When you notice a problem with your AC system, it’s important to take action quickly. A professional will be able to diagnose the issue and repair it, saving you money and discomfort in the long run.
A few common AC problems include: Warm air blowing from vents, strange noises, and a clogged condensate drain line. These are just a few of the many issues that may need to be repaired by a professional contractor. Click the AC Repair Orlando to learn more.
Leaking refrigerant is one of the most common AC repair issues. It can cause a variety of problems, including reduced cooling performance, ice formation on the refrigerant lines, and an unpleasant odor. Whether you have a small leak or a large leak, it’s essential to get it repaired as soon as possible.
Refrigerant leaks are typically caused by corrosion, wear and tear, or physical damage to the AC system. They can also happen if the air conditioner is improperly installed, resulting in improper fitment of parts and components. In some cases, a manufacturing defect can cause a refrigerant leak once the unit is installed in your home.
A leaking air conditioner may be a sign that it’s time to replace your unit. It’s important to evaluate how much the repairs will cost against the cost of a new AC unit to see if replacement is more cost-effective.
Oftentimes, refrigerant leaks occur due to vibrations within the system. This can cause the pipes to bang into each other and stress the welds or joints. This is especially common in older units that have been in service for a long time.
Another common source of refrigerant leaks is when the welds or joints aren’t properly sealed during installation. Additionally, leaks can be caused by physical damage to the unit such as dents or punctures.
A professional technician will be able to determine the location of the leak and fix it before it becomes worse. They will drain the old refrigerant and replace it with fresh refrigerant. They will then perform a diagnostic test using nitrogen to ensure the leak is fixed. This process will help to locate the exact location of the leak so it can be properly sealed.
Compressor or Evaporator Coil Issues
An AC unit’s compressor and evaporator coils transport refrigerant so that the system can collect and dissipate heat. A working AC system can’t function without these important components. When the evaporator coil or compressor are damaged, cooling efficiency decreases and your system may produce warm air or even stop working altogether.
Typically, a faulty evaporator coil results in a hissing noise or ice formation within the system. The problem can also lead to short cycling, where the system turns on and off repeatedly instead of maintaining a thermostat setting. This wastes energy and accelerates wear and tear on major components like the compressor.
The evaporator coil can be exposed to many environmental contaminants that corrode its copper surface. These contaminants include dust, dirt, bacteria, mold, soot, leaves, birds droppings, fungi, and pollen. Exposure to these materials over a long period of time can cause the evaporator coil to weaken and leak.
Leaky evaporator coils can be repaired, depending on the severity of the damage. However, extensive corrosion often leads to the need for full replacement. The good news is that proper maintenance, including routine inspections by a professional, regular cleaning and reducing indoor VOCs can help to prevent the formation of these contaminants.
A leaking compressor or evaporator coil can be quite serious and require immediate professional attention. These issues can result in the loss of cooling efficiency, a buildup of moisture in your home, and the production of musty or moldy odors. Thankfully, both these problems can be prevented with routine inspections and maintenance and the implementation of some preventive measures like a UV light and reducing indoor VOCs. Taking these steps can significantly reduce the need for AC repairs.
Thermostat Issues
Thermostats are a vital component of your air conditioning system, controlling your indoor temperature and helping your AC unit work efficiently. If your thermostat is malfunctioning, it can cause your HVAC system to cycle on and off frequently or struggle to reach your desired indoor temperature. This can lead to higher energy bills and premature wear on your AC unit. Recognizing the warning signs of a thermostat issue and contacting an experienced AC professional promptly can help you avoid costly repairs or replacement costs.
The most common sign of a thermostat issue is that your home’s indoor temperature doesn’t match the setting on your thermostat. This may be caused by a number of issues, including faulty settings or incorrect wiring configurations between your thermostat and your AC unit. If your home’s internal temperature isn’t matching the reading on your thermostat, it’s best to contact a professional technician who can inspect your thermostat and HVAC system for any issues.
Another common thermostat issue is that your system isn’t turning on when prompted by the thermostat. This can be a result of a variety of problems, from the simple issue of low batteries to the more complex problem of a broken thermostat that requires replacement.
If your thermostat isn’t responding to changes in indoor temperature, you may need to replace its batteries or reset it by switching off power to the unit at your circuit breaker and then pressing the reset button. It’s important to note that working around electrical components can be dangerous, so it’s a good idea to contact a professional to perform any repairs on your thermostat or HVAC system. This will ensure that the job is performed safely and correctly.
Fan Motor Issues
The fan motor is responsible for moving air over the evaporator coils in your home’s condenser unit. When it stops working, you will not get cold air and your AC system may shut off or overheat. Luckily, you can often troubleshoot this issue before calling for repairs. Observe the physical state of the fan, listen for humming noises, and check through vents to see the fan blades. If they are not rotating, you have a problem and should contact your AC repair technician right away.
If the fan is tripping your circuit breaker, this is also a sign of an electrical problem. The tripping is likely caused by the motor drawing too much current due to overheating. An experienced technician will perform a resistance test to measure the condition of the fan motor windings. If the reading is zero, this means a short in the windings and the motor needs to be replaced.
Branches, leaves, and debris that obstruct the fan blades can also cause issues with your air conditioning system. Our technicians have seen all kinds of objects caught on or blocking the fan blades, including dead animals. You can check to make sure the blades are not obstructed visually or by using a screwdriver to give them a push if necessary.
The run capacitor and sometimes a separate start capacitor provide fan motors with an initial boost of power to get their heavy blades spinning, then supply them with a constant current while running. When these capacitors degrade, they struggle to turn the fan’s heavy bearings. Over time, this can lead to a locked rotor and the failure of the motor. Our experts can check the capacitors for bulging, leaking, or burn marks and inspect thermostat wiring for pinched or frayed spots.
Squealing Noises
A high-pitched squealing noise is usually caused by the serpentine belt slipping on the pulleys in your AC unit. It’s a common problem that can cause the belt to wear out sooner than it should, and it’s something you can prevent with regular service from a professional.
A clicking noise is typically a sign that the thermostat is sending signals to start up or shut down your AC. However, if the sound persists it can indicate other issues that require attention. This might be related to a relay issue or even something obstructing the fan or other components. It’s best to contact a technician who can check your AC system and resolve the issue.
Rattling sounds can come from a variety of places inside your air conditioner. It could be that loose screws or bolts are banging around during operation, or it might indicate that the fan blades are hitting something. In either case, it’s important to get this problem fixed quickly, before the parts become further damaged or break off entirely.
A squealing noise can also indicate that the compressor is experiencing pressure problems. This is generally due to a worn-out clutch or other internal problems, and it can lead to decreased airflow and cooling efficiency in your home. In some cases, it can even reach dangerous levels of internal pressure, which is why it’s so important to have a professional check your system and repair any problems as soon as they are apparent.
