What Are the Most Common Issues with AC Units in Clearwater, FL’s Climate?
Summers in Clearwater, FL are hot and oppressive. Unlike much of the Sunshine State, Clearwater spends one-third of the year overcast. With summers that last over four months and a hurricane season that spans from June through November, locals have unique concerns about their air conditioners. Outdoor condenser units are subjected to strong winds, heavy rain, and fast-moving debris. Indoor air handlers are wracked by an average humidity of 70%. At One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating, we’re sharing the most common issues with AC units in Clearwater along with tips for preventing and resolving them.
Dirty AC Condensate Drains
AC condensate drains route the moisture that air conditioners extract away from buildings. In winter, when air conditioners lie dormant, these drains often develop biofilm and algae. These growths block drains and may cause drain pans to overflow. They can also cause problems like:
- Short-cycling
- Icing
- Overheating
- Insufficient cooling
Although winters in Clearwater are short and mild, they still create the perfect conditions for mold formation and the development of algal blooms. To avoid these problems, have your AC condensate drain cleaned just before summer by scheduling professional AC tune-up service.
Dirty Coils
When it’s humid outside, it’s humid indoors. Your air conditioner works hard to maintain balanced humidity in your home. Damp air coats air conditioners’ internal and external components in moisture. This moisture attracts dust, pollen, dander, and other allergens and allows them to adhere. As a result, many homeowners have tough, tacky buildups in their ducting and air vents, and on their AC evaporator coils.
This same issue occurs in outdoor condenser units. Although condensers have covers that shield their compressors, blower motors, and condenser coils from large, windblown debris, these covers don’t keep out all moisture and small particulates.
Your air conditioner’s evaporator and condenser coils function as heat exchangers. Cold refrigerant in the evaporator coil absorbs heat and humidity from the indoor air, and the condenser coil releases it. When these coils are dirty, heat transfer declines. This leads to longer and less effective cooling cycles and higher energy bills. Fortunately, you can schedule professional AC maintenance with One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating at any time of year.
Worn Seals and Refrigerant Leaks
High temperatures paired with excess moisture can break down the seals on your air conditioner’s refrigerant lines. Given that air conditioners in Florida work longer than air conditioners in other areas, AC compressors sustain more wear and subject refrigerant lines to more stress.
Among the most common signs of an AC refrigerant leak are:
- Hissing and bubbling sounds as refrigerant escapes
- Freezing coils
- Long and unproductive cooling cycles
- Increased indoor humidity
- Rising energy bills
If you have a refrigerant leak, you may even find collected refrigerant on your evaporator coil as tiny, light-brown bubbles.
Corrosion
High humidity can rust many of your air conditioner’s most important components, including its fan motor, motor bearings, evaporator and condenser coils, and refrigerant lines. Although AC refrigerant lines are copper and copper is naturally rust-resistant, copper isn’t resistant to all forms of corrosion.
Scheduling routine maintenance service can slow or prevent the development of corrosion in your AC. Our technicians limit the effects of excess moisture by cleaning all indoor and outdoor components and generously lubricating moving parts. AC maintenance service also allows our team to replace worn bearings and other metal components that are already corroded.
Dirty Air Filters
Wet, muggy conditions and extended AC use make it necessary to change your air filter more often. In general, HVAC manufacturers recommend inspecting these components monthly and replacing them every 30 to 90 days. However, in Clearwater, you should inspect your air filter every three weeks and replace it every 30 to 45 days as needed. On average, most locals use between two and four air filters throughout the summer season.
Failed Capacitors
Air conditioners draw more power than residential electrical panels can supply. To address this deficit, air conditioners have dual capacitors or run and start capacitors. These components harness and store energy and then use it to start and run cooling cycles. Although AC capacitors can last up to 20 years, capacitors in high-humidity areas like Clearwater often last just five.
Impact Damage
During hurricane season, falling roof tiles, windblown branches, and other heavy debris can damage outdoor condensers. You can protect your condenser by maintaining your roof and regularly limbing your trees.
Unpleasant AC Odors
Whether due to dirty coils, dirty filters, or blocked AC condensate drains, air conditioners in Clearwater can emit rank “dirty laundry” odors. If your home is filled with wet, moldering smells when your AC is running, it’s time for a tune-up. Call One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating to schedule an appointment!