Six Common Air Conditioning Problems in the Winter

When the cold season hits Kentucky, the harsh weather can do a number on your property. Without routine maintenance and inspection, your HVAC system can suffer some brutal wear and tear. Watson Heating & Air, Lexington’s AC repair professionals, are ready and able to handle common air conditioning problems and emergencies for home and business owners in the Richmond, KY, area when the cold weather arrives.

Our licensed and experienced professionals have the tools and technology to service and repair all types of air conditioners that need maintenance when the cold season comes around.

The Most Common Air Conditioning Problems in the Winter

Homeowners often forget the effects of harsh seasons on their HVAC system. Many assume that a properly installed system stays impervious to the harshness of nature. Without routine maintenance and servicing, your AC system can fall victim to many natural issues as time goes on. 

Some of the issues a home’s Air Conditioner may encounter during the winter include:

1. Overheating

If your AC doesn’t get proper airflow, the blower motor may overheat. One of the reasons for this concerns a dirty air filter. If the filter becomes full of dust, dirt, or debris, it won’t allow the air to circulate through the system correctly.

2. Circuit Breaker Issues

One of the most common air conditioning problems is with the circuit breaker. If you use too much electricity at one time in your home, your electrical panel may overload and trip breakers to lighten the workload. If your power goes out or your AC shuts off unexpectedly, check the breakers in your main electrical panel.

3. Low Refrigerant Levels

If your evaporator coil in your indoor unit or condenser coil in your outdoor unit leaks refrigerant, you need to call a professional HVAC service team immediately. Refrigerant leaks can be dangerous, resulting in chemical burns upon contact and respiratory problems after prolonged exposure. The professionals at Watson Heating & Air have the tools, experience, and training to handle harsh chemicals like AC refrigerant and repair leaks quickly and safely.

4. Frozen Coils

The condenser coil housed in the outdoor unit of the AC system collects heat from the air outside. The evaporator coil housed in the indoor unit of your AC system releases the hot air gathered from the heat pump into your home. If the system doesn’t have a consistent airflow, these coils will freeze over since the refrigerant can’t collect enough heat to sustain the transfer.

Frozen coils will inhibit the system’s ability to bring the house to the desired temperature and negatively impact energy efficiency, slowing the process and putting undue strain on the system.

5. Broken Thermostat

Sometimes the most obvious problem goes overlooked. If your thermostat doesn’t signal your HVAC system to regulate the temperature within your house, it will never be consistent. If you have a battery-powered thermostat, check that the batteries are the proper size and have a charge.

If the batteries have life, check all the settings on the thermostat. If the temperature in your house is higher than the thermostat setting, your furnace will not start.

6. Frozen Pipes

Some HVAC systems run on pipes to distribute heat. If you have a steam or water boiler, your home’s heat comes from water sent to the radiators throughout your house or the piping beneath your floorboards.

If your water stops running when it gets too cold outside, it means your pipes have frozen. Frozen pipes could be due to poor insulation or a problem with your underground lines. Frozen pipes will build air pressure and burst if not attended to. 

Burst water pipes can result in extensive property damage, requiring expensive repairs. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use My AC in the Winter

Your home’s heater and cooler both condition air. Keep your thermostat set as close to the outdoor temperature as you comfortably can to prolong system life and maximize energy efficiency.

Should I Keep My AC on All day?

If you don’t have pets at home, you can save energy by lowering the temperature on your thermostat while you’re at work or away for the day in the winter. Giving your system a rest will also increase its lifespan.

Call Watson Heating & Air

No one knows how to handle common air conditioning problems in the Richmond, KY, area better than Watson Heating & Air. Nobody cares more about quality service and customer satisfaction. Click the link to find out about your AC hissing sound, and call us at 859-448-1054 to schedule an appointment.