Common AC Unit Problems in Captiva Island, FL

In Captiva Island, where temperatures can remain in the 70s well through winter, having an air conditioner you can count on is a must. Whether your air conditioner struggles to cool your home or you just want to be prepared the next time your cooling system fails, we’ve got you covered.

Below, learn about the most common AC unit problems and how to resolve them, then call us for AC repair in Captiva Island, FL.

Common AC Unit Problems That Captiva Island Homeowners Face

Because air conditioners comprise complex parts, they can develop an array of problems, from refusing to cool your home to not turning on at all. Let’s review some of the most common air conditioner problems that we deal with in Captiva Island.

AC Not Cooling

Is your AC blowing warm air and refusing to cool your home? Maybe it won’t turn on at all. There are quite a few reasons why air conditioners stop running or only blow warm air.

One such reason is a dirty filter. If you neglect to change your filter, it can clog with dirt and debris to the point that your unit will struggle to do its job. Most air conditioner filters need replacing every 30 to 90 days.

You might also lack cooling due to an AC refrigerant leak. The refrigerant is responsible for absorbing heat inside your home, so if it leaks out of the system, it won’t be able to provide cooling. You’ll need to call an HVAC technician for repairs.

Clogged or leaking air ducts are another cause of a lack of cooling. Your air ducts might become blocked by dust, hair, and even animal nests. Cleaning your ducts may be enough to get the air flowing again.

AC Unit Freezing Up

An air conditioner that freezes up is one of the most common AC unit problems — and one of the most frustrating. This problem occurs when your air conditioner’s coils freeze, which decreases the unit’s cooling power and sometimes prevents it from turning on at all.

Air conditioner coils can freeze even when the weather is warm and sunny. If your coils are dirty, they can trap moisture, which eventually freezes. Clogged drain lines, dirty air filters, and refrigerant leaks can cause coil freezing as well.

To fix the problem, switch the air conditioner to “fan only” mode and let the ice melt. Depending on the temperature, this can take up to 24 hours. If the coils freeze over again, you’ll need to call an HVAC expert.

AC Leaking Water

Is your air conditioner leaving puddles of water all over the floor? A clogged condensate drain line is most likely the cause of the mess. The drain line works to ferry moisture from inside the unit to the drain pan, where it then exits your home. But if the drain line gets blocked, the water won’t have anywhere to go except for your floor.

To resolve a leaky air conditioner, turn the unit off and inspect the drain line for clogs. If you see any, use a pipe cleaner or thin piece of wire to dislodge them. Next, check the drain pan for blockages and leaks. If the issue persists after cleaning the drain line, give us a call for help. We’re pros at fixing this and other common AC unit problems.

AC Thermostat Issues

If your air conditioner remains silent, but there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with the unit, look at your thermostat. Do the numbers on the display look faded? If so, it may be time to replace the batteries. If your thermostat is hardwired, there might be something wrong with its wiring.

Thermostats can also act up when they need calibration. It’s best to have an HVAC pro handle this for you.

AC Tripping the Circuit Breaker

Does your air conditioner constantly trip the circuit breaker? A dirty filter can cause this problem, so try replacing yours. If that doesn’t help, the problem could be a frozen evaporator coil, a defective blower motor, or a worn-out condenser fan motor.

In some cases, the unit might be drawing more power than the circuit breaker can provide. You might need to switch it to another circuit or upgrade your electrical panel.