Air conditioning is a must for comfort in many homes. Regular maintenance and service can prevent AC repair issues, but if something does go wrong, you’ll want to know what signs to look for.
Unusually high energy bills, clogged vents or ductwork and strange noises are all good reasons to call an HVAC professional. Low refrigerant levels also require AC Repair Round Rock.
1. Evaporator Coil Clog
The evaporator coil in your air conditioner absorbs heat from the air circulating in your home. Over time, dust and other airborne debris can build up on the coil, hindering its ability to transfer that heat into your refrigerant. When that happens, the coil can become coated in ice, and it can also cause problems with your system’s capacity.
In some cases, the most obvious sign of a problem with your evaporator coil is that your air conditioner doesn’t seem to be cooling your home as effectively as it used to. In other cases, you may notice a musty smell or condensation on your windows or walls. Either way, the solution is to clean your evaporator coil.
Fortunately, cleaning the evaporator coil isn’t difficult or expensive. You can do it yourself by removing the aluminum tape sealing the box compartment and opening it up. Once you’ve done that, you can use a can of compressed air to blow away large particles of dirt and debris. Then, you can use a brush with soft bristles to clean any remaining grime on the coils.
It’s important to turn off your AC system before you start working on it. This will reduce the risk of injury to yourself or damage to your unit. It’s also a good idea to have containers nearby to catch any dripping water or refrigerant. Finally, you should always follow any cleaning instructions carefully.
One of the most common causes of a clogged evaporator coil is a clogged drain line. This can prevent the drain line from expelling excess water, resulting in freezing on the coils and other parts of your AC system. If you suspect that your drain line is clogged, it’s best to call an HVAC professional to take care of it for you.
2. Faulty Compressor
The compressor is a vital part of your air conditioning system, and the most critical of all its components. Any AC compressor malfunction affects the whole split system and needs immediate professional attention.
A chattering sound when the unit tries to start is one of the most common warning signs that the compressor is in trouble and about to fail. If the problem isn’t caught in time, it can lead to a complete breakdown of the compressor and the entire system.
Another sign that the compressor is about to fail is a circuit breaker that keeps tripping. This is a protective measure that prevents the electrical circuit from overloading and causing a fire. If the breaker keeps going off, it’s time to call an electrician right away to diagnose the issue.
An AC compressor in poor condition is also prone to overheating. This is because it’s under a lot of stress and requires a large amount of power to function. This can happen if the evaporator coil is clogged or the condenser fan has been blocked by debris like branches or leaves.
When the evaporator coil is clogged, the compressor can’t get enough heat from the indoor ducts to cool the house properly. This can also be a sign of a refrigerant leak, which is a serious and costly issue that needs to be dealt with immediately.
A chattering sound is often a result of a faulty start capacitor or relay switch, which can easily be replaced by a professional. A clunking or rattling sound, however, is a more serious issue that may indicate the compressor has gone bad. An experienced HVAC technician will be able to inspect the compressor for any contaminants that may have caused this problem, and then take the necessary steps to prevent further damage to the unit.
3. Failed Contactor
The contactor is a component in your air conditioner that opens and closes the electrical circuit to let power reach the compressor and fan motor. It can develop several different problems, ranging from minor to major. Some of these issues are easy to detect and fix, while others require a professional.
A failed contactor can cause your AC unit to cycle on and off frequently. This puts unnecessary strain on the compressor and can lead to overheating. It can also waste energy, which increases your electric bill.
Another sign of a failing contactor is a clicking noise. This sound is produced when the contactor tries to engage, but fails to do so properly. This causes the contactor to repeatedly turn on and off, resulting in overheating and damage.
Dirt, dust, and other contaminants can build up on the contactor’s coil, preventing it from making a good connection. This can also cause the contacts to arc, which leads to contactor failure. Cleaning the contactor and removing the debris can prevent these problems from occurring.
The easiest way to test a contactor is with a multimeter, available at most home improvement and hardware stores. Before testing, it’s important to shut off power from the breaker panel and thermostat to avoid any electrical shocks. Once you’ve shut off the power, remove the side cover of your condenser and take a picture to reference the location of wires. Then, use the multimeter to test a contactor for voltage. The reading should be between five and 20 volts. If the reading is lower than this, it’s time to replace the contactor. You can buy a replacement from most home improvement or hardware stores.
4. Blown Capacitor
The capacitor is a key component of your air conditioner. Its job is to store and release energy, allowing the compressor motor to start and the fan to rotate. Over time, however, it may lose its ability to hold an electrical charge or even blow out altogether. Its loss can leave your home with inconsistent cooling, sky-high energy bills, and a system that simply won’t start at all.
A blown capacitor can be identified by several telltale red flags, including a burning smell, humming noises, and unusually high electric bills. If you see any of these symptoms, you should consult an AC repair expert immediately to determine whether your cap is blown and what else you need to do about it.
If you suspect that your AC capacitor is blown, it’s important to completely disconnect all power sources before handling it or touching any wires. This includes shutting off the unit itself near the condenser as well as killing the appropriate breaker in your electrical panel. It is also important to note that most capacitors still retain an electrical charge as a safety feature, so you will need to use a multimeter or other test device to ensure zero voltage before attempting to swap it out.
Blown capacitors are not the easiest part to replace on your own. They can carry a lot of current, so if you make the wrong move or don’t follow proper protocols, you could end up with an expensive fried mess on your hands. It’s best to let a professional handle this task, especially since it is such an important part of the system and can affect the overall functioning of your home.
5. Low Refrigerant
Refrigerant is a chemical blend-in either its liquid or gaseous state-that plays an essential role in the normal functions of an air conditioning system. It readily soaks up heat and provides cooling with the help of evaporator coils and compressors. However, this important fluid is susceptible to leakage that can impact both the evaporator coil and other components. A low refrigerant charge can wreak havoc with an AC unit and lead to costly repairs. This guide walks homeowners through telltale symptoms that indicate their air conditioner is low on refrigerant and what steps to take to prevent further damage and ensure proper cooling.
One of the most common signs that an AC system is low on refrigerant is a hissing or bubbling noise. This type of sound indicates that the evaporator coil is not being cooled effectively because there is a leak somewhere in the system.
Another obvious sign is ice on the copper line or refrigerant container. This is due to low pressure causing cold liquid refrigerant to flow more slowly, which causes the moisture in the air to freeze on the coil.
Some AC systems include a sight glass that allows homeowners to check the level of refrigerant without having to disassemble their unit. Low refrigerant is easily detected when bubbles appear in this sight glass.
The most common cause of a low refrigerant charge is a leak in the air conditioner’s lines. Leaks can occur through corrosion, physical damage, or improper installation. A professional technician can inspect the system and replace any faulty parts that might be contributing to refrigerant loss. Afterward, the technician can properly recharge the unit to restore optimal performance.