If your AC unit is not keeping your home cool, it may be time to call a professional like Pro Master Heating & Air Conditioning. However, there are some common problems that you can resolve yourself before contacting an HVAC specialist.
Start by rinsing out your condenser unit and cleaning it. Make sure to use a rough brush to dislodge any dirt or debris. Then, use a fin comb to straighten out any bent fins.
Refrigerant leaks are a common problem that can damage your air conditioning unit’s function, finances, and health. Luckily, it’s also one of the easiest to fix. AC refrigerant leaks are caused by damage to the evaporator coil or condenser coil. When this happens, the copper lines that distribute the refrigerant can crack or break, which causes a leak. You’ll know when this happens because you’ll hear a hissing or gurgling sound during system operation.
The best way to prevent refrigerant leaks is to have regular maintenance checks performed by a professional HVAC company. This will help to ensure that the refrigerant levels are at their optimal level and can catch problems before they become serious issues that require expensive AC repairs.
A leaking evaporator coil or condenser usually results in a hissing sound during system operation. This hissing is caused by the escaping air from the leaking coil. If you hear this hissing, shut off your air conditioner immediately and call a professional AC repair company to come and investigate the issue.
Erosion of copper coils is another major cause of leaks. This is because the formic acid inside a leaky evaporator coil will corrode the copper lines over time, creating holes and causing the refrigerant to escape. Suppose you suspect erosion is a problem with your air conditioner. In that case, it’s important to contact a professional HVAC repair company as soon as possible to avoid further issues with your cooling system and minimize the amount of freon that must be removed from the copper lines during AC repair services.
If the air conditioning repair experts locate a leak, they can perform a few different types of repairs to close up the leaky area and stop any more refrigerant from being lost. This can involve soldering pipes together using special fluxes designed for use with air conditioners, replacing o-rings around valves, and sealing evaporator coils with sealants. Some AC repair specialists may also need to remove and replace the entire coil assembly if a leaking coil has damaged it.
If your air conditioner is working hard, but your home doesn’t seem to be getting cool, a clogged vent might be the problem. This is an easy fix and can often be caused by something as simple as dust collecting in your air vent. If you can’t find anything obvious, try relocating furniture blocking the vent and ensuring it is clean. Also, make sure the air filters are cleaned regularly to avoid clogs.
A more serious cause of clogged ducts is holes and other damage to the ductwork. This can allow air to escape, lowering the pressure in the ducts and reducing your AC’s ability to push air through them. You can fix minor leaks with duct tape, but large holes may require the replacement of the entire ductwork system.
Other common causes of clogged ducts include bird and rodent droppings, faulty air filters, and other physical objects. Mold and mildew can grow inside ducts, especially if they leak or have a damp spot in the ceiling. These can create an unpleasant odor and lead to respiratory problems.
Another sign of a clogged duct is seeing temperature differences between rooms in your house. Your HVAC system is designed to disperse air evenly throughout your home, so a big difference between different rooms is a red flag that something is wrong with your ductwork.
If you are unsure what is causing the problem, you can check with an AC technician. They will go around each vent while your HVAC system runs and see how the airflow compares. This will help them locate the clogged duct and determine the needed fix.
The compressor is the heart of your air conditioning system, pumping refrigerant gas throughout your home to remove heat and humidity from the air. When the compressor is damaged, it can cause all sorts of AC problems that result in a warm, sweaty house. The best way to determine if your compressor is damaged or needs repair is to have an HVAC professional inspect the indoor and outdoor units.
The first sign of a problem is usually when your cooling system no longer blows cool air. A damaged compressor can also make a high-pitched squeal when it turns on. The squeal is a sign of a bearing failure, which causes the metal components to rub together. This is usually a very serious issue that requires the replacement of the entire compressor.
In addition, a damaged compressor can cause low refrigerant levels and an increase in your monthly electricity bill. This is because the compressor must work harder to keep up with your cooling needs, which uses more energy than normal.
Another sign that your compressor is malfunctioning is a puddle of water around the unit. This means there is a refrigerant leak, and it should be fixed immediately.
Other signs of a faulty compressor include reduced airflow from the vents, a high power bill, and an inability to cool the house as before. In some cases, the compressor will just shut down altogether. This is most likely caused by a failure of the high and low-pressure sensors that detect whether there are low or high refrigerant levels.
A damaged compressor can lead to many other issues, including low airflow, a dirty evaporator coil, insufficient refrigerant levels, and clogged suction lines. A faulty compressor can even cause the system to overheat, costing an expensive AC replacement. While some DIYers may try to fix a damaged compressor themselves, this is always a bad idea, as it can cause other electrical problems that could short-circuit your house and create a fire hazard. Hiring a trained HVAC technician for any electrical repair or replacement is important.
The thermostat is considered a critical component in any HVAC system. It regulates temperature and ensures that the air conditioner turns on when needed. Because a functional thermostat is essential, it’s important to call on a professional who can help you repair yours when there is an issue. If your thermostat is broken or damaged, it can make your air conditioning system work incorrectly and cause frustration.
The most common sign of a problem with your thermostat is if it won’t turn on. This means that the power to the unit is cut, requiring a professional to diagnose and fix the problem. A malfunctioning thermostat can also indicate an issue with the wiring, and it’s important to have a licensed technician examine the unit to determine the source of the problem.
Another common indicator of a thermostat issue is if it won’t stay on the correct setting. It may start to cycle on and off frequently, and this can cause the compressor to overwork itself and lead to short cycling and high energy bills.
A malfunctioning thermostat can also be caused by dust or dirt on the mechanical and electrical components. This can prevent the unit from properly communicating with the AC, and it’s important to keep it clean. It’s a good idea to periodically use canned compressed air or a soft brush to clean the unit and the areas around it.
Lastly, the location of your thermostat can have an impact on its function. If it’s exposed to direct sunlight or other heat sources, it can be difficult for the thermostat to read the temperature accurately. Moving the unit to an area away from heat sources and other objects that could block it from receiving accurate readings is a good idea. This can help to prevent the thermostat from overworking itself, which can shorten its lifespan and lead to other problems.
