The heat of summer is exactly when you're most likely to encounter problems with your air conditioner because of how much you're running it. Many functions can go awry even in a relatively new unit. Below are some of the most common issues that require professional repair.
1. Refrigerant Leaks
Your air conditioner functions by drawing air over evaporator coils to cool it. Inside the coils is a refrigerant. The coils can develop cracks or holes because of corrosion and other issues, a situation which allows the refrigerant to leak. As experts point out, refilling the coil with refrigerant isn't sufficient. You need a tech to repair the source of the leak first.
2. Frozen Evaporator Coil
If your filter isn't removing enough debris from the air drawn inside the unit, the dirt can accumulate on the evaporator coil. Warm air won't flow efficiently across the coil, so the temperature inside it might drop. This drop in temperature can cause the coil itself to develop ice. You can defrost the coil yourself, but a tech needs to then clean it.
3. Noisy Operation
When your air conditioner is running, you should expect to hear a gentle whir. Most other noises herald a problem. For example, a problem with the unit's relay will produce a clicking noise. A buzzing sound typically indicates issues with the electrical components. Banging or rattling likely means machinery inside has broken. A tech can evaluate the source of the issue and fix it.
4. Leaky Unit
On hot, humid days, your outdoor AC unit will produce condensate. The unit features a pipe that directs the water into a drain. If the unit is leaking water rather than directing it to the drain, it probably has an underlying issue. The pipe could be blocked, or the condensate pan might be broken. Either situation necessitates replacement of the affected part.
5. Compressor Failure
The compressor is located in the outdoor unit. It pumps refrigerant from that unit to the one indoors. If the compressor starts to fail, you may notice warm air instead of cool blowing into your house. It may also make loud clanking noises. Techs might be able to repair the compressor, or they may need to replace it.
6. Fan Stoppage
The fan in the outdoor unit is responsible for getting the air circulating into your home. If it doesn't run, you won't get any cool air inside. You can press the reset button on the unit to see if that solves the problem. If the blades turn freely but the fan still won't turn on, you probably need a new capacitor.
Call for air conditioning repair if you run into any of the above problems.
Share29 May 2020
Does your air conditioner smell, make loads of extra noise, or fail to cool your home? If you have noticed any of these problems, there might be issues with your air conditioning unit. Fortunately, you don't have to let a bum system make your home stuffy and uncomfortable. Professional heating ventilation and air conditioning contractors can snap your AC unit into shape in no time. By carefully checking your condenser and evaluating your refrigerant levels, the experts might be able to dramatically improve the cooling capacity of your home unit. Read here to find out how to spot problems before they make your space uncomfortable.