Each season has its own challenges. We have now entered the portion of the summer when homeowners across Houston rely heavily on their HVAC systems. This will extend from late summer to early fall. We can expect hot temperatures and high humidity for the next few months. In South Texas, we cope with the summer weather by spending lots of time at the pool or beach and the rest of the time in air-conditioned spaces. We spend 90% of our summers in air-conditioned spaces—in cars, at home, at work, and while shopping. For this reason, it is vitally important to keep your residential air conditioner in good working order and to know when you need AC repair.
The best indicator that something is wrong with an air conditioner is… you. More often than not, you can tell when an air conditioner is performing poorly. Sometimes it is obvious, like when the air conditioner loses power. If adjusting the thermostat setting does not create a cooling cycle and the AC does not come on, check the electrical service panel. Specifically, check the circuit breaker marked AC or air conditioner. If it tripped, turn it completely OFF, then flip the circuit breaker to the ON position. Wait a few minutes for the system to catch up. If the breaker trips again, call the AC repair technicians at Northwind AC.
Another obvious indicator that a homeowner can feel is when the AC runs, but the air is not as cool as necessary to bring the indoor temperature to the desired comfort level. When this happens, the humidity is usually very high indoors as well. If this happens:
AC Repair Tip 1
Check the air filter. The number 1 reason for loss of cooling is a clogged air filter. With each heating and cooling cycle, the air filter captures dust, dander, pollen, airborne contaminants, and eventually, the filter surface is completely coated. This is good, but when that happens, it is time to change the filter. Filters should be changed every three months. A clogged air filter reduces the amount of air that passes over the evaporator coils that contain cool refrigerant gas. Changing the air filter may solve the problem. Wait a few minutes and let the system catch up. If cooling is not restored, call the AC repair technicians at Northwind AC.
AC Repair Tip 2
Aging or Damaged Ductwork. This problem may present itself when certain spaces in the home are not getting as cool as the rest of the home. These spaces may be at the end of long duct runs, far away from the central air unit or upper-level rooms. You can consult with our team of HVAC specialists to repair or update your air conditioning system’s ductwork to be more efficient.
AC Repair Tip 3
If the air is still warm, make a few observations. Check the outdoor condenser unit, the indoor air handler cabinet, and any visible copper tubing between the two sections. Look for ice or excessive water from melting ice. Do not try to remove the ice; this will cause further damage. Note the location and call the AC repair technicians at Northwind AC.
AC Repair Tip 4
Have you noticed unusual noises or smells? Certain malfunctions create load noises; each noise can indicate a different problem. Listen for loud buzzing, banging, or screeching/grinding noises. Locate the source of the noise and turn the system OFF to avoid further damage. Be sure to note the location of the noise when the technician arrives. The air moving through the supply vents should be just as fresh as the rest of the air indoors. When the conditioned air smells musty or sour, this indicates a contaminant is entering the air supply. This can be a serious health issue, so make this repair quickly by calling the AC repair technicians at Northwind AC.
Staying comfortable throughout Houston’s long cooling season depends on a well-functioning AC system. By recognizing these signs of a struggling unit and performing these initial troubleshooting steps, you can often identify simple fixes or gather valuable information for our AC repair contractor. When you need professional AC repair and reliable solutions, don’t hesitate to contact the experienced technicians at Northwind AC. We’re here to ensure your home remains a cool, comfortable haven, no matter how hot it gets outside.
Northwind Air Conditioning and Heat can help answer your Cypress AC Repair questions for your home. Contact us and get the help you need.
