A Jersey Shore Homeowner’s Guide to DIY AC Repair
With cooler weather just weeks away in Cape May Court House, and across the South Jersey Shore, you might not be thinking about your air conditioning right now. But giving your AC a little attention before fall could help prevent surprises.
It is easy to forget about your air conditioner, knowing fall is on the horizon and August’s hot weather will give way to milder temperatures by October. Don’t be too quick to mothball your AC for winter just yet. Now is the perfect time to address AC problems and ensure your system continues to run as long as you need it this year.
At Broadley’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, we always recommend proactive AC maintenance in the spring, but we recognize life gets busy. Air conditioning upkeep drops to the bottom of your summer to-do list, but before you know it, fall has arrived.
If you have not given your AC much thought this year, now is the time to provide a little TLC. Ignoring minor AC problems can lead to more complicated issues and expensive repairs.
At Broadley’s, we believe in empowering our neighbors with knowledge, so we have compiled this guide to common AC issues. You will learn to spot signs your AC unit needs help and know when to call a professional.
Simple DIY Air Conditioning Fixes
Our Broadley’s technicians are eager to help whenever you need HVAC maintenance, repair, or installation. But before you call, try these basic troubleshooting steps. They might resolve the issue and save you a service call.
Thermostat: It should be set to “cool,” and the fan should be on “auto.” If your thermostat is battery-powered, be sure the battery is fresh.
Filter: A dirty air filter can cause your AC to struggle by choking off airflow. It is a top reason for poor air conditioning performance. Replace the air filter if it is dirty.
Breaker: If your AC unit does not turn on, it may have tripped an electrical breaker. Check your electrical panel, and if the breaker labeled for your air conditioning has tripped, flip it back on.
If these quick fixes do not resolve the problem, it is time to dig deeper.
Common AC Problems
The Jersey Shore environment, with its salty air and high humidity, can be rough on HVAC systems. The corrosive salt air can cause metal components to rust and deteriorate. Paying attention to AC performance is essential for keeping your comfort system in top shape.
#1. Corrosion from Salt Air
Salty, moist air can speed up damage to coils, wiring, and outdoor unit components. You may see rust or green corrosion on coils or the casing, hear unusual noises from the outdoor unit, and notice the AC system struggling to cool.
Your DIY move is hosing down the outdoor unit with a gentle spray to remove salt and sand buildup. Trim foliage and clear debris around the unit. Call a professional to inspect electrical components and clean coils if cooling performance drops significantly.
#2. Clogged Condensate Drain
Humid summer air can create the perfect conditions for algae growth in your condensate line, clogging it. You may notice musty odors and water pooling around the indoor unit. Your system might even shut down.
Flush the drain line periodically with vinegar and warm water, and keep the area around the indoor unit dry. Call Broadley’s for an inspection and diagnosis if the drain has overflowed and caused water damage, or if the unit shuts off repeatedly.
#3. The Unit Ices Up
If you see ice on your evaporator coil or refrigerant lines, turn the unit off and let the ice melt. Then, check your air filter. Dirty air filters are a typical cause of icing. Replace the filter if it is dirty. If the icing continues after these steps, your unit needs professional assistance. The problem could be a refrigerant leak or a faulty blower fan.
#4. Sand and Debris
Wind can blow sand, dirt, and other debris into the outdoor unit, clogging the fins and reducing airflow. A sandy outdoor unit may run longer than usual and emit whistling or grinding sounds. You might notice warm air blowing from your vents.
Before calling a professional, turn the AC off and gently rinse the condenser fins. Remove debris around the unit. Call us at Broadley’s for deep coil cleaning if the gentle rinse does not improve AC performance. We can straighten bent fins and repair other AC issues.
#5. Capacitor Failure
Salt air and high temperatures break down capacitors faster than usual. Capacitors are crucial to starting the compressor and fan motors.
If the system’s capacitors have degraded, the unit will struggle to start and may shut off quickly after it kicks on. You also may notice a buzzing or clicking sound.
Capacitor issues require an experienced HVAC technician. Call us at Broadley’s for a diagnosis, especially if your AC does not start or operates erratically.
End-of-Summer AC Maintenance
If you didn’t prepare your air conditioning for summer, consider scheduling a tune-up now to address any minor issues that may have developed after months of heavy AC use. The online platform angi.com notes that AC units last 10 to 20 years, but their longevity depends on the type of AC unit you have and how well you care for it.
One of our Broadley’s experts can prevent simple problems from developing into a catastrophic system failure, saving you money and providing peace of mind for the remainder of the cooling season.
Protect Your AC Investment in Cape May Court House
Whether you need AC maintenance or a diagnosis for a persistent problem, our qualified technicians at Broadley’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning have the expertise and tools to keep your home comfortable. We understand the local climate and its challenges, and are committed to providing the best comfort solutions to homeowners along the Jersey Shore. Call us at 609-875-2758 or request service online today!