If your air conditioner is making odd noises, or you’re noticing that it’s not cooling as well as it usually does, this could indicate a problem with the fan, blower or compressor.
A professional maintenance appointment can identify and resolve these issues. Contact Air Conditioning Repair Orlando for professional help.
Refrigerants are essential to the proper functioning of an air conditioner, and if the coolant runs low or leaks out, your system will not be able to properly cool your home. Leaks typically occur as a result of corrosion. This is because the copper tubes that carry the refrigerant in an air conditioning system are exposed to harsh environments outside, which creates erosion of the metal and causes holes and cracks. In addition, many newer household products like carpets and furniture emit formaldehyde into the air, which can corrode the copper lines as well.
When the refrigerant runs low, it forces the system to work harder to perform cooling functions, which will drive up your energy costs. This can be an indication that it’s time to get a refrigerant leak fixed.
There are several common symptoms of a refrigerant leak, including warm air coming out of the vents, higher energy bills and ice building up on the condenser coils. Refrigerant leaks are not easy to fix and should always be handled by a professional HVAC technician. Attempting to do DIY repairs could void the manufacturer’s warranty and can lead to more costly damage to your system in the long run.
The first step in repairing a refrigerant leak is to drain the existing freon, then replace it with the proper amount. This will take some time, so be prepared to wait until it is done before using your air conditioner again. After replacing the freon, a technician should conduct a thorough leak search to find the source of the problem and repair it.
Leaks can be difficult to locate, but an experienced technician will know how to spot them quickly. Often times, a plumber will use a method called “soak and search.” This involves draining the freon and then pressurizing the empty pipes with nitrogen. The pressure will push gas through the leak and cause bubbles when soapy water is used to test the line. This allows the technician to pinpoint the leak and make a quick repair. After recharging the system, a technician will conduct another pressure test to ensure that the refrigerant is not leaking at the repaired site.
Electrical Issues
Electrical issues can be quite troublesome, especially if the faulty components aren’t dealt with right away. Commonly, these electrical problems are caused by damage to wiring or a faulty capacitor. These types of problems can cause your AC to shut down or stop working altogether. Luckily, you can help prevent these problems with proper maintenance.
The wiring that connects various electrical components in your air conditioning system can degrade over time, causing the system to malfunction. This may be the result of a poor repair job, or it can be due to age, heat, and pests. It’s important to inspect the wires in your air conditioner frequently, as a short circuit can be dangerous and lead to a fire. If you notice any frayed or exposed wires, contact a professional for an inspection and a repair.
Faulty fuses can also cause air conditioning problems. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including age, an improper replacement fuse, or an electrical surge. It’s important to have fuses replaced by a trained technician to avoid any possible fire hazards.
A faulty capacitor is another common air conditioner issue. These parts are responsible for starting the motor in your AC or heat pump, but they can become weak over time due to continuous use, voltage fluctuations, or manufacturing defects. Common symptoms of a bad capacitor include difficulty turning on your air conditioner, frequent system cycling, and a burning smell.
If you find yourself flipping your circuit breaker frequently, it’s important to have it checked out. It may be a minor issue that can be resolved in a matter of minutes, or it could be the sign of an electrical problem. A trained technician will examine the circuit breaker and fuse to determine the problem, then make repairs as needed. The best way to reduce the number of times you need to flip your breaker is by setting up a regular maintenance plan with your local HVAC company. This will not only lower your energy bills, but it will also help extend the life of your AC unit.
Dirty Evaporator Coil
A dirty evaporator coil can spell trouble for your air conditioning system, but it’s easy to prevent with regular maintenance. The evaporator coil is a set of metal fins that contain refrigerant, which extracts heat from the air that passes over it. A heavy buildup of dirt and grime can restrict this process, resulting in higher energy bills, inefficient operation, and reduced indoor air quality.
An air conditioner uses the evaporator coil to remove heat from the air that blows through your home’s ductwork. When the evaporator coil is clean, the blower fan can then direct this cold air into your property’s rooms. The evaporator coil can only effectively cool your property with a full supply of refrigerant. If the evaporator coil becomes dirty, this can put undue strain on the rest of your system and make it more likely to experience malfunctions and breakdowns.
The first sign of a dirty evaporator coil is that your air conditioner doesn’t cool as well as it used to. Dirty evaporator coils can restrict the flow of refrigerant, so the airflow over the coil is reduced. This can cause the coil to become overheated, which in turn reduces its cooling ability.
In addition to this, a dirty evaporator coil can lead to frost or ice buildup on the unit’s interior surface. This is because the coil can’t absorb enough heat to raise the temperature of the refrigerant, which causes water vapor to form along the coil.
If you notice any signs of a dirty evaporator coil, turn off your air conditioner immediately and call in a professional to inspect the problem. A licensed AC technician will have the training and tools to thoroughly clean your evaporator coil. This isn’t something that you want to attempt on your own, as it involves reaching into your attic and navigating a power-packed electrical system. If you are not qualified to do so, your air conditioner could shut down completely and result in the need for a costly replacement. A professional will quickly identify the underlying issues and make the appropriate repairs to ensure your system continues to work properly.
Faulty Thermostat
Thermostats are a vital component of your air conditioning system, and they help to keep it running properly. However, like other components of the unit, thermostats can experience malfunctions and issues that will require professional attention from a qualified HVAC technician to resolve. When these problems occur, it’s important to understand the signs of a failing thermostat so that you can schedule a repair as quickly as possible.
The thermostat isn’t working
One of the most obvious signs that your thermostat is defective is when it doesn’t respond to any changes to temperature settings. A functioning thermostat will usually make a slight ticking sound as it makes the adjustments necessary to run your air conditioning system, and it should start cooling or heating when those adjustments are complete.
When your thermostat isn’t working, the first thing you should do is check the batteries. Often, the problem with thermostats is simply that the batteries are dead. This is a simple fix, and it can save you a lot of frustration in the short term.
Another possibility is that your circuit breaker has been tripped. In this case, you’ll need to reset it to get your thermostat and air conditioner back up and running.
It doesn’t match the room temperature
The last sign of a malfunctioning thermostat is when it doesn’t accurately read the current room temperature. A functioning thermostat should always produce a reading that matches the temperature you feel in your home. If your thermostat is displaying an incorrect reading, you should use a standard thermometer to compare the two and see if there’s a discrepancy.
Failing thermostats are often the result of poor installation or the effects of age. While a faulty thermostat isn’t a major problem that should cause your AC to fail, it can be an inconvenience to deal with until you schedule a professional HVAC service to fix the issue.
The thermostat is a complex electrical device that sends signals via wires to your air conditioning system to turn on and off. A damaged or faulty thermostat can prevent these signals from reaching your air conditioning system, which may lead to ineffective cooling or heating and expensive repairs down the line.