Living in the Phoenix Metro Area comes with a unique set of joys. But those joys come hand-in-hand with some inevitable challenges with air conditioners trying to keep up with the extreme Phoenix heat. Ever found yourself battling Phoenix temperatures wondering if there’s an end in sight just to have your HVAC go out and make things worse?
The truth is, understanding these systems is a big part of the battle. Let’s explore those HVAC systems to give you better context about common issues.
Breaking Down Common Phoenix HVAC Problems
Many homeowners find themselves in situations where their HVAC systems, decide to quit. What is one to do? The answer isn’t always clear, but let’s cover common issues and solutions for cooling and heating.
It’s very common to take our systems for granted until issues arise. In this moment we realize, AC is a huge part of a comfortable indoor existence. What steps do you take if something goes wrong with the operation of your system?
Air Conditioner Producing Warm or Luke-Warm Air
One of the most prevalent air conditioning problems in Phoenix is an AC that isn’t producing cold air. The intense Phoenix heat leaves no room for error when it involves cooling systems. To save some time, money, and heartache, start by checking your thermostat. Are the settings correct? Did the batteries die?
If the thermostat settings look right, and you filter was clean, time to go outside and check your breaker. If the breaker has popped, reset it and try turning it on again.
Your air filter. If it is super dirty, you may have frozen your coils. Turn the system off, replace the filter and let the system sit for a few hours to let the ice thaw and try it again.
If these things do not fix your issue, there could be trouble with the AC unit itself. A professional technician can troubleshoot potential internal issues, such as a bad capacitor or other electrical issues, fan motors, or low refrigerant levels. Until professional help can arrive, it’s best to leave your AC off or set to “fan only.” Letting the AC run when there is an underlying issue can prevent further damage.
Strange Noises Coming From HVAC
Odd noises coming from your HVAC system could be cause for alarm. Sounds of banging, clanging, or rattling likely indicate loose or broken parts within your AC systems. Quick AC repair helps avoid future damage and gets your house cooling again. Call us for help if things do not seem right with your system.
Poor Airflow Throughout the System
Weak airflow coming out of your AC system requires you give attention to your system. Clogged filters and improper airflow can cause several common HVAC issues. For example, blocked air filters will restrict airflow possibly freezing your coils or popping the temp sensor in the compressor. Proper air flow means you keep debris at bay and avoid damage of components, such as heat pumps. Make a habit of changing your air filters regularly to help avoid any of these common issues and leaving yourself stranded in Phoenix’s hot temperatures.
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Trouble with your Thermostat
A faulty thermostat will show uneven temperatures in your space. If it doesn’t read the right temperature, it can affect your entire cooling system by making it run longer or not long enough. Sometimes changing the batteries will fix the problem, but other times a pro has to get involved. Need a new thermostat? We can help with that too.
Frequent Cycling On and Off
Frequent HVAC system cycling on and off quickly is called “short-cycling.” This common problem will lead to high energy bills and system damage. Several causes can be to blame. This ranges from an improperly sized system, a broken thermostat set improperly, dirty air filters/frozen coils, to even a compressor issue.
Sky High Energy Costs
High energy costs are no laughing matter. Bills you didn’t anticipate could point to an inefficient air conditioner unit. Refrigerant leaks or older air conditioners could contribute to higher expenses you didn’t count on.
Refrigerant Leaks
Air conditioner units rely on refrigerant to cool your home. Low refrigerant levels will keep your home from cooling properly, cause coils to freeze, and can cause damage to your compressor.
Coils that Freeze Over
Air conditioners with frozen coils will create improper operation. Causes will include airflow issues, or a dirty air filter to start. Other times it may be linked to low refrigerant levels in cooling systems. If ice appears, shut down your AC unit and contact an AC professional to restore your air conditioner back to proper running order.
Blower Fan Failure
A blower fan that’s broken stops proper circulation and will cause coils to freeze. A pro should verify the cause of the motor stopping and replace the broken part.
Pilot Light that Will Not Turn On
Furnaces are notorious for having this type of HVAC issue, even in Phoenix. Check the pilot light and reignite. A furnace repair specialist may need to further inspect if the pilot light issue persists.
Problems with Ducts
Damaged ductwork can also be the cause of an AC system’s inability to operate properly and lead to high energy bills. Conditioned air could release into unwanted areas minimizing the air getting desired areas.
Trouble with Water Leaking
Air conditioning systems with water leaks will be more noticeable to the homeowner and can cause a lot of damage. Often this means that you have one of the following issues:
- Your condensate drain lines might have come apart,
- Frozen coils are thawing, and water is dripping outside the drain pan,
- And the most common is a clogged condensate line without a water safety switch installed.
Issues With Wiring or Electrics
Electrical issues can lead to an HVAC system that doesn’t properly work or simply goes out. It can show through breakers or a faulty components in the system. A Big Sky HVAC professional will troubleshoot electrical issues properly and repair what’s needed to get your home cooling again.
Different Temperatures throughout the house
HVAC temperature issues are prevalent in almost every home in the Phoenix area. Inconsistent temperatures are typical HVAC duct and air balancing issues. Professionals like those on our team assess how potentially adding a return, adding dampers, or something as simple as opening a closed vent can fix this issue. Ceiling fans or oscillating floor fans can also help keep air circulating through your home.
Coils Become Filthy
Dirty HVAC coils are a common culprit. They keep the effectivity and efficiency of the system lower by reducing the change of state of the refrigerant in the coils. Dirt over time builds up on the fins and coils of the condenser, affecting how your heat pump works. Regular maintenance, including coil cleaning, can help avoid these types of problems and prevent needing an unscheduled surprise visit from an AC maintenance professional.
Preventative Maintenance Over Reactive Maintenance
Regular AC maintenance is helpful in the prevention of major breakdowns that often could be avoided altogether. We not only will clean your system, which allows air to properly flow through the system and helps to prevent frozen coils, we’ll test the electrical components of your system which can be an indicator of possible future system issues. Schedule professional checks with specialists like us at Big Sky Cooling. This can save you from costly fixes in the heat and can help prolong your system’s lifespan.
DIY AC Repair Jobs
DIY HVAC maintenance isn’t bad. It’s just knowing your limits as a property owner to avoid injury or decreasing the lifespan of your system. Regular AC maintenance jobs can be done by the homeowner, and when done properly, can save money and help prolong the lifespan of the system. On the flip side though, if one doesn’t understand exactly what they’re doing, DIY can make things worse for the homeowner and the AC system.
Conclusion
While there are many things that can, and will, go wrong on an HVAC system, preventative maintenance and proper repair diagnosis can keep you cooling properly throughout the brutal Phoenix summer. Addressing air quality and HVAC issues can help with continued smooth AC system operation. Routine system cleaning and maintenance can also prevent you from needing an unplanned visit from one of our HVAC technicians to your home. Phoenix summer HVAC problems will be more frequent on older systems. You might think there is no way to get ahead of such air conditioning problems, but with Big Sky, help is just around the corner.
