The heat in Alabama is getting to your air conditioner? You may be finding an uncharacteristic amount of moisture about the house, or the AC will run for what seems like ages and not put in the kind of cooling it ought to.
Should any of that ring a bell, come to us. We are Alabama Home Pros, a Millbrook plumbing and HVAC firm with local ownership, and we do business in Montgomery, Prattville, Pike Road as well as here in Millbrook. Give us a ring at (334) 206-8878. What follows is a look at the sort of trouble our humid summers make for an AC and how to handle it.
What the Humidity Does to Your AC
There is more to an Alabama summer than the heat; it is wet too. The high temperatures coupled with the humidity are hard on a cooling system. In these parts your air conditioner has a double duty: to cool your home and extract the moisture from the air. With the humidity up, it has to put in extra effort on the latter. Months of such work can magnify a minor problem into a major one. But then again, they are not difficult to identify if you know the telltale signs.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
We put in for a frozen evaporator coil more than most this time of year. It is odd to have ice when it is 95 out, yet it is not as uncommon as one would imagine. A lack of refrigerant, poor airflow or simply the humidity can cause the coil to ice over.
You will know if it is happening:
- The system is running but the vents put out warm air
- Ice or frost is plain to see on the refrigerant lines
- Once the ice goes, water is left pooling by the indoor unit
- Cooling is less effective and the energy bill is up
- The system never seems to cool no matter how long it runs
See some ice and you should turn it off and call (334) 206-8878.
Condensate Drain Lines
All the moisture your AC draws from the air must be drained away through the condensate line. In a climate this humid the line is prone to clogging with grime, mold and algae in short order. A clog means water backing up which could set off the safety switch and put an end to the system, or leak and do damage to your home. Some routine maintenance will keep the line open.
Indoor Humidity
At times the temperature is fine but the air is damp and sticky. That is your system not doing its job of dehumidifying. Left unchecked you will get condensation on the windows, a musty odour, or even mold in the corners of a closet. An undersized unit or one that is dirty and short cycling will leave things clammy. More than being unpleasant, that can take its toll on your drywall, flooring and furniture.
Compressors and Parts Under Stress
Your compressor is the heart of the machine and in a protracted Alabama summer it is hardly ever off. The strain puts wear on contactors, fan motors and capacitors. They have a way of giving out on the very hottest day when you are in need of the cooling.
Be on the lookout for:
- Unusual buzzing, humming or clicking
- The breaker being tripped over and over
- No spin from the outdoor fan
- Cooling cycles that are unduly long
- An electrical or burning scent around the unit
Better to put an end to these before the system breaks down in July.
Some Ways to Shield Your AC
There is no need to let a problem develop. Make it a habit to put in a new filter, clear the outdoor unit of leaves and other debris and have us in for maintenance before summer is in full swing. Proper refrigerant and clean coils will stand up to the humidity.
And if there is a problem, you want to put your trust in a good team. We are licensed and insured (Alabama master plumber MP-3625), as are all our technicians. At Alabama Home Pros we give you an honest estimate and a 100 per cent guarantee of satisfaction, and we can be there same-day for AC repair.
We are in from 7 to 5 Monday to Friday and provide 24/7 emergency service after hours. Let us make your home comfortable once more. Call (334) 206-8878.