The warm summer days are here which means you are probably giving your air conditioner a workout. Here are some questions you might have regarding your AC, along with answers to prepare you for the upcoming cooling season.

What Are the Types of Air Conditioners?

1. A central air conditioner consists of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit that also works with the furnace.
2. A portable, or window, air conditioner cools only one room or area; not an entire building.
3. A ductless mini-split air conditioner consists of an outdoor heat pump that connects to individual air handlers located throughout the building. This type of AC provides zoned cooling.
4. A heat pump can provide an alternative to a central air system, as it can be used for either heating or cooling.

How Does an Air Conditioner Work?

When the AC unit is working and the thermostat detects that the set temperature is lower than the room temperature, warm air from inside the building enters the unit through a grille at the base and moves across evaporator coils within the unit. Liquid refrigerant circulating inside the coils absorbs the warm air and becomes a gas. Not only does the evaporator coil absorb heat, but it also takes moisture out of the air, serving as a dehumidifier.

The warm refrigerant gas then travels to the compressor in the exterior unit where it’s compressed and becomes even hotter. Then, the gas travels to the condenser where it again becomes a liquid. This process causes heat to release outdoors through fans. The cooled refrigerant then returns to the indoor unit, and the process repeats until the desired temperature is reached.

What Should I Do If My Air Conditioner Isn’t Blowing Cool Air?

1. Check the thermostat; if it doesn’t display, change the batteries.
2. If there’s still no display after changing the batteries, remove the thermostat from the wall. Check the wires and the voltage.
3. If there’s no voltage, check the fuse box. If no fuses have blown or tripped, reset the switch connected to the AC by turning it on and off.
4. If there’s power but still no display, you might need to replace the thermostat.
5. If the thermostat is working but the AC isn’t, check the fan to see if the blower has power.
6. A dirty air filter could also prevent air flow. Be sure to replace the old filter with one the same size.
7. If all else fails, call us for expert repair.

What Are Some Common Air Conditioning Issues That Require Repairs?

1. Refrigerant can leak through damaged lines in the system, resulting in less pressure during the cooling process. As regional HVAC experts, our technicians can detect the source of the leak, repair it and recharge the entire system to ensure the proper amount of refrigerant is added.
2. The unit’s condenser coils can freeze up and prevent cooling. This issue usually occurs either when the filters are dirty or debris obstructs airflow from the outdoor unit. Another cause can be low refrigerant levels. Our professional technicians can diagnose the problem and resolve it by deicing the condenser coils.
3. The unit’s drain line and drip pan can become damaged or obstructed with algae, preventing moisture from draining. This can result in high indoor humidity or even damage to the unit. Our expert HVAC technicians can clear or repair these components so condensation can again effectively exit the system.

If you have any questions about your HVAC system or want to schedule an appointment, contact Hammock’s AC today! We also have a new Hammock’s AC App that is available on Google Play and the App Store.