During hot weather, air conditioning technicians often charge emergency fees. This ensures they can service a home’s AC unit promptly. Many problems can be prevented by keeping up with maintenance appointments. This will save you repair costs and replacement expenses. Here are a few common reasons you might need air conditioning repair: clogged filters, leaking evaporator coils, or inefficient cooling cycles. Contact Comfort Pro’s Heat And Air professionals for appointments today.
Dirty Evaporator Coil: The evaporator coil of your air conditioning system is a vital part of the cooling process. It absorbs heat from the circulating air in your home and transfers it to another location, but it can suffer from a host of issues when routine AC maintenance is overlooked.
Dirty evaporator coils can be relatively easy to miss, especially since they often do not show any obvious signs or symptoms until the AC is working harder than normal to meet your cooling demands. However, if you do pay attention to your bills, you may be able to catch this problem early on, which can save you money in the long run.
A dirty evaporator coil will reduce the efficiency of your air conditioner, and it can even result in a buildup of frost. The ice can block the transfer of heat and stop the evaporator coil from functioning. If you do notice that the evaporator coil is covered in frost, turn off the air conditioning and call for an AC repair service immediately.
In addition, a dirty evaporator coil can increase the amount of moisture in the air. This can lead to mold and mildew, which will damage your AC unit and cause the evaporator coil to break down.
You can prevent dirt and debris from getting into the evaporator coil by cleaning it regularly with an air hose. You should also trim the surrounding shrubs and foliage to allow adequate airflow. In addition, it is a good idea to periodically “comb” the aluminum fins with a metal comb to keep them from becoming bent, which can impede airflow and slow the rate at which heat is absorbed.
Dirty Compressor Coil: The evaporator coil absorbs heat from the air that blows through your home to cool it, while the condenser coil releases absorbed heat back into the outdoors. Both coils need to be free of dirt and debris buildup to function properly.
Dirty evaporator coils can cause your system to overwork, causing increased energy bills, wear-and-tear on other AC parts, and a shortening of the unit’s lifespan. You may also notice that your home isn’t as cool as it used to be if the coils are dirty.
A dirty compressor coil is another major reason to call an HVAC professional for AC maintenance. Both coils need to be clean for your system to run efficiently, but the evaporator coil is especially important since it’s where heat is absorbed from the air.
Your dealer will carefully remove the outer casing and top of your air conditioner to expose the evaporator coils. If necessary, he or she will use a shop vac to remove loose dirt and debris from the surface of the coils. He or she will then use a fin-straightening tool to straighten any bent coil fins.
Once the coils are clean, your dealer will use a special coating to ensure that any remaining dust and debris doesn’t return to the coils in the future. He or she will also inspect the entire unit to make sure that it’s operating properly, including ensuring that it’s in a well-ventilated area and has adequate space around it. This is particularly important as some plants, bushes, or debris can block the airflow to and from the unit. Contact your local HVAC dealer if you’re interested in having your evaporator and condenser coils cleaned or for more information about AC maintenance services.
Low Coolant Levels: Most gas, diesel, and hybrid engines generate a significant amount of heat when in operation. A portion of this is channeled into the air conditioner to cool your car, while the remainder must be managed in some other way or your engine will overheat and stop working. The cooling system is responsible for keeping the temperature under control, and one of its essential components is coolant. If your coolant levels are low, it will not be able to transfer as much heat from the engine, and you may notice the temperature gauge in the instrument cluster rising higher than normal.
Coolant is a clear liquid, so it’s easy to tell when the level is dropping. However, it can be hard to determine the correct level of coolant in your vehicle, especially if you have an older model. Some vehicles have a coolant level sensor that will warn you when the fluid is getting low, but not all do. The best way to check the coolant level is to open the hood and look in the reservoir.
In addition to affecting the cooling of your engine, low coolant levels can affect your AC system. A low coolant level means there will not be enough refrigerant to absorb as much heat from the compressor during each cooling cycle, so it will run longer and not be as effective. This can also cause the evaporator coil to become frosty and have to be replaced. Make sure to always use a certified air conditioning repair professional to work with refrigerants, as these chemicals are ozone-depleting and require special care when handling. The right professional will be able to recharge the air conditioning system with the proper amount of coolant, and they will inspect the system for any other issues as well.
Faulty Thermostat: One of the most common problems with air conditioning is a faulty thermostat. This can lead to the system constantly running and not cooling. You can do a few things to prevent this from happening. First, make sure the batteries are not dead. You can also check to see if the settings are correct. Lastly, clean the thermostat. This can help prevent dirt and dust from building up. If you still have no luck, call in a professional. A professional will have the tools and knowledge to diagnose and fix the problem quickly.
Another sign that your thermostat is faulty is that it isn’t turning off when the room temperature reaches the set point. A new thermostat can fix this by sending the correct signals to your air conditioner.
A dirty thermostat can also cause issues with your air conditioner. When a thermostat becomes dirty, it can’t sense the actual temperature of the room. This leads to it cycling on and off. Oftentimes, this cycle can cause the system to overheat and damage other components.
You can prevent your thermostat from becoming dirty by cleaning it regularly. You can use canned air or a soft artist brush to remove dust from the cover. You should also change the batteries in your thermostat regularly. This is a simple task that can take just minutes. Doing this on a routine basis will help you avoid a battery failure. It’s also a good idea to have a technician test the wiring connections on your thermostat regularly. This can catch problems early and prevent expensive repairs. It’s always best to hire a professional because they have the tools and knowledge necessary to repair your thermostat quickly and effectively.
Warm Air: If your AC is blowing warm air it means the system has a refrigerant leak or it’s simply worn out. This is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. A professional can repair or replace the compressor, evaporator coil, or condenser coil to solve this issue. Depending on the cause of the refrigerant leak, the technician may be able to repair it and recharge your system with a new Freon.
Another reason your AC may be blowing warm air is that the ductwork is damaged or clogged. A professional can inspect and clean the ductwork to remove any debris or obstructions that are preventing cool air from entering your home.
Your thermostat may be set to ON instead of COOL, or it’s been bumped or changed by someone else. This can cause your air conditioner to run constantly, even if it’s not cooling the house. Make sure the thermostat is set to COOL and that the fan settings are set to AUTO.
Older systems rely on the refrigerant Freon, which is now a banned chemical that depletes protective ozone in the atmosphere. These chemicals are being phased out and replaced with HCFCs that are less harmful to the environment. If your air conditioning system is older than 10 years or if it needs frequent repairs, you should consider replacing it with an energy-efficient model.
The best way to keep your air conditioner in tip-top shape is to have it serviced once a year by a certified professional. Having a well-maintained AC unit will extend its lifespan and help you avoid costly air conditioning repairs in the future.
