If your air conditioner isn’t cooling, a professional service technician will check for issues like power. They will ensure that the circuits that supply electricity to the unit aren’t tripped or that fuses haven’t burnt out.
Capacitors are prone to wearing out over time. A failure of these parts can cause various AC components to turn off. A service technician at Air Conditioning Repair Round Rock TX can replace the capacitors.
The evaporator coil in your home’s AC system plays an important role in the cooling process. This is because it’s where the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, and then transfers that to your home’s indoor climate control systems. However, the evaporator coil can get clogged with dirt, which will impede its performance capacity.
If you notice any of the following signs that your evaporator coil is clogged, then it’s time to call for professional maintenance.
Warm Air
Warm air coming out of your vents is a sign that the evaporator coil isn’t working properly. This is because the coil needs to be thawed in order for the system to cool correctly. This usually takes several hours. Once the evaporator coil has thawed, then you can resume normal operation.
Refrigerant Leaks
Over time, the evaporator coil may develop cracks and leaks. This will lead to a loss of refrigerant, which will decrease your cooling efficiency. If you see a visible puddle or any other signs of leaking refrigerant, then you should contact an HVAC technician right away.
The first thing you need to do is shut off the power to the evaporator coil. You can do this by flipping the breaker at your breaker panel or finding the power switch that is located near the air handler inside your house. Once the power is off, you will need to remove the access panel on the air handler or furnace that houses the evaporator coils. This will be held in place by a few screws, and may have tape covering it to keep it sealed off. Once you have access to the coils, you will need to use a brush and vacuum attachment to remove any dirt or sediment.
Faulty Contactor
A contactor is an essential component in your air conditioning system, helping to control the flow of electricity between the compressor and fan motor. It also serves as a switch, either allowing current to pass through or stopping it when necessary. Several signs indicate when the contactor is failing and requires immediate replacement.
Unusual buzzing or humming sounds produced by your AC unit could be indicative of contactor problems. These sounds can occur when the contactor’s coil fails to energize properly, resulting in electrical shorting or other issues. These problems may cause the contactor to engage and disengage rapidly, causing clicking or chattering sounds.
Failing contactors can also stop the flow of electricity completely, preventing the compressor or fan motor from running. This will leave your home without cool air and will increase your energy bill significantly. Luckily, a faulty contactor can be easily repaired by an experienced technician.
If your air conditioner is showing signs of a failing contactor, shut off the power supply to the unit by switching the circuit breaker off in the main panel. Next, locate and remove the side cover of your condenser, exposing the multi-colored wires connected to the contactor. You can then inspect the contactor for melted spots or other physical damage, as well as look at the contacts and coil for signs of pitting. You can test the functionality of your contactor using a multimeter. Set your multimeter to the OL (open line) mode and touch the probes of the multimeter to the contactor’s load terminals. If you get a reading between five and twenty volts, the contactor is functioning normally and does not require replacement.
Faulty Thermostat
A thermostat that doesn’t function properly can be a huge pain. Luckily, many of the more common problems that occur with thermostats can be fixed by the homeowner. This allows you to save money on service call fees and keep your home comfortable!
Thermostat display is dark or blank
One of the most obvious signs that your thermostat has gone awry is when its display doesn’t turn on or change when you press buttons. If this happens, try changing the batteries first. This is a simple, quick fix that often works wonders!
Short-cycling
When a thermostat isn’t functioning properly, it may short-cycle, meaning that it will shut on and off repeatedly to cool your home. This can cause your air conditioning to work inefficiently, raising your energy bills.
A faulty sensor can cause this problem, so make sure to replace it as needed. A heat anticipator setting that is incorrectly set can also cause this problem, so refer to your thermostat’s manual for guidance on adjusting it.
Using the right kind of coolant can help prevent thermostat issues, so be sure to use the one recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Regularly flushing your cooling system can also remove any buildup that could clog your thermostat.
Most thermostats have a 10-year lifespan, so if yours is approaching or past that date, it’s probably time to invest in a new, dependable model. This will ensure that you’re always getting the most out of your air conditioning and won’t have to deal with costly breakdowns in the future.
Faulty Compressor
If you hear a whining, chattering or ticking sound from your AC compressor when the unit comes on it is a sign of an air conditioner problem that needs professional attention. These sounds can be caused by a variety of things, but most often they indicate the compressor is beginning to fail. If you catch this issue early on, you may be able to repair the unit without having to replace it.
One of the most common causes of this issue is a lack of lubrication. The compressor is lubricated with a special oil, but if this oil becomes contaminated or low in supply, the compressor can start to overheat and wear out prematurely. Another cause of this issue is a problem with the evaporator coil, which can clog over time and create excessive friction between components inside the compressor. Finally, if the evaporator pressure sensor fails, it will trigger the compressor to work harder than necessary, leading to overheating and premature failure.
The best way to diagnose these problems is to have a professional technician take a look at the system. Experience working on specific models of compressors helps a technician understand the common issues that arise and how to troubleshoot them. It is also helpful for technicians to receive manufacturer training and documentation on intended repair methods and special tools that are associated with each model of air conditioning equipment.
In addition, you should check the power connections to make sure they are secure and that the fuse or breaker box has not been tripped. You should also ensure that the compressor is not running over its rated PSI and that intake filters are free of blockages.
Faulty Fan
If your AC is not working and the fan is constantly running, it may be that there is a problem with your radiator fan. A faulty fan can cause your engine to overheat, which can damage your car and lead to expensive repairs. This problem can be difficult to diagnose, but there are some things that you can check and fix to help figure out what is going on.
To check the fan, you will need to remove the air intake hose and take off the fan shroud. Then you will need to disconnect the connector that provides power to the fan motor. You can use a multimeter to see if the motor is getting power and if it isn’t, there is a problem with the wiring or fan motor itself. This can be a blown fuse, relay, bad or broken wires, or a connector that needs to be replaced.
The fan switch and temperature sensor also play a role in the operation of your radiator fan, so it is important to inspect them for any problems. If the switch is faulty, it will not turn on the fan when needed and will prevent your air conditioning from working properly. The temperature sensor can also be faulty, which is why it is important to test the thermostat settings and ensure they are correct.
If your fan is constantly running, it is a good idea to visit an auto repair shop in North Carolina right away. A faulty fan can be a sign of serious problems and it is best to have a professional diagnose the issue quickly and get any necessary repairs done. This will ensure your car is safe and comfortable to drive for the rest of the summer.
