Regular maintenance will help keep your air conditioning unit running smoothly so that when it gets scorching hot outside, you can be sure that your unit will keep your home comfortably cool. If you experience any of the following problems with your air conditioner, never ignore them because delaying repair work may change a minor problem into a major headache.

Cold Air Not Coming Out Of The Vents

If your air conditioning unit is turned on but fails to blow out cool air, the first things you should do are make sure that your vents open and determine if the thermostat is set to the right temperature.

If those things check out, inspect your air filter. They can get clogged with debris and dirt and are especially susceptible to clogs if you have pets. Air filter clogs can also cause freezing of your evaporator coils, and because of this, frost and ice can form on the coils, impairing air flow or circulation even more. Having frozen evaporator coils is a common reason why cold air doesn't come out of your vents.

If your air filter is dirty or clogged with debris, determine if your heating and cooling system uses reusable filters or disposable ones. If the filter is reusable, clean it with a soft-bristled brush, hot water, and mild soap. If the filter is disposable, remove it, properly dispose of it, and replace it with a new one.

If cold air is still not coming out of the vents, call an air conditioning maintenance services professional to inspect your unit. You may have a burned-out motor, a broken fan, a refrigerant leak, or problem with the electrical system. 

Outdoor Unit Leaking Water

Seeing a small amount of water underneath your outdoor condenser is not unusual, especially on hot, humid days. Replacing your filters might help stop the water leak; however, if the unit leaks larges amounts of water, call a heating and cooling technician. Your refrigerant level may be low, your condensate pan may be broken, or your drain pipe may be blocked.

To quickly check if the leaking is due to a broken condensate pan, simply pour a small amount of water into the pan and watch it to see if it drains quickly. If the water is not quickly pumped out, the pan may need to be replaced.

If you experience any of the above problems with your air conditioning unit, call a heating and cooling professional as soon as possible. When minor air conditioning issues are addressed quickly, they will be less likely to progress into major problems.