What AC Repair Technicians Will Look For
A trained AC Repair North Hollywood technician will use trial and error to figure out what’s wrong with your system. Here are some of the most common things they’ll look for:
A broken fan in your outdoor unit can cause your air conditioner to shut down. This may indicate a problem with the cooling cycle or a failed compressor.
Thermostat issues are a common cause of AC problems, and there are many different things that can lead to them. If your thermostat is not displaying the correct temperature or seems to be faulty in any way, a professional will need to diagnose the problem and take care of it for you.
First, you will want to make sure that the thermostat has power. If the display is dark, it may mean that the batteries are dead or that there is a breaker problem in your home. If this is the case, you will need to check your breaker box for a tripped switch or blown fuse and switch them back on.
Another possible cause of a thermostat being faulty is that it may have become damaged by dust or debris over time. If you suspect that the sensors inside your thermostat are dirty, try cleaning them with canned air or a soft brush. You can also try recalibrating the thermostat to see if this helps.
If you still can’t get your thermostat to work properly, it is likely that the unit itself needs to be replaced. The unit’s internal aluminum parts can corrode over time, which can interfere with electrical connections and result in the thermostat being unable to communicate with the HVAC system.
If the AC is running but you are only getting warm air, it could be an issue with the compressor or a clogged fan. A professional will be able to diagnose the problem and determine if the unit is worth repairing or if it needs to be replaced entirely. They will be able to help you figure out the best solution for your home and budget.
One of the most overlooked problems that can occur during AC repair is clogged filters. Dirty air filters force your HVAC system to work overtime and can cause significant damage to the system over time. Fortunately, air filters are inexpensive and simple to replace. By keeping up with a regular filter replacement schedule, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your home healthy and safe.
When your filter is clogged, it restricts the flow of cold air through the system. This can freeze up the evaporator coils and prevent them from absorbing heat. In some cases, the refrigerant may also start to leak out of the system, causing it to overheat and shut down.
The airflow restriction caused by a dirty filter can also lead to an increase in energy bills. The blower fan has to work harder to move the air through a clogged filter, which consumes more energy to operate. Over time, this can add up to a large increase in your energy bill.
A clogged filter can also trap allergens in the system. These allergens are then blown out through the vents and into the home’s air. This can trigger allergy symptoms like sneezing and itchy eyes.
Another sign that your filter needs to be replaced is if you notice dust building up on furniture and floors near the air vents. This is because the circulating air is pushing the dust toward the vents as it moves through the ductwork. If you notice this dust buildup, it’s a good idea to schedule a maintenance visit or change your filter to stop the problem before it worsens. A professional technician can help you identify clogged filters and other issues that might affect your system.
When your AC system is low on refrigerant, it won’t be able to blow cool air through your vents. A professional will need to recharge the unit with Freon in order for it to work properly. There are a few things you can look for before you call a Lawton, OK, technician to check whether your AC is low on refrigerant.
Ice buildup on the refrigerant lines
If you notice that there is ice on the refrigerant lines on the outside of your home, this means that the level of refrigerant in the system is dangerously low. The ice usually forms due to a leak in the system, which could be caused by worn-out or faulty components. Leaks are more likely to occur after a long period of continuous operation, so regular maintenance should help prevent them.
Water Puddles Around the Furnace
If your refrigerant levels are low, you might also notice that there is a puddle around the thermostat area or on the ground. This is a sign of a leaking air conditioner that needs immediate repair. There is a good chance that the puddle will disappear once a professional repairs the leak and refills your system with refrigerant.
Bubbling or hissing noises
As the refrigerant escapes through a leak in your system, it will make a bubbling or hissing sound. This is similar to the sound you might hear when you spray a can of compressed air into it. A professional will be able to find and fix the source of the leakage before they add more refrigerant.
The compressor is the heart of your AC system. It is responsible for compressing and circulating refrigerant throughout your home, so it’s important to keep it clean. If the compressor isn’t functioning properly, your air conditioning will be less efficient. A damaged or broken compressor can be quite expensive to repair, so it’s best to consult an experienced professional if you suspect it has been compromised.
A compressor can become damaged if it overheats. This can be caused by internal factors, like a dirty evaporator coil or clogged filters, or external issues, such as excessive discharge pressure or a poorly sized suction line.
If your compressor overheats, it may need to be replaced. Replacing a compressor can be an expensive process, but it’s usually cheaper than replacing other parts of your AC unit.
During an AC repair, your technician will likely inspect the compression assembly and replace any damaged or worn components. They will also ensure the compressor is lubricated and operating properly. Keeping up with routine maintenance will help prevent the occurrence of home AC compressor failure and repair costs.
If the compressor has a problem, you may hear loud banging or growling noises. These sounds are a sign that the compressor isn’t working, and you should call for a repair right away.
Capacitors and starter relays provide power to the compressor. If these devices start to degrade, it will affect the compressor and condenser fan motor windings. When this happens, the capacitor will stop providing startup power and will need to be replaced. To replace a capacitor, you will need needle-nose pliers to disconnect the wires and remove the old one. Then, use female crimp connectors to snap the new capacitor into place.
Thermostat issues may seem like a minor problem, but if the thermostat isn’t working properly, it can cause your air conditioning system to malfunction. This is why it is important to know how to troubleshoot basic thermostat problems. This can save you time and money on an unnecessary AC repair service.
If your thermostat isn’t working or the display screen has gone dark, there is a good chance it is experiencing a power or electrical connection issue. This could be caused by dead batteries, a tripped breaker, or a blown fuse. If this is the case, the first thing to do is check the batteries and replace them if needed. If this doesn’t help, the next step is to look at your home’s breaker box and see if the breaker has been flipped off.
Once the breaker has been turned back on, you should be able to see whether the thermostat is still working or not. If it is, the next step is to remove the thermostat cover and check the connections for any signs of corrosion or looseness. You should also clean the unit if it looks dirty. A soft brush and low-pressure compressed air can be used to clear away any dust or debris that has accumulated inside the thermostat.