As June kicks off the official start of summer, temperatures in San Ramon begin to climb, and your air conditioner becomes your home’s best line of defense against the heat. But with increased use comes increased strain, and even the most reliable AC units can show signs of wear this time of year.
Knowing the most common AC issues that arise in early summer can help you catch small problems before they turn into full system breakdowns. Here are the top five AC repairs San Ramon homeowners might need this June – and why it’s important to act fast.
1. Refrigerant Leaks
One of the most frequent AC issues we encounter in early summer is low refrigerant levels due to leaks. Refrigerant is essential for your AC to cool your home, and a leak can significantly reduce its efficiency. Signs of a refrigerant leak include:
- Warm air blowing from vents
- Hissing or bubbling sounds near the unit
- Ice buildup on the coils
- A sudden spike in your energy bill
It’s important to note that simply “topping off” refrigerant is not a fix, leaks must be properly located and sealed by a professional technician. Left unaddressed, this issue can strain your compressor and lead to even more expensive repairs.
2. Clogged Condensate Drain
Your AC not only cools the air but also removes humidity. That moisture drains out through a condensate line, but this drain can easily become clogged with dirt, algae, or debris, especially after sitting unused during the cooler months.
A clogged drain can cause water to back up into your home, damage ceilings or walls, and trigger safety shut-off switches in your system. If you notice water pooling around the indoor unit or the system not turning on, it’s time for a service call.
3. Capacitor or Electrical Failures
AC systems rely on capacitors to start and run the compressor and fan motors. These components are especially vulnerable during the first hot spells of the season when your system suddenly shifts into full-time operation. Symptoms of a failing capacitor or electrical issue include:
- The unit won’t start
- Humming noises without the fan turning
- The AC starts and stops frequently
- Burning or smoky smells from the outdoor unit
Since electrical components pose safety risks, it’s best to have a licensed technician handle any diagnostics and replacements.
4. Frozen Evaporator Coils
When airflow is restricted or refrigerant levels are off, your evaporator coil can freeze – even in 90°F weather. You might notice reduced cooling performance, weak airflow, or visible ice on the indoor components.
This is often caused by dirty filters, blocked ducts, or low refrigerant. If your coils freeze, turn off your AC to allow it to defrost and call a technician to inspect and repair the underlying cause.
5. Thermostat Malfunctions
Inconsistent temperatures, frequent cycling, or no cooling at all could point to a thermostat problem. Whether it’s a calibration issue with an older model or a software glitch in a smart thermostat, a faulty thermostat can cause your AC to behave erratically.
Sometimes, replacing batteries or recalibrating the thermostat is enough, but other times a full replacement or system recalibration is needed. A professional can determine what’s going wrong and get your cooling schedule back on track.
It’s time to schedule maintenance with the experts at Comfy Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.