Why is my AC not cooling when it's over 95 degrees?

Extreme Georgia heat strains your AC. Ensure proper maintenance, insulation, and use ceiling fans to improve performance during heat waves.

Should I add Freon to my AC unit every year?

No. If refrigerant is low every year, there is a leak. A licensed HVAC tech should locate and repair the leak before recharging the system.

What does a contactor do in an AC unit?

The contactor is a switch that controls power to your AC's compressor and condenser fan. It opens and closes based on the thermostat's signal.

What does a capacitor do in an AC system?

A capacitor stores and releases electricity to start and run the compressor and fan motors. If it fails, your AC may not start properly.

How does a TXV (thermal expansion valve) work?

A TXV meters refrigerant into the evaporator coil based on cooling demand. It improves efficiency and protects the compressor from flooding.

What is the job of the condenser coil?

The condenser coil releases heat from the refrigerant to the outside air. It's located in the outdoor AC unit and must stay clean to function.

How cold should the air be from vents if my house is 75 degrees?

The air from your vents should be 16–20 degrees cooler than the indoor air. If not, your system may be low on refrigerant or need service.

What should my indoor humidity be in July in Georgia?

Indoor humidity should stay between 40% and 55% in summer. Higher levels can make your home feel hotter and promote mold growth.

What is a condensate pump in an HVAC system?

A condensate pump removes water that collects from AC humidity removal. It pumps water from the drain pan to a proper drainage location.

What should suction pressure be with R-410A?

Typical suction pressure with R-410A is 115–125 psi depending on indoor temperature. A tech must confirm using superheat/subcool readings.

Does my AC need maintenance?

Yes. Biannual maintenance improves efficiency, extends equipment life, and helps prevent costly breakdowns.

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Evaporator Coil Leaking Freon

HVAC Terms - Glossary

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Air Conditioning FAQs and Tips

Q: Why did my AC stop cooling?

Common causes include clogged filters, low refrigerant, frozen coils, or compressor failure. Call a licensed HVAC technician to inspect your system.

Why did my AC stop cooling?

Several issues can cause your AC to stop cooling, including a clogged air filter, a frozen evaporator coil, low refrigerant, or a malfunctioning compressor. It’s best to call a professional HVAC company. John’s Heating, Cooling, and Appliance Repair can inspect the system and provide fast and accurate repairs.

Why is my AC not cooling when the outdoor temperature is above 95 degrees?

In extreme Georgia heat, AC units may struggle to keep up. Higher outdoor temperatures put more strain on the system, making it harder to dissipate heat. Regular maintenance, proper insulation, and ceiling fans can help boost performance during heat waves.

Should I have to add Freon to my AC unit every year?

No. If you need refrigerant added to your AC system every year, you have a leak somewhere. Refrigerant doesn’t get "used up." Contact a licensed HVAC technician to find and repair the leak and recharge your system properly.

What are the most common HVAC problems?

Clogged filters, low refrigerant levels, faulty thermostats, and dirty coils are among the most common HVAC problems we deal with. Regular maintenance and tune-ups can prevent many of these issues.

What does SEER stand for?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures how efficiently an air conditioner uses electricity to cool your home. A higher SEER rating means better efficiency and lower energy bills.

Why is the SEER rating different from what my salesperson quoted?

The SEER rating depends on both the outdoor and indoor components of the HVAC system. The final rating is based on the combination installed. Upgrading the indoor unit can increase total system efficiency.

How does an AC unit cool and dehumidify?

Warm air is drawn in through return ducts.

The air passes over cold evaporator coils that remove heat and moisture.

Water condenses and drains outside while the cool air is recirculated indoors.

What brand is the best?

Top-performing AC brands include Trane, Amana, Ruud, Carrier, Rheem, Lennox, and Goodman. The best choice depends on your home size, energy needs, and budget. We help you choose the right one.

What is the life expectancy of my AC unit?

Most AC units last 10-12 years with proper maintenance. Poor maintenance or frequent repairs may shorten that lifespan. Routine inspections can help extend the life of your AC unit.

Should I repair or replace my AC system?

If your system is over 10 years old and requires frequent or expensive repairs, replacing it may save you money over time. Newer units offer higher SEER ratings and energy savings.

What size filter should I get, and what type is best?

Use the size printed on your old filter or check your system manual. For better filtration, use pleated filters or media air cleaners. They remove more dust and allergens than standard filters.

Does my AC and heat pump need maintenance?

Yes. Maintenance prevents breakdowns and improves efficiency. Schedule service twice a year—once in spring for AC and once in fall for heating systems.

Should I have preventive maintenance, and how often?

Yes, we recommend biannual maintenance. Preventive care helps catch small problems early and keeps your HVAC system running longer with fewer surprises.

What are the advantages of a programmable thermostat?

Programmable thermostats improve energy efficiency by automatically adjusting temperatures. You save money without sacrificing comfort by setting home schedules, away, and sleep hours.

What temperature should I set my thermostat to?

72°F is a good starting point for comfort. Adjust it slightly up or down depending on your preference. Keeping it steady helps with energy savings. Smart thermostats make temperature control easier.

I hear the blower running, but no air is coming from the vents. Why?

Check for a frozen evaporator coil or a dirty air filter. If airflow is blocked, the blower won’t be able to push cool air. Turn off the system and call for service if needed.

How cold should the air be coming from my vents?

The air from your supply vents should be at least 17 degrees colder than room temperature. If it isn’t, your system may be low on refrigerant or in need of service.

Is it important to clean the condenser coil?

Yes. The outdoor condenser coil should be cleaned annually to ensure efficient heat release. A dirty coil can reduce cooling performance and cause higher energy bills.

What is the job of the AC contactor?

The contactor acts like a switch that controls power to your air conditioner’s compressor and condenser fan motor. When your thermostat calls for cooling, the contactor engages and sends voltage to the outdoor unit. If the contactor fails, your AC won't turn on. Replacing a faulty contactor is a common AC repair we perform across Fayetteville and surrounding areas.

What is the AC capacitor for?

The capacitor stores and delivers a quick burst of electricity to start the compressor and fan motors. Without a working capacitor, your air conditioner may hum but not start. Bad capacitors are one of the most frequent causes of AC failure, especially during Georgia's summer heat. If your system won’t kick on, it may be time to replace the capacitor.

What does the compressor do in an air conditioner?

The compressor is the heart of your AC system. It pressurizes the refrigerant and circulates it between the indoor evaporator coil and outdoor condenser coil. This process removes heat from your home. A damaged compressor can lead to warm air blowing from your vents, strange noises, or total system failure. Compressor replacement is a major repair and sometimes signals it's time for a full system upgrade.

What is a heat exchanger, and what is it for?

The heat exchanger is a metal chamber inside your furnace that transfers heat from combustion gases to the air blowing through your ductwork. While it’s mostly associated with heating systems, it's vital for HVAC safety. A cracked heat exchanger can leak carbon monoxide and should be replaced immediately. We inspect heat exchangers during routine HVAC maintenance visits in Fayetteville, Peachtree City, and Newnan.

What is the job of the AC condenser coil?

The condenser coil is located in your outdoor unit. Its job is to release heat that the refrigerant has absorbed from inside your home. A fan blows air over the coil to cool the refrigerant back into a liquid. When the condenser coil is dirty or damaged, your AC will run inefficiently or even shut down. Annual coil cleaning is part of our spring AC tune-up service.

How does the evaporator coil work?

The evaporator coil is inside your air handler or furnace. Warm air from your home is drawn in and blown over the cold evaporator coil. The coil absorbs heat and moisture, which cools and dehumidifies the air. The cooled air is then circulated back through your home. If the coil is frozen or dirty, your system may stop cooling properly and need professional attention.

What is a TXV (Thermostatic Expansion Valve) and how does it work?

The TXV controls how much refrigerant flows into the evaporator coil. It senses the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant and adjusts the flow to optimize efficiency. A malfunctioning TXV can lead to poor cooling, high energy bills, or frozen coils. Diagnosing and replacing a faulty TXV requires a trained HVAC technician, like our licensed team at John’s Heating, Cooling, and Appliance Repair.

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How cold should the air be coming out of my supply vents if the house is 75 degrees?

If your home is 75°F, the air coming out of your supply vents should typically be between 55°F and 58°F—around 17 to 20 degrees cooler than the room temperature. This temperature drop, known as the “Delta T,” helps determine if your AC is cooling properly. If your system isn't reaching this range, it could indicate low refrigerant, a dirty coil, or poor airflow—common problems we repair across Fayetteville and Peachtree City.

What should the humidity level be in my house in July?

In Georgia’s hot and muggy July climate, your indoor humidity should stay between 40% and 55% for comfort and air quality. If it's higher, you may feel sticky or notice mold and mildew. Your AC helps dehumidify, but if it struggles, we can install whole-home dehumidifiers or inspect your evaporator coil and airflow for performance issues.

What is a condensate pump in an air conditioning system?

A condensate pump removes the excess moisture that collects when your air conditioner dehumidifies the air. It pumps the water from the drain pan to a nearby drain or outside the home. If the condensate pump fails, it can cause water leaks or shut down your AC system. We inspect and replace faulty pumps to prevent water damage and ensure safe operation.

What is an ambient thermostat?

An ambient thermostat (or ambient temperature sensor) measures the surrounding air temperature near the HVAC equipment. It helps the system adjust performance based on real-time conditions, especially in systems with variable-speed or inverter-driven compressors. Faulty ambient sensors can lead to inaccurate readings, uneven cooling, or cycling problems—something our techs frequently diagnose during AC repairs in Newnan, Griffin, and Senoia.

What should my suction pressure be when using R-410A refrigerant?

For systems using R-410A, typical suction (low side) pressure should range from 110 to 145 psi, depending on indoor temperature and humidity. At 75°F indoor temperature, suction pressure should generally be around 125 psi, assuming normal operation. However, exact values vary by system type. Low or high suction pressure can signal a refrigerant issue, a restriction, or a failing compressor. Our EPA-certified HVAC team uses accurate gauges and superheat/subcooling to diagnose AC issues the right way.