Coming home to find your air conditioner blowing warm air can be more than just uncomfortable—it can be downright distressing. While this common air conditioning problem can stem from various issues, understanding the causes can help you determine whether it’s a simple fix or time to call in the professionals.
It’s helpful to understand how your air conditioning system works before going over the problems. Your AC unit operates on a relatively simple principle: it uses refrigerant to absorb heat from inside your home and release it outside. The process begins when liquid refrigerant passes through indoor evaporator coils, absorbing heat from your home’s air and transforming into a cold gas. A fan then blows across these refrigerant-cooled coils, pushing cold air through your ductwork. The gaseous refrigerant carries the absorbed heat to your outdoor unit, where it releases the heat and returns to liquid form, continuing the cycle.
Refrigerant Issues: A Common Culprit
One of the most frequent causes of poor cooling performance is refrigerant-related problems. Your AC system relies on a specific amount of refrigerant to function properly. When refrigerant levels drop due to leaks, your system loses its ability to effectively cool your home. You might notice not only reduced cooling but also increased humidity levels inside your house, which make it feel even warmer than it actually is.
Refrigerant leaks require professional attention. They can be difficult to locate and repair, and only certified HVAC technicians can legally handle refrigerant. If you suspect a leak, it’s important to have it looked at quickly, as running your system with low refrigerant can cause additional damage to other components.
The Critical Role of Air Filters
What many homeowners don’t realize is that something as simple as a dirty air filter can cause their AC to stop cooling effectively. Your air filter works continuously throughout the year as it traps everything from dust and pollen to pet hair and lint. When these filters become clogged, they restrict airflow to your system, which can cause several problems such as:
Reduced cooling efficiency
Increased energy consumption
Potential system shutdowns
Accelerated wear on AC components
Possible damage to evaporator coils
The good news is that filter maintenance is something most homeowners can handle themselves. For optimal performance, change your filters every three months, or more frequently if you have pets or live in a particularly dusty area.
Evaporator and Condenser Coil Problems
Even with regular filter changes, your system’s coils can develop issues over time. The evaporator coil, located inside your home, is particularly susceptible to mold and mildew growth due to constant moisture exposure. When coils become dirty or damaged, they can’t efficiently transfer heat, which leads to poor cooling performance.
Frozen coils are another common issue, often resulting from low refrigerant levels or airflow problems. If you notice ice building up on your indoor unit, turn off your system immediately and contact a professional to prevent further damage.
Ventilation and Airflow Obstacles
Sometimes the problem isn’t with your AC unit itself but with the path the air takes through your home. Several ventilation issues can prevent proper cooling, including:
Blocked or closed supply vents
Clogged return air registers
Damaged or leaking ductwork
Improperly sized ductwork
Pest damage to ventilation systems
Take a moment to inspect all visible vents in your home. Ensure they’re open and unobstructed by furniture, curtains, or other items. If you notice certain rooms aren’t cooling properly while others are fine, this could indicate a ductwork problem requiring professional inspection.
Thermostat Troubles
Before assuming your AC has a major problem, always check your thermostat first. Sometimes the solution is as simple as:
Verifying the system is set to “Cool” instead of “Heat”
Ensuring the temperature setting is correct
Checking/replacing thermostat batteries
Confirming the thermostat is properly calibrated
If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, your AC won’t know when to turn on or off. This will lead to comfort issues throughout your home.
The Value of Preventive Maintenance
Many AC problems can be prevented through regular maintenance. Scheduling professional tune-ups twice yearly—ideally in spring and fall—can help:
Identify potential problems before they become serious
Maintain optimal system efficiency
Extend your AC’s lifespan
Prevent unexpected breakdowns
Save money on energy bills
Ensure proper cooling when you need it most
During these maintenance visits, technicians can clean coils, check refrigerant levels, inspect electrical connections, and ensure all components are functioning properly.
When to Call a Professional AC Repair Service in Salem, Oregon
While some AC issues have simple solutions, others require professional expertise. Contact an HVAC professional if you notice:
Unusual noises from your AC unit
Ice formation on any part of the system
Water leaks around your indoor unit
Consistently poor cooling performance
Frequent system cycling
Unexplained increases in energy bills
Attempting DIY repairs on complex AC problems can often lead to more expensive repairs or even system replacement.
Contact Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning for AC Repair in Salem, Oregon!
When your air conditioner isn’t performing as it should, you need a reliable HVAC partner who understands both the technical aspects of AC repair and the importance of prompt service. At Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ve been helping Salem residents stay comfortable through every season with expert AC repair services, maintenance, and installation.
Our certified technicians are equipped to diagnose and repair all makes and models of air conditioning systems, and we pride ourselves on providing honest, professional service at competitive rates.
Don’t wait until your AC problems become unbearable—contact us today to schedule a service appointment and let us help restore your home’s comfort!
Deciding Whether to Get Air Duct Cleaning in Salem, Oregon
As a homeowner in Salem, you’ve likely seen advertisements for air duct cleaning services promising to improve your home’s air quality. While clean ducts might seem obviously beneficial, the decision to have them cleaned isn’t always straightforward as there are specific circumstances when it makes good sense. Let’s explore when air duct cleaning is worth the investment.
Signs You Should Get Your Ducts Cleaned
Some clear indicators suggest your ducts need professional attention:
Visible mold growth inside your ducts or on other parts of your heating and cooling system.
Signs of pest problems, such as rodents or insects in your ductwork.
Noticeable dust and debris coming out of your air vents.
Excessive dust buildup that’s visible when you look into your vents.
If you notice any of these issues, it’s worth considering a professional cleaning service. Just remember – if there’s an underlying problem causing these issues, it needs to be fixed first, or the problems will likely return.
Understanding When You Can Skip the Service
While some dust in your home’s HVAC system is normal, a professional duct is important in maintaining optimal indoor air quality and system efficiency. Though light dust around vents and in ducts is common, over time these particles can accumulate significantly and affect your home’s air quality.
Regular duct cleaning is particularly valuable for homes with pets, residents with allergies or respiratory conditions, or those that have undergone recent renovation work. While everyday cleaning helps manage visible dust around vents, only professional duct cleaning can address the accumulation within your ductwork system.
The Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning
While routine duct cleaning isn’t always necessary, there are major benefits:
May improve your system’s efficiency if components are heavily soiled.
Can help extend your HVAC system’s lifespan.
Removes accumulated dust and debris.
Provides peace of mind for allergy sufferers.
Could help identify other HVAC issues during inspection.
Important Maintenance Tips
Instead of frequent duct cleaning, focus on these preventive measures:
Use high-quality air filters and change them regularly.
Keep your home clean and dust-free.
Have your HVAC system serviced annually.
Address any water leaks right away to prevent mold growth.
During home renovations, seal off vents to prevent construction debris from entering ducts.
What Quality Duct Cleaning Looks Like
When you do decide to have your ducts cleaned, it’s important to understand what proper service entails. A thorough duct cleaning should take several hours and include all components of your HVAC system, not just the ducts themselves. The service provider should use professional-grade vacuum equipment and take precautions to protect your home’s furnishings during the cleaning process.
Contact Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning for Air Duct Cleaning in Salem, Oregon!
When you’re ready to have your ducts professionally inspected or cleaned, trust Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning to provide an honest assessment of your needs. Our experienced technicians take pride in delivering thorough, professional duct cleaning services to Salem homeowners. Contact us today to schedule an inspection!
Air duct cleaning is an important home maintenance task that helps maintain indoor air quality and HVAC system efficiency. While many homeowners worry about mess and dust during the cleaning process, a professional duct cleaning service in Salem should leave your home as clean as they found it. Here, Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning explores the key factors that ensure a clean, efficient duct cleaning process and how to avoid common pitfalls that can lead to unwanted messes.
The Importance of Professional Equipment
Using the proper equipment is one of the most important factors in preventing mess during duct cleaning. Professional duct cleaning services should utilize HEPA-rated vacuum systems that generate enough power to thoroughly do the job. Be wary of companies using portable shop vacs or simple rotating brush systems, as these usually lack the required power to properly contain and remove debris from your duct system.
Understanding Your Home’s Duct Layout
Thoroughly understanding a home’s duct system can help professionals ensure that they are properly cleaned. They should begin with a complete walkthrough of your home, mapping out the duct layout and planning what to do. The most effective cleaning process usually starts at the vents farthest from your furnace and on the highest floor, systematically working downward to ensure all debris is properly captured and removed.
Proper Sealing Techniques
To prevent dust and debris from escaping into your living space, each vent register must be properly sealed before cleaning begins. Professional technicians use specialized materials called “Duct Mask” or “Grill Mask” – a thick, adhesive film that creates an airtight seal over each vent. Not only does this prevent debris from escaping but it also helps maintain optimal suction throughout the cleaning process.
Strategic Zoning for the Best Results
In larger homes or systems with complex duct layouts, professional technicians may need to implement strategic zoning. This involves temporarily blocking off sections of the trunk lines to maintain proper suction power throughout the cleaning process. This technique is particularly important in:
Homes with extensive duct systems
Properties with multiple stories
Systems with numerous branch lines
Older homes with complex duct configurations
Signs of Professional Excellence
Quality duct cleaning services demonstrate their expertise through:
Thorough initial inspection and planning
Clear explanation of their cleaning process
Use of professional-grade equipment
Careful attention to sealing and containment
Systematic cleaning approach
Clean-up protocols if any accidents occur
Common Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious of companies that:
Arrive with inadequate equipment
Skip the initial walkthrough
Fail to seal vent registers
Cannot explain their cleaning process
Offer unusually low prices
Lack of proper certifications or insurance
Schedule Duct Cleaning in Salem with Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning!
At Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we bring years of expertise and professional-grade equipment to every duct cleaning job in Salem and surrounding areas. Our certified technicians follow all industry best practices to ensure a thorough cleaning without the mess.
Contact us today to schedule your professional duct cleaning service and experience the difference proper technique and equipment can make!
