5 Most Common HVAC Problems in Louisville, KY

Summers in Louisville aren’t just hot; they can also become terribly muggy. So when scorching weather comes to town, cranking up the air conditioning feels almost second nature. But what should you do if your system refuses to cool your home, or worse, won’t turn on at all?

Below, learn about the most common HVAC problems homeowners face, then call us to schedule HVAC services in Louisville, KY.

5 Common HVAC Problems in Louisville and How To Resolve Them

Air conditioners consist of complex machinery, and like any machine, they can develop a whole host of problems. Depending on the issue, you might notice symptoms such as poor airflow, sky-high energy bills, or a complete lack of cooling.

Here are some of the most common HVAC problems and what to do about them.

1. Thermostat Issues

When it gets uncomfortably hot in your house, you lower the thermostat by a couple of degrees. Oddly, though, the air conditioner doesn’t start. Frustrated, you crank the thermostat down even further, but still have no luck.

If your system won’t turn on or starts and stops sporadically, the thermostat may be to blame. The first thing to check is whether the thermostat has fresh batteries. If the batteries are dying, the thermostat might not have enough power to trigger the air conditioner to turn on.

Your thermostat may also require calibration. Digital thermostats often have a built-in calibration option, while older mechanical ones require manual calibration.

2. Clogged Air Filters

Do you feel very little air coming through your vents? Does that air smell strange, sort of stale or musty? If so, take a look at your air filter. You’ll likely discover that dirt, hair, and other debris have clogged it.

Many homeowners in Louisville install an air filter and then forget about it for months or longer. That’s a recipe for trouble and the cause of many common HVAC problems. For example, dirty air filters can cause the system to work harder than usual to cool your home. Eventually, the system may wear out and stop working at all. And your indoor air quality will suffer, too.

This is why it’s important to replace your air filter regularly. Most filters need replacement after about 30 to 90 days.

3. Dirty Coils

Your air conditioner contains evaporator and condenser coils, which work in tandem to remove warm air from your home and replace it with cooled air. These coils, especially the coil in your outdoor unit, are prone to getting caked with dust and debris.

If your coils are dirty, your system will have to work much harder to do its job, just as it would with a clogged air filter. Eventually, you could end up with a frozen evaporator coil, and your system won’t work at all.

To prevent common HVAC problems like this, call a pro for coil cleaning as part of annual maintenance.

4. Refrigerant Leaks

Your cooling system uses refrigerant to absorb warmth from indoor air and transfer it outdoors. When your air conditioner works normally, you won’t see the refrigerant doing its job, as it’s contained within the system. But if your system develops a leak, you might spot puddles of refrigerant on the floor. You might also notice that the unit takes longer than usual to cool down your home.

If you have a refrigerant leak, don’t try to fix it yourself. Refrigerant is a chemical that requires training to safely handle and dispose of. Call our HVAC experts to fix the leak for you.

5. Electrical Problems

If your air conditioner won’t turn on and you’ve ruled out the thermostat as the culprit, there may be something wrong with your home’s wiring. For example, if the system shares a circuit with other appliances, it may draw so much power that the circuit shorts out. Frayed and worn wiring can cause short circuits, too.

This is yet another problem that you shouldn’t attempt to repair yourself. Instead, call an electrician to inspect your electrical system and fix the issue.