When the heat and humidity reach summer highs in Northern Virginia, the last thing you need is for your AC to go on the fritz. Fortunately, it’s not the end of the world if your AC system starts blowing warm air. In most cases, it’s caused by something that can be quickly and easily corrected.
Your AC Filter Is Dirty
It may seem odd, but a dirty HVAC system can actually cause your air conditioner to start blowing warm air. That’s because dirt in your system can constrict airflow, especially if it clogs up your air filter. Less airflow means your AC has to work much harder, which can cause it to overheat. A dirty evaporator coil can also cause problems. Too much dirt can impair the coil’s ability to absorb heat, leaving you sweaty and uncomfortable.
Your Condensate Line Is Clogged
In addition to absorbing heat, your air conditioner also removes moisture from humid air. This moisture collects on your evaporator coil, drips into a drip pan and drains away through a condensate drain line. If this condensate line becomes clogged, it can cause your air conditioner to malfunction or even shut down entirely. In most cases, you can clear minor blockages by flushing the drain line with distilled vinegar. To prevent the problem from reoccurring, make cleaning your condensate drain line part of your normal HVAC maintenance checklist. This is also part of regular maintenance performed by an HVAC technician during a spring tune-up.
Your Refrigerant Level Is Low
Every air conditioning system is designed to be charged to a specific refrigerant pressure. If the pressure drops, the system may struggle to properly absorb heat and transport it out of your home. The good news is that a pressure check is always part of any scheduled preventive maintenance visit. If your system hasn’t been serviced in a while, however, it’s important to have your refrigerant level checked quickly. A low charge indicates a leak in your system, which can lead to major problems if it isn’t repaired.
If your air conditioning system can’t keep its cool in the Northern Virginia heat, get the expert help you need. Call Vernon The Heating & Cooling Specialist today for affordable and knowledgeable air conditioning repairs and maintenance.
