5 Most Common AC Problems in Rockwall Homes: DIY Checks Before Calling a Pro

If you live in Rockwall, Texas, you know how hot it gets. When it’s blazing outside, a working air conditioner isn’t just nice to have – it’s a must. Here at Element Mechanical, we know that a broken AC can make your home feel like an oven. But before you call us, there are a few things you can check yourself.

Rockwall’s weather is hot and humid for a long time each year. From May to September, temperatures often climb into the 90s or even 100s. This means your AC has to work really hard to keep your home cool. All this work can cause problems with your AC over time.

It’s important to spot AC issues early. This can help you avoid sweaty, uncomfortable nights and might save you money on big repairs later. That’s why we’ve made this guide to help you understand and maybe fix some common AC problems in Rockwall homes.

In this article, we’ll talk about five AC problems we often see in Rockwall. For each problem, we’ll tell you:

• What might be causing it
• Easy things you can check yourself
• When it’s time to call us at Element Mechanical for help

We want to help you learn how to handle small AC issues on your own. But remember, your safety is most important. If you’re not sure about something, it’s okay to call for help. That’s what we’re here for!

Let’s look at these common AC problems. After reading this, you’ll be better prepared to deal with AC troubles when it’s super hot in Rockwall.

Problem 1: Your AC Is Running, But It’s Not Cooling Your Home

One of the most common AC problems we see in Rockwall is when the air conditioner is on, but the house just isn’t getting cool. This can be really frustrating, especially on a hot Texas day. Let’s look at what might be causing this and what you can do about it.

What Might Be Causing It

1. Dirty Air Filter: A clogged filter can block airflow, making it hard for your AC to cool your home.
2. Thermostat Issues: Sometimes, the problem isn’t with your AC at all – it’s with the thermostat telling it what to do.
3. Low Refrigerant: If your AC is low on refrigerant (the stuff that actually cools the air), it won’t cool properly.

What You Can Check Yourself

1. Check and Change the Air Filter:
   • Find your AC’s air filter. It’s usually in a vent on the wall or ceiling, or in the AC unit itself.
   • Take out the filter and hold it up to the light. If you can’t see light through it, it’s too dirty.
   • If it’s dirty, replace it with a new one. You can buy these at most hardware stores.
   • Pro tip: Write the date on the new filter so you know when you last changed it.
2. Look at Your Thermostat:
   • Make sure it’s set to “Cool” and not “Heat” or “Off”.
   • Check that the temperature is set lower than the current room temperature.
   • If it has batteries, try replacing them with new ones.
   • If it’s programmable, make sure the schedule is set correctly.
3. Check for Ice:
   • Look at the big copper lines coming out of your outdoor AC unit.
   • If you see ice on them, turn off your AC right away and give us a call. This could mean you’re low on refrigerant.

When to Call Us at Element Mechanical

If you’ve tried these checks and your AC still isn’t cooling properly, it’s time to call in the pros. You should also call us if:

• You see ice on your AC lines
• Your energy bills have suddenly gone up a lot
• You hear strange noises coming from your AC
• It’s been more than a year since your last professional AC check-up

Remember, at Element Mechanical, we’re always here to help keep your Rockwall home cool and comfortable. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re unsure about anything or if these simple checks don’t solve the problem. We’re just a phone call away!

Problem 2: Your AC Is Making Weird Noises

If your AC starts making strange noises, it can be pretty alarming. Here in Rockwall, we’ve heard all kinds of AC sounds, from buzzing to banging. Let’s look at what these noises might mean and what you can do about them.

What Those Noises Might Mean

1. Buzzing or Humming: This could be an electrical problem or a part that’s coming loose.
2. Rattling or Clanking: These sounds often mean a part has come loose inside your AC.
3. Hissing or Whistling: This might be air escaping where it shouldn’t, or possibly a refrigerant leak.

What You Can Check Yourself

1. Find Where the Noise Is Coming From:
   • Carefully listen to both the indoor and outdoor parts of your AC.
   • Don’t remove any covers – just try to figure out if the noise is from inside or outside.
2. Check for Loose Parts:
   • Look at the outdoor unit. Are there any loose panels?
   • If you see loose screws, you can gently tighten them with a screwdriver.
   • Don’t open up the unit or touch anything inside.
3. Clean Around the Outdoor Unit:
   • Turn off your AC at the thermostat and the circuit breaker.
   • Clear away any leaves, twigs, or debris around the outdoor unit.
   • Gently spray the outside of the unit with a garden hose to remove dirt.
   • Wait for the unit to dry before turning it back on.

When to Call Us at Element Mechanical

If you’ve done these checks and you’re still hearing strange noises, it’s time to call in the experts. You should also call us if:

• The noise is very loud or sounds like metal hitting metal
• You hear hissing or whistling that might be a refrigerant leak
• The noise starts and stops with the AC turning on and off
• You’re not comfortable doing any of the checks yourself

At Element Mechanical, we’ve got the tools and know-how to track down those pesky noises and fix them fast. We know that a noisy AC can be really annoying, especially when you’re trying to relax in your Rockwall home. Don’t let those strange sounds keep you up at night – give us a call, and we’ll get your AC running quietly again.

Remember, some AC noises can mean serious problems that could get worse if ignored. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s always better to have a professional take a look. We’re here to keep your AC running smoothly and your home comfortable all summer long!

Problem 3: Your AC Isn’t Blowing Air Strongly

If your AC is running but you’re barely feeling any cool air, you’ve got a poor airflow problem. This is a common issue we see in Rockwall homes, especially during our hot summers when ACs are working overtime. Let’s look at why this happens and what you can do about it.

What Might Be Causing Poor Airflow

1. Blocked Vents or Ducts: Sometimes, furniture or curtains can block your vents. Or, your ducts might be clogged with dust or even small objects.
2. Clogged Air Filter: A very dirty filter can seriously reduce airflow through your whole AC system.
3. Faulty Blower Motor: The fan that pushes air through your home might not be working right.

What You Can Check Yourself

1. Check All Your Vents:
   • Walk through your home and look at every AC vent.
   • Make sure no furniture, rugs, or curtains are blocking them.
   • Check that all vents are open. Sometimes, people close vents in unused rooms, but this can actually harm your AC system.
2. Look at Your Air Filter:
   • Find your AC’s air filter. It’s usually in a vent on the wall or ceiling, or in the AC unit itself.
   • If it looks gray or you can’t see light through it, it’s too dirty.
   • Replace it with a new filter. You can buy these at most hardware stores.
   • Pro tip: Set a reminder on your phone to check your filter every month during summer.
3. Feel the Air Coming Out of Each Vent:
   • Put your hand in front of each vent when the AC is running.
   • The air should feel about the same from every vent.
   • If some vents have much less air than others, you might have a duct problem.

When to Call Us at Element Mechanical

If you’ve tried these checks and you’re still not getting good airflow, it’s time to call in the pros. You should also call us if:

• You’ve changed the filter and cleared all vents, but airflow is still weak
• Some rooms are getting much less air than others
• You hear a loud humming from your indoor AC unit, but don’t feel much air
• It’s been over a year since your last professional AC check-up

Here at Element Mechanical, we’ve got special tools to check your whole duct system and find any hidden problems. We can also check your blower motor to make sure it’s working right. Don’t sweat through another Rockwall summer with poor AC airflow – give us a call, and we’ll get that cool air flowing again!

Remember, good airflow is key to keeping your whole home cool and your energy bills low. If you’re not sure about anything, just reach out. We’re always happy to help our Rockwall neighbors stay comfortable!

Problem 4: Your AC Seems to Never Stop Running

If your AC is running non-stop, it’s not just annoying – it can also lead to high energy bills and wear out your system faster. This is a problem we often see in Rockwall, especially during our hottest months. Let’s look at why this might be happening and what you can do about it.

What Might Be Causing Your AC to Run Constantly

1. AC Unit Too Small: If your AC isn’t the right size for your home, it might run all the time trying to keep up.
2. Leaky Ductwork: If cool air is escaping through gaps in your ducts, your AC will keep running to try to cool your home.
3. Dirty Condenser Coils: These are in your outdoor unit. When they’re dirty, your AC has to work harder and longer.

What You Can Check Yourself

1. Check for Drafts and Improve Insulation:
   • On a hot day, feel around your windows and doors for warm air coming in.
   • If you feel drafts, you might need better weatherstripping or insulation.
   • Close blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day to keep heat out.
2. Look at Your Visible Ductwork:
   • Check any ducts you can see in your attic, basement, or crawl spaces.
   • Look for obvious gaps, holes, or disconnected sections.
   • If you find small gaps, you can seal them with metal tape made for ducts. Don’t use regular duct tape – it doesn’t last.
3. Clean Around Your Outdoor Unit:
   • Turn off your AC at the thermostat and the circuit breaker.
   • Clear away any leaves, grass clippings, or debris around the unit.
   • Gently spray the outside of the unit with a garden hose to remove dirt.
   • Trim any bushes or plants so they’re at least 2 feet away from the unit.
   • Wait for the unit to dry before turning it back on.

When to Call Us at Element Mechanical

If you’ve tried these checks and your AC is still running all the time, it’s time for professional help. You should also call us if:

• Your energy bills have suddenly gone way up
• You’ve sealed obvious drafts, but your home still isn’t staying cool
• You can’t reach your ductwork to check it
• You’re not comfortable cleaning your outdoor unit yourself
• It’s been over a year since your last professional AC tune-up

At Element Mechanical, we have special tools to check if your AC is the right size for your Rockwall home. We can also test your whole duct system for leaks and give your AC a thorough cleaning. A constantly running AC isn’t just a comfort issue – it can really hit your wallet hard. Let us help you get your AC running efficiently again!

Remember, in Rockwall’s hot climate, your AC will naturally run more during summer. But it shouldn’t be on all the time. If you’re concerned about how often your AC is running, give us a call. We’re here to help keep you cool and your energy bills under control!

Problem 5: You See Water Leaking Around Your AC

Finding water around your AC can be worrying. It’s not just a mess – it can damage your home if left unchecked. This is a common problem we see in Rockwall, especially during our humid summers. Let’s look at why this might be happening and what you can do about it.

What Might Be Causing Water Leaks

1. Clogged Condensate Drain Line: This is the most common cause. It’s the pipe that carries water away from your AC.
2. Frozen Evaporator Coils: If these coils freeze, they can cause water to overflow when they thaw.
3. Cracked Drain Pan: The pan that catches water under your AC unit might be damaged.

What You Can Check Yourself

1. Find and Clear the Condensate Drain Line:
   • Look for a PVC pipe near your outdoor AC unit. It might end near the foundation of your house.
   • Check if water is flowing out when your AC is running. If not, it might be clogged.
   • You can try clearing it by pouring a cup of white vinegar down the line (from inside where it connects to your AC). Wait 30 minutes, then flush with water.
   • Pro tip: Do this every spring to help prevent clogs.
2. Check for Ice on the Indoor Unit:
   • Look at the big indoor part of your AC (usually in the attic or a closet).
   • If you see ice on the pipes, turn off your AC right away and call us. Running the AC with frozen coils can cause serious damage.
3. Inspect the Drain Pan:
   • Look under the indoor unit for a shallow metal pan.
   • Check if it’s full of water or if you see any cracks or rust.
   • If it’s just full, you might be able to carefully empty it. But if it’s damaged, it’ll need to be replaced.

When to Call Us at Element Mechanical

If you’ve tried these checks and you’re still seeing water, it’s time to call in the pros. You should also call us if:

• You see any ice on your AC unit
• There’s a lot of water, or it’s spreading to walls or floors
• You can’t find where the water is coming from
• You’re not comfortable checking the parts yourself
• The leak stops but then comes back

Here at Element Mechanical, we’ve got the tools and know-how to find and fix AC leaks fast. We can use special cameras to check inside your ducts and pipes, and we know how to safely handle refrigerant if that’s the issue. Don’t let a small leak turn into a big problem for your Rockwall home!

Remember, some water around your AC during very humid days is normal. But if you’re seeing puddles or constant dripping, that’s a sign something’s wrong. When in doubt, give us a call. We’re always here to help keep your home dry and your AC running smoothly!

Wrapping It Up: Keeping Your Cool in Rockwall

We’ve covered a lot of ground today! Let’s quickly recap the five most common AC problems we see in Rockwall homes:

1. AC not cooling properly
2. Strange noises coming from your AC
3. Poor airflow
4. AC running all the time
5. Water leaks around your AC unit

Remember, while there are some things you can check yourself, your safety always comes first. If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to call in the pros.

Regular AC maintenance is key to avoiding these problems. Just like you take your car for regular oil changes, your AC needs some TLC too. This is especially important here in Rockwall, where our hot summers really put our AC systems to the test.

Need Help? We’re Just a Call Away!

At Element Mechanical, we’re proud to serve our Rockwall community. We know how important a working AC is for your comfort and well-being. Whether you’re dealing with one of these common problems or just want to make sure your AC is in top shape for the summer, we’re here to help.

Our team of expert technicians can:

• Diagnose and fix any AC problem quickly and efficiently
• Perform thorough AC maintenance to prevent future issues
• Help you save money on your energy bills with AC tune-ups
• Provide advice on when it’s time to replace your old AC system

Don’t wait until your AC breaks down on the hottest day of the year. Give us a call today to schedule a check-up or to address any concerns you have about your AC system.

We offer same-day service for AC emergencies, and we’re available Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm.

Stay cool, Rockwall! Remember, for all your AC needs, Element Mechanical has got you covered.