July 25, 2018

5 Common AC Issues

Lennox SystemsLet’s face it, air conditioning has become essential to our lives. Let us inspect your AC unit and make sure it’s going to be reliable through the summer season. We can make repairs with genuine parts and dependable expertise that will have your AC ready for the season or back up and running when things go bad.

Early Warning Signs Your AC Needs Attention

Air conditioners rarely fail without warning. Recognizing the most common problems early can prevent bigger breakdowns, improve efficiency, and keep your home comfortable. Below are five frequent issues homeowners see—and what you can do or check before calling a technician.

  • Dirty or clogged air filter: Restricted airflow forces the system to work harder, can cause evaporator coil freezing, and reduces cooling performance. Regular filter replacement is one of the easiest preventative steps.
  • Refrigerant leaks or low refrigerant: Without the correct amount of refrigerant, your AC can’t transfer heat effectively, leading to weak cooling and potential coil freezing. This requires professional detection and recharge.
  • Frozen evaporator coil: Often a downstream effect of airflow issues or low refrigerant. When the ice melts, the system blows warm or damp air and performance drops. Turning the system off to thaw and addressing the underlying cause is necessary.
  • Thermostat or control problems: Incorrect settings, failed sensors, or a malfunctioning thermostat can make the system run improperly or not cool at all. Verifying mode, temperature, and battery/status can rule out simple fixes.
  • Drainage and condensate issues: Clogged drain lines, damaged pans, or failed condensate pumps cause water buildup and can lead to leaks, humidity problems, or system shutdowns. Flushing the line or having the drain system inspected helps prevent secondary damage.

If you’re noticing any combination of these symptoms—reduced cooling, unusual cycling, water around the unit, or strange behavior—schedule a professional inspection. Early diagnosis saves money and extends the life of your system.

Here are five of the most common issues we see with AC units:

Bad Installation: sometimes saving money is a great idea and works out for the very best. Sometimes, relying on a handyman with uncertain skills ends up costing a homeowner more in the long run.

Low Refrigerant: air conditioner units rely on refrigerants like Freon to actually produce the coolness that translates into comfort. Eventually, it gets used up. What we often encounter in an uncooperative AC unit is a simple slow leak. It’s a common problem and easily fixed.

Broken Fan: the cold has to be directed somewhere, and that great big fan outside is important. It can get gummed up or simply break down.

Frozen Coil: condensation builds up and freezes as moisture passes over the coil. That, in turn, can be caused by other issues, including some listed here, like when a unit runs low on refrigerant. We can examine the unit and determine the chain of events that led to the coil freezing up, and then fix it.

Expert AC Help with Scott-Lee

For regular inspection, maintenance, and repairs, Scott-Lee is ready to rescue you from the heat. Our services have brought customer comfort and satisfaction throughout the St. Louis region and into Illinois. We set a high standard for quality workmanship. Contact us today!