You've Got A/C Questions? We've Got A/C Answers.

So many people are throwing around the popular catchphrase, “Winter is Coming.” However, for us here in Jersey, winter’s not coming, it’s going. Summer is coming—and you’re probably going to want air conditioning. The very elderly and very young alike are extremely sensitive to uncomfortable levels of heat, and it’s important to keep homes properly cooled in New Jersey, especially around the sunnier shore areas.

Every year, we receive calls for common issues that people run into with their central air conditioning units, and every year we come out and either fix them or let our client know that the problem is avoidable or an easy fix. This could be you, if you’re experiencing certain problems with your central air conditioning systems, so we’re taking common air conditioning issues we see at the beginning of seasons and answering them for you now.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Dripping Water?

Evaporator coils are an element in every air conditioning system, where they essentially extract warmth and moisture from the air and leave behind “cooled” air. As this process goes on, these coils become increasingly cold, which will cause water to bead up on them and eventually drip off—kind of like when you have a tall, frosty glass of ice water and you notice a puddle forming under it. Typically these coils should drip outside or into a designated area—you can either create your own system or consult a professional to see how they can help redirect the runoff from the coils.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Smell Unpleasant?

If your air conditioner is giving off a smell similar to mildew or mold—resembling dirty socks and feet—it is indicative of mold growing either in or around your air conditioner. A professional cleaning and a new filter will fix this problem.

If you are experiencing a putrid odor like rotten eggs or spoiled food from your air conditioner, the culprit is most likely an animal in one of your vents or infrastructure. Rodents, birds, and more will seek refuge in harsh weather, and sometimes it’s in air conditioning units—but every so often they can’t get out and pass away. When you experience this smell, check your ducts for animals, use some air freshener, and give it some time.

Some people report smells of gas—including skunk-like or sewage-like odors—and this may not be a job for your HVAC provider. If a skunk died near your system, it could cause a smell, but that’s unlikely. Typically, these smells are caused by leaks in sewage and gas lines. Sewage produces methane, which smells like eggs or trash, while natural gas usually has a chemical called “Methyl Mercaptan” added to it to give the otherwise odorless gas a detectable smell. If you have an electrical A/C system, you may smell exhaust-like odors coming from leaks within the engine and other components. If you smell gas, call a professional and get to the bottom of it right away.

If the smell has a burning, gunpowder, or smoke quality to it, this could be coming from faulty electrical components or a busted circuit board. This can result from old or damaged parts and should be addressed with an HVAC professional.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Hot or Not Cold?

The same evaporator coils that gather condensation and can cause leaking can also gather dust, dirt, and grime over time and become obstructed. As they become obstructed, their capacity to cool decreases—if this is the case, contact Care Temp, LLC immediately.

If your air conditioner is blowing hot air and you’ve recently had a cold snap where weather was unusually cold, check your thermostat and make sure it’s not still set to “heat” mode. This is a common cause of the issue and should be checked first to save time and money.

Another reason your air conditioner may not be cooling, or may be heating instead, is that it could be out of refrigerant. Refrigerant can be dangerous to handle and infuse into an A/C system, so consult a professional before doing anything with refrigerant. Note that older systems use Freon refrigerants, which damage the ozone layer, so use caution.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Accumulating Ice?

Typically, water is dried from the coils and other cold elements of an air conditioner by airflow—the air flows through and around the system and dries any water that may have built up. If there’s ice forming, it means there’s an obstruction to airflow somewhere in your property. This obstruction can be especially frustrating for owners of large commercial properties.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Make Unusual Noises?

This will usually require the input of a professional. Check your AC units for loose screws, obstructions, cracks, warping, and other damage, as this is typically the culprit. Don’t risk losing your air conditioning by ignoring a disturbing noise—call Care Temp, LLC today for a consultation.

We hope this cleared up some of the confusion surrounding the problems your air conditioner is causing you. These problems can be frustrating, especially in the hotter months of summer in New Jersey. That’s why we recommend addressing any problems like these now so you can stay cool all summer long.

At Care Temp, LLC, we’re “The Company That Cares,” and we pledge that we’ll be there for you in your time of need—we provide emergency service all day, every day, night and day. Call us when you need us at (848) 251-0600.