4 Common AC Problems and How to Fix Them

04 Mar 4 Common AC Problems and How to Fix Them

Kingsport, TN

The workload on your HVAC is highest during the hot summer months. This means that if a system is going to malfunction, summertime is likely when it will happen. If you have an older system or one that may no longer be in tip-top shape, you may find yourself crossing your fingers during the hottest days of the year, hoping your air-conditioning unit doesn’t fail. But even if your system starts to malfunction this summer, that doesn’t necessarily spell disaster. Our experienced HVAC technicians in the Tri-cities area at Thompson Electrical Service share on the blog today four of the most common AC problems and how you may be able to fix them before calling in the professionals.

Hot air blowing out

When the weather outside has you sweating when you get home, the last thing you want is hot air blowing from your air vents. This is a common call that our Bristol air conditioning repair professionals receive during the summer. Fixing this problem — and several others — is sometimes as simple as replacing your air filters. Particles such as dirt, dust, and pet hair collect on air filters and prohibit air from flowing freely through your ductwork and into your home. If ignored, this small issue could eventually lead to big problems, including complete system failure. Our HVAC pros in Bristol recommend changing your filters every month, especially during the hottest parts of summer when your HVAC is doing its heaviest lifting of the year.

Air flowing is not cold

If your air conditioning unit is running but you don’t feel air, or if you feel air but it doesn’t feel cool, check your circuit breaker. This problem may be fixed by simply flipping a switch. If that doesn’t work, your unit may be low on refrigerant or in need of a new blower belt. Our Johnson City HVAC repair specialists have what it takes to identify and repair the problem to get your home cool again.

AC won’t turn off

Even if it’s blazing hot outside and your AC seems to be running non-stop, it should still be taking breaks from time to time. The longer your unit is running, the higher your energy bill will be. If you’ve recently replaced your air filters and your unit is still running with no breaks, you may have a problem with your thermostat, compressor, or electrical parts. The first step is to see if your AC unit shuts off when you turn off your thermostat fan. If not, give our AC repair specialists in Kingsport a call. It may be something that can be repaired on the spot.

AC freezing

If you notice that your air conditioning isn’t cooling your home, check around your unit, pipes, and lines outside. If you see ice, then your unit is working too hard to cool your home. While it’s normal for air-conditioning units to work harder in the hottest parts of a Tennessee summer, it is not normal for systems to freeze. This problem will require a simple on-site visit from one of our Bristol air conditioning repair experts. We can look for obstructions and check to see if your unit needs to be cleaned.

Air conditioning repair professionals in Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport, TN

We recommend regular tune-ups to your HVAC system. This helps prevent — or at least catch early — the most common air-conditioning issues that may lead to a malfunctioning system when you need cool air in your home the most. We have steps you can also take at home to make sure you and your unit are ready for the heat of summer. Check your home’s breaker box to be sure circuit breakers are switched on. Be sure your thermostat is set to your preferences. Check the cleanliness of your outdoor unit; if it’s covered in dirt, you can gently spray it down with hose water. Make sure all the vents in your home are open and free of dust or clogs. And, finally, replace dirty air filters. To have our repair professionals come out for a system tune-up, or if you run into any issues and need a repair this summer, call us at (423) 343-5726, or contact us online to schedule a visit.