Why is my AC running but not cooling?

An AC running but not cooling could be due to several reasons. It might have a refrigerant leak, causing inadequate cooling. A dirty or clogged air filter, evaporator coil, or condenser unit can impede airflow and cooling efficiency. Electrical issues, malfunctioning thermostats, or a faulty compressor might also be the cause. It's advisable to check and replace air filters and ensure proper power supply. If the problem persists, consulting Jackson & Sons is recommended to diagnose and rectify the underlying issue.

How do I know if my AC is low on refrigerant?

Signs of low refrigerant in your AC system include: Warm Air: The AC blows warm air instead of cold air, indicating insufficient cooling capacity. Poor Cooling Performance: The AC struggles to cool your home adequately or takes longer to reach the desired temperature. Frozen Coils: Low refrigerant can cause evaporator coils to freeze due to inadequate heat absorption. Short Cycling: The AC frequently turns on and off rapidly, which can be a sign of low refrigerant levels. If you suspect your AC is low on refrigerant, it's essential to have a professional HVAC technician like Jackson & Sons inspect and diagnose the issue. Refrigerant leaks should be addressed promptly by experts to prevent further damage and ensure your AC's proper function.

How do I know if my AC compressor is bad?

Signs of a failing AC compressor include warm air blowing from vents, unusual noises like grinding or rattling, frequent tripped circuit breakers, excessive vibrations, refrigerant leaks, difficulty starting, and increased energy bills. If you observe these symptoms, it's advisable to consult Jackson & Sons. We can accurately diagnose the issue, assess the compressor's condition, and provide recommendations for repair or replacement based on the severity of the problem.

Why is my air conditioner leaking water?

Your air conditioner might be leaking water due to several reasons: Clogged Condensate Drain Line: The most common cause, where debris blocks the line, preventing water from draining properly. Dirty Air Filters: Can restrict air flow, causing coils to freeze and then leak water as they thaw. Low Refrigerant Levels: Leads to reduced pressure in the system, causing coils to freeze and water to leak when they melt. Improper Installation: If the unit isn't level, it might not drain correctly. Faulty Condensate Pump: If the pump is broken, water cannot be expelled, leading to leakage.

How can I troubleshoot my AC before calling a professional?

Try the following things listed to troubleshoot your AC before calling a professional: 1. Check thermostat settings and batteries 2. Inspect air filters; replace if dirty 3. Clear debris from outdoor unit 4. Ensure all vents are open and unblocked 5. Check circuit breakers; reset if tripped 6. Verify that the condensate drain isn't clogged 7. Ensure outdoor unit fan is spinning 8. Check for ice buildup on coils 9. Test different temperature settings If these steps don't resolve the issue, or if you notice unusual noises, smells, or leaks, it's time to call Jackson & Sons for a thorough inspection.

Effects Duct Design Has on Heating and Cooling

When you think about the key components of your home’s HVAC system, the furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump might come to mind first. The ductwork that distributes conditioned air is another essential component that directly affects the performance of the entire HVAC system. Deficient duct design, poor installation, or leaky/damaged ductwork can cause serious problems related to:

Temperature control. The loss of cooled or heated air through defects in the ductwork can make it difficult to keep your home’s interior at a consistent, comfortable temperature.
Air quality. Leaks and pressure imbalances in a flawed duct system can introduce and circulate allergens and contaminants that erode your indoor air quality.
Energy consumption. If your HVAC equipment has to work harder to compensate for duct system issues, it uses more energy.
Equipment lifespan. An extra workload also puts wear and strain on your heating and cooling equipment and can shorten its lifespan.

Fundamentals of Good Duct Design

The purpose of the duct system is to deliver the correct volume of heated/cooled air throughout your home, at the right temperature, then bring stale air back to the HVAC equipment for reconditioning. Crafting such a system requires an understanding of air distribution and thermal gain/loss principles, the use of quality materials/fabrication, as well as skilled installation. An effective duct design also takes these factors into consideration:

Proper sizing. All the ducts must be sized to match the HVAC equipment capacity. Using oversized ducts will erode the system’s efficiency, while undersized ducts won’t carry the necessary volume of air.
Balanced airflow. To maintain neutral pressure in the HVAC system and throughout the house, the duct system must deliver and return a matching volume of air. This requires a specific number of supply and return ducts.
Duct placement. Ducts should ideally be placed within the home’s conditioned envelope, and any that are routed through an uninsulated area like the attic must be properly sealed/insulated to limit energy losses.

If you’re concerned that your HVAC system’s duct design is affecting heating and cooling in your Eastern North Carolina home, contact us today at Jackson & Sons.

Jackson & Sons, Inc.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Eastern North Carolina (including Wayne, Johnston, Greene, Lenoir, Pitt and Duplin Counties) about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).