing. Meanwhile, the house never actually gets cool enough.
Too-large units can also be an issue. With a large unit, the AC tends to short cycle, blowing air out quickly into one part of the house, causing the thermostat to think that the whole home is cool when it's only one part. This also prevents the condenser coil from running long enough to effectively remove humidity from the home. Therefore, a too-large unit creates uneven temperatures and never really eliminates the humidity from the air.
Thermostat Issues
Thermostat issues are often the hardest to figure out. Since the thermostat is the "brain" of the operation, it can cause all kinds of issues that may seem like mechanical problems at first. Homeowners should always check to make sure the thermostat has power when experiencing cooling or heating problems. If it does have power, it's worth shutting off the breaker to the thermostat and removing the cover to look for any buildup of dirt and grime, broken connections, or anything out of the ordinary.
On newer thermostats, there are often diagnostic programs that can help determine where the issue is. A trained professional should run these diagnostic programs because they require some know-how to perform.
About Elite Electric & Air
For over 30 years Elite Electric & Air have been happy to serve homeowners. They are a local favorite due to their upfront pricing and excellent customer service. They also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and 24/7 service for HVAC and electric emergencies. Contact them for AC repair in Jupiter, FL today!