Common Air Conditioner Problems & How to Fix Them

In our last post, our Sarasota air conditioning experts talked about some of the most common things that can go wrong with an air conditioner and cause you to ask “Why Is My AC Working But Not Cooling the House?“. While those are the most common issues, we wanted to let you know about a few more. That way, you may be able to figure out why your air conditioner is not working on your own. This can alleviate your anxiety and help you feel better about your Sarasota air conditioning situation. Of course, if you still need some help with your AC unit, Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air is just a phone call away!

Leak in AC Unit – Liquid on the Outside

If your Sarasota air conditioning unit is leaking water outside on a hot day when it has been running a lot, it may not be broken at all. It’s also normal for units to leak when it has been cool out and then warmed up again as they can freeze inside and then thaw.

If, however, your air conditioner is not working and it’s leaking, it’s time to figure out why. Check your air filter first and change it if it’s dirty. You can also check for a blocked drain pipe and a cracked condensate pan. If these are fully functional, call in a professional to check your coolant levels and make sure the AC unit is installed properly. Remember, Wimpy’s provides Sarasota air conditioning installation.

Thermostat Stops Working

If your Sarasota air conditioning unit is working but not cooling, you may have a thermostat problem instead of a broken air conditioner. Try turning down your thermostat to see if that kicks on a cooling cycle. If it still doesn’t work, look for the manual to your thermostat or pull it up online. These can be tricky to set properly and you may need instructions on how to do it right.

You can also use the manual to recalibrate your thermostat. This can fix a myriad of problems that you’d otherwise call in a professional to address.

Frost on Outdoor AC Unit

If you’re wondering, “Why is my AC not working?” start by checking the outdoor unit. If you see a layer of ice or frost or you can feel that part of the unit seems to be freezing cold, turn it off and call a professional for inspection and a likely AC repair in Sarasota. You have a frozen evaporator coil and you’ll need a pro to find out why it froze and resolve the issue.

AC Repair Sarasota

Here at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air, we are always here for you, regardless of the issue you’re having with your AC system. Call our Sarasota air conditioning company whenever your air conditioner isn’t working and we’ll be there soon to provide expert AC repair!

Why Is My AC Not Cooling the House?

When your Sarasota air conditioner is not working, it’s easy to feel frustrated, angry, and anxious. But Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air is here to tell you that you don’t need to feel this way!

AC problems are fairly common and some of them are even easy to fix yourself, however, if you need AC repair in Sarasota, call our team right away!

Below, we’ve listed some common air conditioning problems and what you can do to fix them.

AC Won’t Turn On

If your air conditioner won’t turn on at all, start with the basics. Make sure that it is plugged in. Then, check your furnace room and make sure that your furnace fan is switched on, too. This switch usually looks like a light switch and is easy to turn off by accident.

If this doesn’t help, check your circuit breaker or fuse box. Make sure that the relevant circuits or fuses are functioning properly. Finally, check your thermostat to ensure that it is set properly. You may want to try turning it down 5 to 10 degrees to see if that helps.

If your AC still won’t turn on, it’s time to call in a pro for AC inspection in Sarasota.

AC On But Not Cooling

If your air conditioner is working but not cooling, make sure that the outside unit has adequate air circulation. You may need to remove the cover to clean off the condenser coils inside. You can learn more about how to clean an air conditioner here.

You’ll also want to check your filter. If you pull it out and can’t see light through it, it’s time to change it. This may give your air conditioner the cooling power it needs.

If it’s still not cooling by this point, give us a call and ask about our air conditioning repair service!

AC is Making Sound (Gurgling, Hissing, Whooshing, Etc)

Regular AC tune ups in Sarasota can help keep your unit running efficiently and prevent it from making strange noises. If your AC unit has started to make an unusual noise, it can indicate a specific underlying issue. Try to determine which kind of sound you are hearing:

• The fan motor or the compressor will make a screeching noise.
• Thumping, banging, rattling, and other related noises usually indicate a problem with the blower or the motor.
• Hissing usually means a refrigerant leak.
• Bad electrical components will make a buzzing sound.

If you’re not comfortable diagnosing the problem and fixing it yourself, call in professionals to perform AC repair in Sarasota.

Sarasota Air Conditioning Company

When you need a professional to help with your air conditioning problems or if you read this and you still wonder, “Why is my air conditioner not working?” call us at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air today. We’ll have an expert to your home fast to find out what has gone wrong with your A/C and to get it fixed right away. Rely on us whenever your air conditioner is not working!

Choosing a Sarasota Air Conditioning System for Your Home

When the time comes to get a new AC installation in Sarasota, do you know which kind to choose? It can be easy to get overwhelmed by the many options available on the market today, especially if you are unsure what the differences are between them all.

Our Sarasota air conditioning company has put together a little guide to explain the features and benefits of each type of air conditioning system, so you can feel like you are making an informed decision when investing in a new AC unit.

TYPES OF SARASOTA AIR CONDITIONING UNITS

At Wimpy’s, we’re experts at installation, maintenance, and AC repair in Sarasota on all the following systems:

CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING

This type of Sarasota air conditioner is great for efficiently cooling large properties, because it takes air from inside of the building, runs it through a series of ducts to cool it, and then sends it back into the space.

DUCTLESS MINI-SPLIT AC

If your property does not have professional ductwork, a mini split in Sarasota is a great option for cooling it down. With an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor unit (or multiple) attached to the wall, they can easily bring down the temperature in individual rooms.

WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER

This kind of air conditioning system sits in a window and cools a particular space by sucking warm air to the outside and sending cool air in. It is a very efficient way to selectively cool certain rooms of your property. If you’re considering this type of AC unit for your home, make sure you install it the right way.

PORTABLE AIR CONDITIONER

Portable AC units are similar to window units and work in the same way. These are designed to be easy to move from one space to another, which is convenient on warm days and helps keep energy bills down because you only need to cool the area that you are occupying.

HYBRID/HEAT PUMP SYSTEM

Heat pumps in Sarasota work to cool properties by using a mixture of fuel and electricity. It is designed to practically influence the temperature of a space by adding or removing warm air when necessary.

PICKING THE RIGHT AC IN SARASOTA

There is a lot to consider when you need air conditoning installation in Sarasota County. Our staff is committed to helping you find something that keeps you comfortable and is great for your wallet, needs, and specific situation. We will discuss your budget, property size, typical energy usage, and temperature preferences to find the perfect air conditioner for you.

Sarasota Air Conditioning Experts

For more help deciding on a new AC unit in Sarasota, FL, reach out to the team at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air for expert assistance!

Call Now for Air Conditioning Help!

Window AC Installation in Sarasota, the Right Way

Do you find yourself searching “how to install a window AC in Sarasota”? While the installation is straightforward, it’s important to do it correctly so you get maximal cooling and a minimum of problems. Here’s how to install a window AC unit the right way, from our experts in AC installation in Sarasota!

Measure Carefully

Even if you already have your window AC, measure it before you start installing it. Make absolutely sure that it fits in the window frame you’ve chosen. Check height as well as width to ensure that the unit will fit all the way around.

Check Your Window

For most window AC units, the window needs to open vertically, not horizontally, or with a crank or a lever. The window should be shaded at least part of the day so the air conditioner doesn’t have to work any harder than is absolutely necessary. It should also be free of rot and should be completely sturdy before you trust it with an air conditioning unit.

Install a Bracket

If possible, get a bracket to bear part of the weight of the AC unit so it’s not all resting on your window. This can also help you adjust the angle of the air conditioner to keep it working well. Install the bracket according to the instructions on the packaging as each one will be a little different.

Place the AC Unit

Get a helper to aid you in placing the air conditioner in your window. Even if you are strong, having another person allows you to make precise corrections. Make sure you check the AC’s packaging for specific placement instructions.

Finish the Job

Close the window down on top of the air conditioner with proper placement of the AC’s flange. Install an L-shaped bracket to make sure the window won’t get opened accidentally, as well as any other screws or brackets to hold it in place. Extend the accordion panels from each side of the unit toward the wall and secure them. Use a foam insulating strip to fill in any gaps.

Test Your New Air Conditioner

Turn on your new air conditioner and make sure it is cooling effectively. If it isn’t, contact the manufacturer to get some help. Once your new unit is installed, make sure you maintain it and know how to clean your air conditioner to keep it functioning its best.

Expert AC Installation Sarasota, FL

At Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air, we are your Sarasota air conditioning experts, and can help you install your new window air conditioner if you’re not comfortable doing it alone. But, beyond your window AC, keep in mind that our Florida cooling experts can help equip you with a Sarasota HVAC system that suits your needs, year round. If you’re tired of hauling your window units out each summer, it might be time for an upgrade.Call for an appointment today!

Is Sarasota Air Conditioning Maintenance Really Necessary?

If you’re a homeowner, you’ve probably thought about air conditioning maintenance in Sarasota or the surrounding areas and whether it is a good option for you.

At Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air, we are a Sarasota air conditioning company that has serviced a lot of air conditioners and we talk to a lot of people about AC service. We find that many of them don’t understand the importance of air conditioning maintenance, how it can help you avoid air conditioner repair in Sarasota, or how it could help them live better this summer.

Read on to find out what you stand to gain if you sign up for AC unit maintenance today!

Improve Energy Efficiency

When we do maintenance work on your air conditioner, our number one goal is to make sure your AC unit is working efficiently. We’ll remove the layers of dust and debris that can make its job so much harder. When it has to work harder, it uses a lot more energy. Do something good for the planet when you sign up for Sarasota air conditioning maintenance today.

Save Money

When you’re using less energy, your bills will be lower each month. Many of our customers find that they save significantly when they invest in Sarasota air conditioning maintenance. The amount that you can save will depend on a number of factors, including the quantity of dust and debris that we find in your system and the age of your ductwork. Our experts can tell you what to expect after they inspect your AC system. Not to mention, when your AC system is properly maintained and looked after, it can help you avoid or be proactive about air conditioner repairs in Sarasota!

Increase Your Sarasota Indoor Air Quality

When we get rid of the dust and debris in your system, there’s no chance that it will get into your ductwork and, therefore, into the air that you’re breathing. Air conditioning maintenance can help you and your loved ones breathe easier at home and improve Sarasota indoor air quality. You may even see an improvement in allergy and asthma symptoms inside your house.

Stay Cooler at Home

Sarasota air conditoning unit maintenance may help you achieve even lower temperatures inside your house. If your AC is having trouble cooling as effectively as you need it to, contact us and we’ll see if cleaning it out will help it run better. You may be able to get even cooler at home this summer.

If, during the course of an AC maintenance visit, we find any problems with your unit, we’ll let you know, then arrange to fix them fast via our air conditioner repair in Sarasota so you can rely on your air conditioner again soon. Call your reliable Sarasota air conditioning company at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air to schedule your air conditioning maintenance or to find out more about how it could help you live better this summer.

Call Now for AC Help!

How to Clean an Air Conditioner

Did you know that cleaning your Sarasota air conditioning can make a huge difference when it comes to AC efficiency, energy costs, cooling power, and more? It’s true! It’s an important part of AC maintenance in Sarasota and something you should be doing on at least an annual basis.

Not sure how to clean an air conditioner? Don’t worry! Below, you’ll find what you need to know to get started. You can also call our Sarasota air conditioning company, Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air; our technicians would be more than happy to get it done for you!

How to Clean an Outdoor Air Conditioner

Remove the Cover

Turn off your AC unit. Flip the breaker to be sure that it’s not getting any power at all.

Take off the cover of your outdoor AC unit. You will probably need to use a screwdriver and you may need help prying it off the rest of the unit. Be sure to keep the screws you take off somewhere safe. They may be a proprietary size and, therefore, hard to replace.

Clean the Coils

Not sure how to clean Sarasota air conditioning coils? No problem!

Wear gloves when you clean your AC coils because there are sharp parts that can cause deep cuts. Remove any large debris or chunks of matter that have built up inside your unit. Get out your vacuum cleaner and use the brush attachment to gently get dust and debris off the coils.

Use an AC condenser cleaner to make them spotless. Follow the directions on the bottle. Usually, you spray it on and leave it there for 10-15 minutes, then gently wash it off with a garden hose. It should take that deep-down debris away with it.

Once you’ve finished this, put the cover back on your AC unit.

Changing the Filter

People ask us all the time how to clean an air conditioner filter. Most of these are not made to be cleaned but, instead, are designed to be replaced every 1-6 months, depending on the type of filter, how often you use your AC unit, and a few other factors.

There is a different set of steps to follow to change the filter depending on the type of air conditioner you have. Our pros can tell you how to do it or you can look up your model online and follow the instructions there.

Sarasota Air Conditioning Experts

When you know how to clean an air conditioning unit, you can clean your own unit every year before you use it. You can also call our Sarasota air conditoning experts for AC maintenance and let a Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air professional do the job for you! We’ll also tackle any AC repair in Sarasota your air conditioning unit may need.

Call Now for AC Help!