Keeping your air conditioner well-maintained will cut repair costs and extend its lifespan. However, some issues may require more immediate ac repair.
Check that your thermostat is on the right mode and temperature. This simple step saves time because the technician can immediately get to work.
Remove any obstructions in front of your outdoor unit and inside vents. This also frees up space for a technician to access ductwork.
Repairing the Condenser
The condenser is the outside component of your air conditioning system. Because it is outdoors, the unit faces dirt, grass and weather agents that may clog it and cause problems. This is why a good ac repair technician will always inspect the unit for any signs of dirt or obstructive debris before beginning work.
Likewise, he or she will check the coils for any damage or leaks. Then, he or she will look at the fan blades to ensure they are not obstructed. The technician will also look for bent fins that can restrict air flow and impact the cooling efficiency.
When the coils become iced up, it usually means that there is a problem with the refrigerant system. If the tubes are clogged, it is probably because of algae or mold. These problems can easily be solved by a professional.
However, if the coils are leaking, it is more likely that there is a serious problem with the tubes or seals. These cannot be replaced without replacing the entire condenser unit. This is not cheap and should not be treated as a DIY task.
Other condenser issues that require a professional include a burned out motor and a control board that is not working properly. These issues are usually caused by stress and poor maintenance. A professional can help you save money by replacing the motor and addressing any other issues.
It is important to note that if your condenser is more than ten years old, it may be time to replace it with a new energy-efficient model. This will save you a lot of money in the long run.
If the coils are not leaking but the unit is not producing enough cold air, you may have a blown fuse or a bad capacitor. You can check the fuses with a multimeter by touching the red and black leads to opposite ends of the fuse. A numerical reading indicates that the fuse still has charge and a minus sign or infinity symbol indicates that it is blown. This is a serious issue and must be addressed immediately.
Repairing the Evaporator
The evaporator coil extracts heat from your home’s air, cooling it before redistribution. This is one of the most important components in your AC unit, and it must be functioning properly to provide you with cool air.
There are several ways an HVAC technician can help fix an evaporator coil issue. For example, they may use a shop vac to dislodge the clog that’s blocking the coil’s ability to absorb heat from your home’s air. Then they’ll defrost the coil, which should restore it to its normal operating condition.
Another potential problem is low refrigerant levels. This can be caused by a leak in the system or it could simply be because the compressor has overheated. In either case, it’s best to leave this kind of problem to the professionals.
An HVAC technician will start by turning off the power to the evaporator coil. They’ll then drain and disconnect the coil, replace the capacitor (a small cylindrical object that looks like a 9-volt battery) and turn the system back on.
The technician will also check the drain line to see if it’s plugged up. This is a common AC repair problem that often results from bird’s nests or critter homes being built in the drain line. They can usually clear out the clog by disconnecting the drain line and using a shop vac to suck out any debris.
Finally, they’ll check the return air ducts to ensure they are free of any obstructions that may be hampering the flow of cooled air. This is especially important in older homes with ductwork that may have become disconnected or collapsed. A trained HVAC professional can re-attach or seal the ducts so they can function as intended.
While it’s tempting to try to troubleshoot AC problems yourself, you should always leave this work to trained technicians. Not only does working on the AC system involve potentially hazardous situations, such as dealing with leaking refrigerant, but it requires specialized tools and knowledge that most DIYers don’t have. Also, attempting to perform DIY repairs can void any warranties on the equipment and lead to further damage if you’re not careful.
Repairing the Blower
The blower is what moves air around your home and vents it outside. It is essential to the operation of your AC, so if it isn’t working properly, you’re likely experiencing more complex issues that require a professional. The good news is, there are several things you can try on your own to prevent or fix the problem before you call in the pros.
If you are hearing a high-pitched chirping noise, it could be caused by a motor bearing that is worn out. This can cause friction in the blower motor and eventually wear it out, causing a chirping sound. It is best to lubricate the motor bearings regularly to prevent this from happening.
Another common problem that the ac repair experts see is a blower that overheats. This can be caused by a number of factors, including an overheated motor or dust or dirt in the motor. Fortunately, most modern blower motors have built-in electronics to prevent overheating by shutting down the motor instead of risking damage to it or your home.
Overheating can also occur in the evaporator coils, which is an important part of your system that works to suck heat out of the air in your home. It can become clogged with debris or can start to corrode and leak water.
You may also notice that your house isn’t cooling as well as it should be. This can be due to a number of reasons, including a bad thermostat or a clogged ductwork. It can also be a sign of a refrigerant leak.
When you’re ready to hire an ac repair expert, make sure they are certified, insured, and accredited. Also, ask about their pricing structure and whether they offer any discounts or financing options. Once you’ve done this, you can rest assured that the ac repair company will be able to quickly and effectively solve your issue. They’ll help you get your home back to the right temperature and give you tips to prevent the same issue from arising in the future.
Repairing the Contactor
If your AC unit doesn’t cool your home adequately, it could be a sign of a faulty contactor. A contactor is a type of switch that’s responsible for turning on and off the compressor and fan motors. If a contactor fails, the air conditioner will not receive power and will produce warm or even hot air instead of cool.
Like any electronic equipment, the contacts of a contactor can wear down over time. Moisture, acidic fluids, and even air can cause the contacts to lose their ability to conduct electricity properly. When this occurs, the contactor will heat up and create arcs that melt cable insulation. To prevent this from happening, you should regularly clean and inspect your contactor.
In addition to maintaining the AC system, homeowners should also make sure that their ductwork is leak-free. Leaky ducts are a significant source of energy loss and can reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system. If you suspect that your ducts are leaking, you can open vent covers and use a flashlight to check for blockages or cracks. You can seal small cracks using metallic foil tape.
Another important aspect of AC maintenance is changing the filter on a regular basis. Dirty filters can affect the flow of air through the system, which can lead to poor cooling. Changing the filter can help keep it in good working condition and save you money on energy costs.
Keeping the air in your home cool and comfortable is essential, especially during the summer months. But as the weather starts to get warmer, many homeowners will rely on their air conditioning units more and more. Unfortunately, these systems can experience various issues that require ac repair services.
AC repair services involve repairing and restoring functionality to a malfunctioning or damaged air conditioning unit. The process involves identifying the problem, determining its underlying cause, and implementing repair techniques to restore the function of the unit. This can be done by an ac repair company or by the homeowner. It is recommended to do a thorough inspection of the unit prior to performing any repairs.