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Signs That Your AC Coils Are Malfunctioning

There are a variety of different components inside of your air conditioner working together to complete cooling cycles around the clock every day. Among those components are the evaporator coils and condenser coils that channel refrigerant to and from your home.

When something goes wrong with these coils, you need to schedule an appointment for air conditioner repair in Plymouth. You can keep reading to learn more about some of the signs that can indicate evaporator coil problems or condenser coil problems. Be sure to schedule an appointment sooner rather than later if you notice any of these signs.

Poor Cooling 

The coils inside of your air conditioner are what channel refrigerant to absorb heat from inside your home and channel it outside to cool down the air. Problems with either the coils inside or outside your home can lead to a lack of overall cooling.

When you hold your hand up to an air vent in any room of your home, you may still feel a strong flow of air. However, that airflow will not be cool enough to lower the indoor air temperature. Instead of being specifically cold, it may be barely cool or even lukewarm.

Unusual Sounds

One common problem with coils is damage to the lines that allows refrigerant to leak out. The leak can make a different sound depending on whether the refrigerant is in its gas or liquid form at the location of the leak. You can listen for hissing sounds that indicate a leak somewhere in the line where the refrigerant is in its gas form. As the high-pressure gas leaks out it will hiss. 

Alternatively, you may hear a bubbling sound if the leak occurs in a portion of the line where refrigerant is a liquid. Keep in mind that hissing or bubbling sounds can be fairly quiet, so you may have to listen carefully. The sounds are likely to be more obvious when a cooling cycle is on and the refrigerant is actively moving through the lines.

Bad Smells

When refrigerant leaks out of the lines, it produces a pungent chemical odor. Sometimes refrigerant can border on being slightly sweet. However, it should be obvious that the odor is a chemical, even if it smells sweet. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, turn your unit off and do not attempt to clean up the leaking refrigerant or repair damage on your own. That should be left up to the professionals since refrigerant is a dangerous chemical.

Ice Buildup

Sometimes a refrigerant leak isn’t to blame at all. Another problem with coils is that they can develop a layer of ice buildup. Sometimes a refrigerant leak can contribute to this problem, but usually, a lack of airflow is to blame. 

If you notice that the coils either on your indoor or outdoor unit are frosty or icy, that’s a red flag that airflow is being blocked somewhere. A dirty air filter is the most likely culprit. When the air filter gets too clogged with dirt, it can’t allow airflow into the system, which means that coils freeze instead of absorbing heat to cool down the air.

Contact Comfort Matters Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. With you through THE HIGHS & LOWS!

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