While an air conditioner is nice to have almost any time of year in Oklahoma–thanks to warm springs and falls and mild winters–it’s absolutely essential during the dog days of summer. Humidity and wind can make the triple-digit temperatures brutal at best and deadly dangerous at worst.
However, an AC isn’t any good if it isn’t actually cooling your home. It can be baffling–and maddening–to hear your AC running but feel no relief from the heat. So what’s going on?
The Most Asked Air Conditioning Questions
Q: Why is my air conditioner blowing warm air?
A: If your air conditioner is running but the air is warmer than the ambient temperature, there could be a few things happening, because warm air indicates that your AC is working harder than it’s meant to. The most common problem is a dirty air filter, which reduces air flow throughout the indoor system and will cause your system to freeze up. Low refrigerant levels, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a blocked condenser unit could also be the culprit and require more in-depth work. You can clean or replace the filters on your own, but you'll need a professional for refrigerant or electrical issues.
Q: What if the AC is running, but not cooling enough?
A: If your AC isn’t blowing cool air, but it isn’t blowing enough cool air to actually reduce the temperature in a room, this means that something about either the volume or temperature of the air being produced is the issue. A dirty or blocked condenser coil is one possible cause. A condenser coil takes the heat from the air and moves it outside, resulting in cool air being blown around. If it’s blocked or covered in dirt, it can’t perform this job as well anymore, which may cause your air to be a little cool, but not as much as it should. To resolve this, try cleaning the condenser coil. If this doesn't help, you may need professional assistance to check for other issues.
Q: Can a thermostat issue cause the AC not to cool?
A: Yes, it can. The thermostat reads the temperature in a room and communicates this information to the AC unit, which then turns on or off based on the reading. If the thermostat is improperly calibrated, it might not signal the AC to cool. Check if the thermostat is set to cool mode (many devices have a separate fan mode, which turns the blower on but does not produce hot or cold air, which can be part of the confusion), and set the desired temperature.
If the AC still doesn't work properly, check whether there is something in the vicinity impacting the thermostat. For instance, a thermostat that is in direct sunlight might interpret the room to be hotter than it is.
If none of these resolve the problem, the thermostat might need replacement.
Q: How can I tell if my AC has a refrigerant leak?
A: The refrigerant in an air conditioning system travels through the copper coils inside it, absorbing heat and then releasing it to keep things cool. When this substance begins to leak, your AC might not cool, even if it’s running. If you have a refrigerant leak, you might hear a hissing sound coming from the AC, your energy bills could be higher than you expect, and you might even see ice on the refrigerant line. You will need a professional to properly repair a refrigerant leak.
Q: What can I do if my air filters are dirty?
A: Cleaning or replacing air filters is one of the simplest things you can do to improve the output of your AC. It's recommended to replace your air filters every 1-3 months for optimum performance. Pay attention to any directional arrows on the filters as you replace them, because they indicate which direction a certain side should be facing for correct airflow.
Q: Can a circuit breaker issue cause the AC not to cool?
A: Yes. If the breaker has tripped, the AC may still run, but it might not cool. The reason for this is because the unit inside your house, which circulates the air, has been turned back on when the breaker is reset. However, the outside components, which are responsible for cooling, do not turn back on automatically after tripping. Reset the circuit breaker by flipping it off and then on. If it keeps tripping, it's safer to call an electrician.
Q: What should I do if my condenser coils are dirty?
A: Clean condenser coils can save you big money when energy bills are the highest, but in Oklahoma’s dry, windy conditions, it doesn’t take long for them to get dirty. You can clean the condenser coils with a garden hose (after turning off power to the unit), but if they are extremely dirty, consider hiring a professional to clean them.
Q: Could a malfunctioning fan be the reason my AC isn't cooling?
A: Yes—the fan is the powerhouse behind your AC’s blower, and cold air won’t circulate if the fan isn’t working to blow it. Listen for unusual noises (such as grinding or clicking) or look for ice on the coils. You might need to replace the fan motor if it's not working, which requires a professional. Your heat and air system is based on proper airflow.
Q: What if my air ducts are leaking?
A: If your AC is running but not cooling, the air conditioning system itself may not be the problem. Leaky air ducts can cause cool air to escape before it reaches its destination, leading to poor cooling or can infiltrate your system from the return side, causing your system to work harder than it should. Check visible ducts for holes and loose connections. For a more thorough check or for repairs, call a professional.
Q: Why does my AC keep cycling on and off?
A: If your AC is not cooling your home, listen carefully to its operation. Is it turning on, blowing, and then turning off shortly after, only to repeat this cycle? This is often due to a dirty or blocked condenser unit, a dirty air filter, or low refrigerant. Try cleaning the condenser and replacing the air filter. If the problem persists, it could be a refrigerant issue, which will require professional service.
Preventing the Most Common AC Problems
The bulk of AC problems can be avoided with a little preventative maintenance, reducing the chances you’ll find yourself in the middle of a heatwave without cool air.
Some actions you can take as a homeowner include:
- Cleaning or changing your air filters
- Checking and testing the thermostat
- Turning on fans to circulate air and put less stress on the AC unit
- Avoid opening and closing doors too frequently to keep the indoor air consistent
However, air conditioning systems are complex. For many issues, especially those related to refrigerant, electrical components, or internal parts, it's safer and more effective to hire a professional. An AC tune-up from Suntech Heat and Air can help make sure all of the components of your unit are working properly and efficiency, including:
- Drains. When an AC unit runs, it creates moisture and condensation, which is funneled away from the system using a drain line. However, if the drain line becomes clogged (with anything from pollen to attic insulation, depending on the location of your unit), this water has nowhere to go except back the way it came. This means your unit could cause water damage to your home and ultimately fail to function properly.
- Filters and coils. Over time, even the most sheltered units will eventually need some cleanup. Keeping the filters and coils free from buildup ensures that they work at peak performance, which keeps your system running in good condition for as long as possible and lowers your energy bills.
- Air flow. Air conditioning units can transport a lot of air—in fact, the average AC unit will move more than a thousand cubic feet of air per minute. The suction required to bring in this air means that the area around the unit itself should be free from debris, such as weeds and shrubs or tall grass.
Keep Your AC Cool and Functioning with Services from Suntech Heat and Air
For more than 30 years, Suntech Heat and Air has been keeping Oklahomans cool with professional, reliable, and trusted AC services. Our team of experienced, licensed technicians is trained to service all makes and models of HVAC units–traditional and geothermal–and our comprehensive 15-point inspection checklist ensures we don’t miss a thing.
Whether you’re preparing for the summer heat ahead or find yourself in the middle of an AC meltdown, Suntech Heat and Air can help with emergency service and affordable prevention tune-ups that keep you cool all year round. For even more peace of mind, join the Suntech Heat and Air Club, our annual maintenance and service agreement that gives you price protection, extra value and discounts, automatic tune-up scheduling, and preferred scheduling for unexpected repairs.
Don’t trust your family’s comfort to just anyone; trust the experts at Suntech Heat and Air and call today!
Oklahoma is notorious for its unseasonable weather. From snow in March and ice in October to heat waves in February and 90-degree days in May, you never know when you’ll need to kick on the air conditioner. One thing is for sure–summers in Oklahoma without AC can be brutal, so it's important to make sure you have yours ready to work as soon as summer comes to town.
Maintaining an efficiently working air conditioner does more than keep you comfortable when you need it; it keeps energy costs down, helps avoid expensive repairs, prolongs its lifespan, and protects your investment. Knowing how yours operates and what you can do to prepare it for the heat will save you time, money, and headaches down the road.
How Your AC Works
There are two main parts to your central heat and air system –the outdoor unit, which collects and cools the air, and the indoor unit, which distributes the air throughout your home and is often paired with a central heating system.
The Outdoor AC Unit
The outdoor unit is also called the condenser or compressor, and works to convert refrigerant from a gas to a liquid and back again. The refrigerant gas is compressed before entering the condenser coils, and heat is released as the refrigerant converts back to a liquid. The outdoor unit consists of the following:
- Compressor. The compressor increases the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant gas and sends it to the condenser coil, where it is cooled and converted into a liquid.
- Condenser coil. The hot condenser coils release the collected heat, helping the refrigerant move back into a liquid.
- Fan. The fan moves air over the condenser to remove heat.
The Indoor AC Unit
The indoor unit, also called the indoor air handler and evaporator, houses the evaporator coil and fan and distributes and circulates air throughout your home. The air handler draws warm air, which is blown across the evaporating coil and cooled.
- Evaporating coil. When the liquid refrigerant leaves the condensing coil it travels to the evaporating coil, which is part of the indoor unit. Here, the pressure decreases on the refrigerant and heat and humidity are removed from the air, causing the liquid to revert back to a cooled gas. Warm air from inside your home is absorbed by the evaporating coil moved outward to the condenser for the process to start again.
- Indoor fan. This fan is how the cool air is pushed through your home’s duct work and through the vents, distributing and circulating it to reach the temperature you have your thermostat set to. The fan blows air over the evaporator coil, pushing cool air through your ductwork.
- Thermostat. The thermostat allows you to control the temperature of the air and controls the system’s operation.
How To Prepare Your AC for Summer in OKC
There is a lot you can do as a homeowner to prepare your AC for the summer, starting with some simple checks. Before you begin, be sure to turn off the electricity to the AC unit to prevent accidents or injury.
- Replace your air filters on the schedule recommended by the unit’s manufacturer. Dirty filters restrict airflow and reduce your AC unit’s efficiency. Additionally, dirty filters will recirculate the dust and allergens that have collected in your home.
- Find, check, and clear your drain line. A clogged drain line can cause the entire system to back up and run ineffectively. It can also cause water damage when it spills over.
- Clean your condenser coils. To do this, turn the unit off, get a garden hose with a spray nozzle and gently wash the coils until they are clear of grass, fur, cottonwood, and other debris and the water running through the coils is clean and no longer contains dirt or debris.
- Clear away any grass, shrubs, and debris from your condenser unit and vents. A two-foot radius is usually considered the proper amount of space around an outdoor unit. This allows the maximum airflow around the unit and helps keep everything running smoothly and efficiently. Once you have cleaned around the unit, carefully remove the grill cover and remove any debris that has found its way inside. It is a good idea to turn your AC unit off when mowing to help keep debris from getting sucked into the coils.
- Check the coolant lines, which are the tubes or pipes that carry the refrigerant from the evaporator inside your home to the condenser outside of it. These lines should also be free of debris and covered with foam insulation, which allows them to save as much energy as possible. Check that the lines and foam insulation are in good condition and that the foam does not need replacement.
- Test your unit and thermostat to make sure they are properly connected and working. If your home isn’t equipped with a smart thermostat, you can upgrade to one for big savings in energy, money, and time.
- Schedule a tune-up. Once you’ve performed all of these basic checks, schedule a tune-up with Suntech Heat and Air Plumbing Geothermal for a final professional inspection. Our technicians can assess the condition and function of your entire system, including identifying and correcting potential problems, to make sure it’s primed and prepped for the summer to come.
What AC Maintenance Should a Professional Handle?
While much of an AC’s preventative maintenance can be performed by you as the homeowner, there are some tasks you should leave to the professionals. These include:
- Any repairs needed involving the sealed refrigeration system. Technicians complete extensive training to handle the inner-workings of this system and inexperienced maintenance or repair can result in further damage and costly professional repairs.
- Checking ductwork for cracks or leaks. An AC technician can use special equipment to check your ductwork for problems and repair them as necessary, allowing more cool air to reach you more effectively. This also helps save you money on your utility bill and extend the life of your AC unit.
- Cleaning and fixing the fins and coils. Bending or otherwise damaging the fins and coils in your AC can keep them from properly distributing and circulating air. It’s best to let a professional inspect them and repair them if necessary.
The technicians at Suntech are trained, licensed, and certified to service all makes and models of HVAC units, including traditional and geothermal, and we’re available 24/7 for emergency repairs with no extra charges or overtime fees for nights, weekends, or holidays.
Make Sure Your AC is Ready for Summer with Suntech Heat and Air
For more than 30 years, Suntech Heat and Air has been helping Oklahomans prepare their ACs for the summer. With $89.95 tune-up specials, a comprehensive 15-point inspection, and annual maintenance and service agreements with our Suntech Heat and Air Club membership, you can stay cool and confident. We can also do full HVAC replacements or upgrades–with $500 off a complete system installation–to keep you even more comfortable longer.
Don’t let Oklahoma’s summer heat catch you by surprise. Call Suntech Heat and Air Plumbing Geothermal today at (405) 785-0950 to schedule your AC inspection and tune-up and find out why we earned The Oklahoman’s Readers’ Choice Award for HVAC and Plumbing services.
Ready For a Vacation? Your Home Should Be Too
Your home should be too! Careful planning can not only help protect your home and your belongings while you travel but also provide your family with some energy savings to spend on souvenirs! Follow these five simple tips to prepare your home for your absence. Whether it’s a weekend road-trip or a stay at the lake house, remember to follow some of these energy-saving tips to avoid unnecessary expenses while you’re away.
Important Things To Do Before You Leave
1. Turn off the lights.
If you decide to keep any of your lights on as a security measure, invest in an automatic timer. It can be programmed to turn on your lights during late evening and early morning hours while preventing wasted energy during the day.
2. Turn down your air conditioner.
While it’s important to keep the air circulating in your home while you’re gone, you can drastically cut down on energy usage by turning your thermostat up to 85 degrees. If you have a programmable thermostat, simply use the “vacation” feature to maintain safe and efficient indoor temperatures while you’re gone.
3. Unplug appliances and electronics.
Even when they’re turned off, anything that’s plugged into the wall can continue to consume energy. By unplugging your devices or using a smart power strip, you’ll avoid wasting standby power. Don't forget to unplug your washer and dryer, too.
4. Adjust your water heater(s).
Turn your water heater down to "low" or to "vacation” mode. If your pool also uses a heater, consider purchasing a pool cover that will help minimize heat loss so that you can avoid the cost to reheat it.
5. Take care of your refrigerator.
If you’ll only be gone a few days, turn your refrigerator’s thermostat up a few degrees. If you’ll be gone more than two weeks, clean and empty the refrigerator, prop the door open, and unplug the unit.
Whether it’s a weekend road-trip or stay at the lake house, remember to follow some of these energy-saving tips to avoid unnecessary expenses while you’re away.
Need a Professional? Call Suntech
To set up an appointment with one of our Experts who check your current systems for efficiency improvements!
Our Top Air Conditioning Tips For Summer
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the forecast for August through October calls for hotter than normal temperatures everywhere. How can you prevent your AC from breaking down when you need it most?
Regular maintenance like changing air filters and duct cleaning help keep your HVAC system running efficiently potentially saving energy and lowering your cooling bills. However, extreme heat, clogged vents or faulty wiring, can overtax your system and may cause AC failure at the worst time possible.
The Importance of Comprehensive Preventive Maintenance
We're ready to handle all your HVAC needs, from preventive maintenance and emergency repairs, to new system recommendations and installation.
A comprehensive preventive maintenance inspection and service by a certified HVAC technician could save you from a costly repair or two. Being uncomfortable in your own home is the last thing you need.
Let one of our licensed HVAC pros ensure your AC is prepared for the rest of the summer. Regular maintenance like changing air filters and duct cleaning help keep your HVAC system running efficiently potentially saving energy and lowering your cooling bills. However, extreme heat, clogged vents or faulty wiring, can overtax your system and may cause AC failure at the worst time possible.
Our comprehensive HVAC tune-up package includes:
- Coolant level and pressure checks
- Thermostat calibration
- Electrical system inspection and tightening, including wiring, contacts, capacitors and relays
- Evaporator coil and condensate drain cleaning
- Cleaning and inspection of the condenser, outdoor disconnect, fan motor and blades
- Lubrication as needed
- Plus more safety and efficiency checks
Call 405-785-0950 today
Make an appointment with Suntech! We're ready to handle all your HVAC needs, from preventive maintenance and emergency repairs to new system recommendations and installation.