This article is sponsored by, Complete Comfort Systems

Water dripping from your A/C? Minimal air flow coming from the heating vent? When there is a problem with your heating or cooling system, it is a clue as to what is wrong with your unit. Here are some tips to help you establish what your problem may be, so that you can figure out how to fix it.

What Causes Poor Air Flow In A System?

A dirty filter, blower wheel, stopped up evaporator coil, or a dragging motor can cause poor air flow. Have the evaporator coil and blower wheel checked to make sure they are clean. Check the capacitor on the blower motor to make sure it is reading up to par. If a capacitor tester is not readily available then removing the questionable capacitor and placing a new one in will determine if the capacitor is the problem. Make sure the system is fully charged with refrigerant. A system that is low on charge will cause a freeze up condition and block air flow through the evaporator coil. To identify which capacitor is necessary, turn off your power and take the capacitor loose to try to read its specs.

What Causes The Indoor Coil To Freeze Up?

Freeze ups are caused most of the time by a low refrigerant charge. Before a professional is called to check the charge on your system, make sure the filter is clean. Freeze ups can also be caused by a dirty blower wheel, dragging motor (might need a new capacitor) or a dirty evaporator coil ( might need cleaning on the under side). Most of the time it is low on charge. The air conditioner can be turned back on, but make sure the larger line is good and cold going back into the outdoor unit. Get under the black insulation and feel the bare copper line after the unit runs for 10 to 15 minutes. The line should feel like a cold coke can right out of the refrigerator. If it doesn’t, then the unit is low on charge and a technician is needed to find the leak and charge back up. It’s very important to do this as quick as possible, as it is very hard on the compressor to run without enough refrigerate.

Water Leaking To The Floor When The Air Conditioner Is On

Most of the time when there is water on the floor, it is caused by a stopped up condensate line. Use a wet vac to suck the line and try to open it up, or if this does not do it, use a can of compressed nitrogen or air. A professional may be required to perform this task. Sometimes water leaking on the floor is caused by a freeze up condition in the evaporator coil. The freeze up condition can be caused by a low refrigerant charge or poor air flow (a dragging blower motor, dirty filter, or dirty evaporator coil). Another cause could be a rusted out evaporator coil drain pan. This would be the worst-case scenario, as this process involves taking out the evaporator coil and replacing the pan or purchasing a new evaporator coil.

What Do SEER and EER Mean?

EER stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio.
SEER represents Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.

Upstairs Of House Is Always Hotter In The Summer and Cooler In The Winter

Heat rises, thus the reason it’s hotter in the summer. Assuming the system was sized and installed correctly, you should consider installing a zone system.

What’s That Black Stuff On The Ceilings and Vents?

Particles of dirt and carbon collect anywhere the air that is carrying it passes. A good example of this is the center of a hearth that has had many fires in it, or a surface held to closely above a burning candle. If candles are burned frequently it can be expected that there will be a build up of black soot on the walls and ceilings around it. If a vent cover is removed to expose the vent cavity that transports heated air from the heater to the room, it is to be expected that there will be a build up of this soot-like dust. It is good to have the vents and chimneys cleaned yearly to prevent large build-ups that could become a fire hazard, as well as compromising the air your family breathes.

Concerns About Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide, also known as the silent killer, can pose a serious threat in some instances and is a good reason to have your heater inspected by someone you trust. A carbon monoxide detector is a wise investment. They have been improved over the last couple of years.

After The Air Conditioner Runs For a While, Ice Forms On The Big Pipe Outside and It Stops Cooling.

More than likely, it’s either low on refrigerant or low on airflow. Replace the filter and allow the unit to thaw out. If the problem reoccurs, call a qualified contractor in your area.

How Often Should The Filter On Heating and AC Unit Be Changed?

Change the filter at the beginning of the season, and make a habit of periodically checking it every few months.The blower motor’s efficiency rate decreases with a old filter, shortening its life, or the evaporation coil could become the filter, blocking airflow and causing it to start icing. The cost of a filter is so small compared to the cost of replacing these types of items on the unit.