Your Guide to AC Troubleshooting in Magnolia

Summer in Texas is no joke, and early fall can be nearly as hot and muggy. The last thing you need when the temperature and humidity climb is a faulty air conditioner.

Living in a sweltering home with a malfunctioning air conditioning can be uncomfortable, inconvenient, and hazardous to your health.

The Houston Health Department tracks heat-related illnesses and has identified more than 1,600 heat-related illness emergency room visits since April 1 in Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties.

At Milton Frank Plumbing & Cooling, we want you to avoid becoming a heat tracker statistic. If your air conditioning system stumbles on one of our scorching summer days, you need to know if it needs professional attention or a simple, do-it-yourself fix.

Here at Milton Frank Plumbing & Cooling, we have served Spring and neighboring communities for over 35 years and know a thing or two about keeping homes comfortable. We are always here to help with your AC problems, and believe in empowering you with knowledge. Consider this your go-to guide for common AC issues and troubleshooting tips to help you stay cool.

Check for Simple AC Problems

Before you panic, take a moment to check these three common issues. You might be surprised how often a simple oversight is the cause of an air conditioning meltdown.

• Check the Thermostat: Is it set to “cool”? Is the fan set to “auto”? It’s easy for someone to change the settings accidentally. If your thermostat uses a battery, be sure the battery is fresh.

• Check the Air Filter: This is a top cause of poor performance. A clogged or dirty air filter restricts airflow, forcing your system to work harder and less efficiently. If it looks dirty, it is time to change it!

• Check the Breaker Box: The issue could be as simple as a tripped breaker. Check the breaker labeled for your AC in your electric panel. If it has flipped to “off,” move it into the “on” position.

If these simple checks don’t solve the issue, it’s time to move on to the more specific AC problems.

Troubleshooting Common AC Issues

You walk past a vent and feel faint airflow. This mere whisper of air could signal a dirty filter, a blocked air vent, or a blower fan clogged with debris and not spinning correctly. Check the vents and filter. If the airflow remains low, call us at Milton Frank Plumbing & Cooling for a diagnosis and professional repair. 

Another common issue is uneven cooling, when one room feels cold and another feels warm.  Poor insulation and leaky ductwork are prime suspects. The cause might also be as simple as a closed or blocked vent that creates uneven air distribution. The thermostat’s placement can also play a role. If it is near an uninsulated area or south-facing, poorly sealed windows, it might shut the system off before the rest of your Magnolia, home is adequately cooled.

Be sure vents are unobstructed. You can try adjusting the dampers in your ductwork to direct conditioned air to the warm spots in your home. Seek professional assistance if you do not feel comfortable dealing with your ductwork or if the dampers in your home are automatic rather than manual.

Noises are another sign your AC unit needs professional help. Grinding and rattling sounds could indicate a mechanical problem like a loose component. You may hear hissing if your system has a refrigerant leak. Your solution is to turn off the AC system and call us at Milton Frank Plumbing & Cooling for diagnosis and repair. Continuing to run the unit while it emits odd sounds could lead to a system breakdown.

When to Call the Pros

Always call an HVAC professional if you encounter a refrigerant leak, electrical issue, or persistent problem while troubleshooting. Our experts are trained and certified to work with refrigerants and electrical issues.

If you have tried basic troubleshooting and your AC unit is struggling, it is time to call in the pros. A persistent problem is often a symptom of a larger, underlying issue that requires specialized tools and expertise to fix correctly.

Get Professional AC Repair in Magnolia, TX

Dealing with a faulty AC unit in the Texas heat can be uncomfortable, inconvenient, and exhausting. Why not leave the work to us at Milton Frank Plumbing & Cooling? We have over 35 years of experience and the knowledge and tools to handle any AC repair. You can count on us for everything from simple tune-ups to complex repairs and new installations. We can prevent a small problem from becoming a costly breakdown.

If you are experiencing persistent AC problems or just need a professional opinion, call us at 281-645-9596 or request service online.