Is your Houston home’s air conditioner not keeping your home as cool as it should? When those hot and humid Houston summers hit, a malfunctioning AC unit can make your home miserable. But before calling in the pros, there are a few DIY troubleshooting steps you can take to diagnose common AC problems.
With some basic mechanical skills and AC knowledge, you may be able to identify and fix the issue on your own. Read on to learn the top reasons your Houston house isn’t cooling properly, and how to troubleshoot each one.
There are several possible reasons why your Houston home’s AC system may not be cooling properly:
One of the most common reasons an AC stops cooling effectively is due to a refrigerant leak. AC units require refrigerant to cool and dehumidify the air. The refrigerant absorbs heat from inside your home and moves it outside.
Over time, refrigerant can leak due to cracks, faulty seals, or loose fittings. A low refrigerant level reduces your AC’s ability to remove heat and humidity. Signs of a leak include:
If you suspect a refrigerant leak, contact a licensed HVAC technician to test for leaks using specialized tools. They can pinpoint the location of the leak and recharge the refrigerant once any repairs are made.
Air filters play a crucial role in HVAC efficiency. As air passes through the filter, it traps dust, dirt, pollen and other particles before they can circulate through your home. But over time, air filters get clogged with debris.
A dirty filter restricts proper airflow, making your system work harder to push air through the restricted filter. This strains the blower motor and reduces cooling capacity.
Inspect your filter each month and replace it as needed, especially during high usage months. Many experts recommend upgrading to a high-efficiency pleated filter, which does a better job trapping particles while maintaining good airflow.
The evaporator coil is responsible for absorbing heat from your home’s air to lower temperatures. But if dirt, dust and debris accumulate on the coil fins, it can’t absorb heat effectively. The coil may also freeze over if the refrigerant level is too low.
A frozen coil blocks proper airflow and stops your AC from cooling. Signs include:
Turn off your AC unit immediately if you suspect a frozen coil. Call an HVAC technician to inspect the issue and rule out refrigerant leaks or other problems. Proper defrosting may require a professional.
The blower fan is what pushes cooled air through your home’s ductwork. If the fan belt connecting the motor to blower breaks, or the motor itself fails, the fan will stop spinning. This cuts off the airflow completely.
Warning signs include:
Shut off your AC unit to prevent further damage. Replacing a broken fan belt is usually a simple DIY fix. But if the motor itself is broken, you’ll need a professional AC technician for repairs.
Your thermostat acts as the brain, monitoring temperatures and telling your AC when to turn on/off. If it’s malfunctioning, your unit can’t maintain the right temperature.
Problems include:
Try rebooting the thermostat by turning off power at the breaker box for 30 seconds. If issues persist, replace old thermostats with a new programmable or smart thermostat.
For cooling to occur, the AC system needs adequate pressure to cycle the refrigerant through the evaporator and condenser coils. Low pressure reduces the refrigerant’s ability to absorb and remove heat.
Causes of low refrigerant pressure:
Any of these require a technician to diagnose and fix. They’ll check for leaks and obstructions before recharging the refrigerant.
As hot humid outdoor air blows across your cold evaporator coil, condensation accumulates. This drips down into a drain pan and exits via a drain line.
If the drain line gets clogged with algae, mold or debris, the drain pan fills up and overflows. This water spillage can prevent proper airflow and lead to mold growth in ducts. Signs of a blocked drain line include:
Try pouring a drain cleaner down the line to clear the clog. You can also use a stiff wire to poke through debris. Prevent future clogs by pouring bleach or vinegar down the line annually.
If your AC unit is too small for your home, it wont be able to keep up with the cooling demand. Oversized units also cause problems by short cycling on and off.
Signs you need a properly sized unit:
Have an HVAC pro assess your home’s needs and recommend right-sized replacement units if needed. Installing a variable speed AC can help better match cooling output to demand.
Before calling for service, try these basic troubleshooting steps:
While some AC problems can be DIY fixes, more serious issues require a trained HVAC technician:
A qualified AC company like Turbo Home Services has the skills, experience and tools to accurately diagnose any cooling issues. They can pinpoint the root cause and make professional repairs to restore cooling comfort.
Our technicians are highly trained in all makes and models. We stock parts on our truck so many repairs can be made quickly without waiting. We even offer 24/7 emergency AC repair when you need it most.
Dont let your homes AC issues leave you sweltering this summer. With some basic troubleshooting, you can identify problems before they cause serious equipment damage or sky-high utility bills. But for complex repairs, trust our Houston AC experts at Turbo Home Services. Call (281) 626-5938 or visit https://turbohomeservices.com/contact-us/ to schedule service. Well get your system back to peak performance so you can stay cool in the Houston heat.
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