What Our Customers Say & FAQs

If you have pets in the home, you should consider changing your filter every 60 days, or 2 months, and for homes with multiple pets or people with allergies or respiratory conditions, we recommend changing your filter every 20-45 days. Vacation homes or vacant homes that don’t see much use can typically wait to change out filters every 9-12 months. The general consensus is, the more you use your home, the more you need to change your air filter.

There can be a couple reasons why:

1. Thermostat Batteries Died and Need to be Replaced If your thermostat is blank, the first thing you should do is check the batteries. Chances are, the batteries have died and the thermostat simply can’t power on. Replace the batteries and see if your thermostat turns on. If not, proceed to the next step.

2. The Breaker Tripped Typically, thermostats are connected to a home or business via the main electrical system. Sometimes, the thermostat or another source of electricity can cause the breaker to trip (similarly to how a hair dryer can trip the breaker for example). If you’ve checked the batteries already, check the breaker. If it the breaker has tripped, simply flip the switch back on and check if this restores the thermostat screen.

3. Issue With Your AC and Heating System Tripped the Safety Switch If you’ve tried steps one and two to no avail, it’s time to inspect your air conditioning system, as well as your heating system if it’s separate. Sometimes, an underlying issue with your HVAC system can cause the transformer to stop sending voltage to run the thermostat. For your air conditioning system, start by checking the safety switch, which is installed in the drain pan. The safety switch works to detect problems like excess moisture or high temperatures within your system and prompts it to turn off before damages occur. If you notice that the sensor has gone off when you check the safety switch, call your local HVAC professionals for an inspection.

4. Your Thermostat is Broken Worst case scenario, your thermostat is at the end of its life and simply needs to be replaced. While all thermostats are different, the average device has a life expectancy of about 10 years. Give your local HVAC professionals a call — they will advise you on whether your thermostat needs to be replaced. 

When your air conditioning system is functioning as it should, it runs in cycles. You’ve likely noticed this happening, even if you didn’t know it for sure.

Cycles typically last 15 to 20 minutes. Your system will kick on and run until it reaches the desired temperature (whatever you set your thermostat to) and then kick off for a few minutes. But if your air conditioning system is running constantly without cooling your home efficiently, you have cause for concern. Besides not cooling your home, this is going to increase your energy costs and put unnecessary strain on your system.

If you’re looking to troubleshoot the problem yourself before reaching out to your local HVAC technician Here are the most common causes of this problem and what you can do to remedy the issue.

1. Clogged Air Filter

If your air conditioning system is running all the time without actually cooling, the first thing you should do is check the air filter. When your air conditioning system’s filter is clogged, it restricts the flow of air to your home. This can impede the function of your AC and prevent the removal of excess moisture in the air. When too little air flows over the coils within your system, it can’t effectively remove humidity. This makes your home feel warmer and causes your system to run constantly.

2. Restrictive Air Filter

Speaking of air filters, there’s a chance your air filter may be too restrictive for your system. There are lots of air filters available, but not all of them will work with your unique system. It’s possible that your current air filter’s MERV rating is too high. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It’s a rating scale that goes from 1-16 and should match your HVAC system. Check to see what air filter MERV works best with your home’s system.

3. Air Duct Leaks

Before cool, conditioned air reaches the rooms of your home, it travels through a series of ductwork. Over time, air ducts can become poorly sealed or lose insulation. This can cause air to leak, which leads excess cool air to escape, making it difficult for your home to reach your desired temperature. If the air ducts in your home are older, schedule an inspection with your local HVAC technician.

4. Low Refrigerant

Your system requires refrigerant to cool your home. If you don’t have enough refrigerant in your system, there is likely a refrigerant leak in the coils. As a result, your system is unable to cool your home. When this occurs, your air conditioning system will constantly run. It’ll continue to work harder to cool your home but won’t be able to without enough refrigerant. Refrigerant is dangerous to handle, so schedule an inspection with your local HVAC technician.

Here are 6 ways you can do that:

Swap Out the Air Filter

The air filter in your heating and cooling system keeps dirt, dust, pet hair, dander, pollen, and other debris from moving into the system. When it gets too dirty and overloaded with contaminants, the filter can’t do its job properly. The result is an inefficient HVAC system that must work much harder to produce the same amount of cool or warm air. When the system is working extra hard, components tend to wear out faster, requiring more repairs. Changing your air filter every month can prevent this problem, so set a reminder to keep up on this easy maintenance task. If anyone in your home suffers from allergies, choose a filter that has a higher minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV), since the finer filtration can keep allergens from getting through and keep the air clean.

Routine Maintenance

Regular Maintenance by an experienced HVAC professional is one of the best ways to extend the life of your system. The typical service includes a thorough checkup of the system in which your technician will look for damaged or worn-out components, along with a quick test for efficiency. During this routine inspection, the technician can pinpoint problem areas and fix them before they cause more serious issues. No one wants to be stuck without a working HVAC system, especially on a hot summer day in Mesquite, so keeping up with maintenance can reduce the risk of this happening.

Repairing Issues Immediately

If something isn’t working properly when you’re cooling or heating system is running, it’s important to have it checked out right away. Homeowners don’t have the experience to start poking around in their furnaces or air conditioners. You could end up causing more damage that will be expensive to fix. Problems like strange noises, bad odors, and poor air circulation are all concerning, so it’s best to turn the system off and contact an HVAC technician right away.

Keep The Vents Open

Some homeowners think they can reduce energy usage by closing the vents in rooms they don’t use as much as others. However, this tactic can cause your system to run less efficiently, forcing it to work harder. As the air pressure increases due to blockages from closed vents, the higher levels of pressure can wear out your ducts quickly. You could even notice cracks and splits in the ducts in areas where the registers or vents were closed. Keep them open in all rooms of your home to keep air flowing at the proper pressure levels.

Clean The Ducts Annually

Built-up dirt, dust, and other debris can lead to poor efficiency and excessive wear on the system as well. An HVAC professional can perform duct cleaning to eliminate the dirt within the ducts, allowing the air to move through the system without collecting contaminants. Another benefit of regular air duct cleaning is improved air quality, so you and your family may notice a decrease in allergic symptoms. Part of the service might also include sanitizing, which can eliminate any mold spores that cause allergies as well.

Check The Outdoor Unit

The condenser for your air conditioner sits outside of your home, typically near the structure on a cement pad or something similar. If you have plants or trees growing near the unit, make sure to keep them trimmed so it doesn’t get obstructed. Vacuum out the coils at the start of each season and the enclosure to get rid of debris that can block the vents and restrict airflow. You can also use a hose to clean off the coil within the condenser but keep the spray light to avoid damage. 

CHECK YOUR THERMOSTAT

First things first, check the settings on your thermostat. Your thermostat is the control center for your HVAC system, and sometimes it’s easy to overlook a simple setting change, especially if you aren’t the only one in a house. Most newer thermostat models will also display error messages with instructions to follow if there is an issue with your system, so it’s important to check the display periodically to make sure everything is running correctly. Also, be sure to check the manual if you aren’t sure about a setting or ask your service technician during your next routine maintenance for help!

CHECK YOUR THERMOSTAT BATTERIES

If your thermostat isn’t lighting up, it might need a new change of batteries. Many homeowners might not realize that their thermostat needs them, but if the display doesn’t light up then this could be the issue. This is a simple fix that doesn’t require a technician to visit and can save you a lot of time.

CHECK YOUR CIRCUIT BREAKERS

If your thermostat is working, and your unit still isn’t, check the circuit breaker or fuse box. Many homeowners do this automatically anyway, but it’s still an important and helpful step. Unexpected power surges and outages can burn out or trip your system’s fuse, cutting off power to the unit and leaving you with an uncomfortably hot home. This is another quick solution that may save you a lot of hassle.

CHECK YOUR FILTERS

Your HVAC system relies on airflow to function, and a blocked filter can not only make your system work harder just to cool your home, but it will also cost you money in costly repairs and electric bills down the road. If you can’t feel air coming from the registers, or you notice ice on the refrigerant lines and coil, then a lack of airflow may be the problem. Your air filters should be changed at least every 30 days or so (or more frequently depending on your home situation) especially in the months that see frequent or heavy use. Regularly changing your filters can help your HVAC system last longer and run more efficiently, saving you money, and keeping your air clean to boot! While you’re at it, make sure that the air return is unobstructed and open those vents, even in the rooms that aren’t being used. Your system will appreciate it, and so will your wallet.

CHECK INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SWITCHES

HVAC units have switches on the indoor air handler and outdoor unit. It’s possible that something or someone may have flipped one of the switches, either by accident or without realizing what it does. If this sounds like something that could have happened to you, then make sure to check it before calling. And remember, safety first!

CHECK THE DRAIN LINE FOR OBSTRUCTIONS

Indoor coils typically have an emergency cutoff or float switch, either attached to the drip pan or built into the drain line. These simple mechanisms prevent water damage by shutting off the condenser oil and stopping condensation from occurring. The downside of this, however, is that a blocked drain line means your unit can’t keep you cool. If your unit isn’t running, even though the thermostat and unit have power, you might have a drainage issue. Check the drain pan and drain line for standing water and try to flush or clear the drain line if possible. If you’ve checked all of these off your HVAC checklist and you still can’t find the problem, then it’s time to call the professionals. At Cycle Air HVAC, taking care of our customers is what we do. We’ll come out and get your unit running as soon as possible that way you can get back to enjoying the things that really matter. Because A/C repairs are hassle enough, so why settle for less than the best? schedule your appointment today!

Reason 1: The Condensate Drain Line is Clogged

This is the most common reason why the air handler is leaking water. Dirt, grime, mold, and sludge can build up in the line and cause it to clog. You can DIY by using a wet/dry vac to unclog the drain so look at the video above. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, you can call a professional for assistance.

Reason 2: Damaged Drain Pan or Rusted Drain Pan

When warm air encounters the cooler evaporated coils, it causes condensation to form. These droplets then fall into a drain pan. The drain pan connects to the condensate drain line, which then allows the water to drain outside. If the drain pans cracks, then it no longer protects the system from condensation and can severely damage the unit. You can consult the manual for the air handler to see how to check the pan or call a professional. If you call the professional, this will also allow him/her to check for damage inside the system.

Reason 3: Condensate Pump is Broken

This is a pump that takes the water out of the condensate pan. Not all HVAC units have this so you can check the owner’s manual to see if yours does. If your air handler is in a crawl space or the attic, you have a drain line that carries the water outside. However, if you have a basement, you probably have a drain pan that the condensate pump pumps the water out.

Reason 4: The Air Filter is Dirty

Air filters are a necessity in an air handler and play a big role. If the air filter is dirty, it will not allow the air to flow over the evaporator coils and will cause it to freeze. In fact, freezing is bad and as it melts, the water can flow over the drain pan. Change the air filter every 30-90 days, depending on if you have animals and smokers in the home. Then, you may need to change it more often. Additionally, ensure there is no blocking of vents and registers. Also, a poor filter can lead to dust build-up on the coils which can clog your condensation line.

Reason 5: Refrigerant is low

Are you hearing a hissing or blowing sound from your air conditioner? If yes, it could be your refrigerant is low or there is a leak. Low refrigerant will cause low pressure in the air conditioning system and the air conditioner won’t cool well.