Air conditioners are a vital component in keeping your family comfortable. However, like any electrical appliance, they’re prone to problems and sometimes need repairs. Whether it’s the compressor blower motor or clogged ductwork, there are a variety of issues that can prevent an air conditioning unit from working properly. Identifying these early on can help you make the right decision between repairing or replacing your unit.
The most common AC repair involves the compressor. Whether you notice that your system isn’t cooling as well or you’re seeing signs of frost, there’s a good chance that your compressor is going out. When this happens, it’s important to call a licensed professional as soon as possible.
A licensed professional will be able to assess the situation and find the source of the problem. They’ll also be able to replace the compressor and restore your air conditioner to working order.
Another common AC repair involves a capacitor. This is a crucial part of the electrical circuit that powers your air conditioner. When it fails, your AC may start consuming more energy and making loud humming noises. A licensed professional can quickly replace this part and get your system back to normal.
The last common air conditioner repair that technicians regularly perform is the replacement of blower motors. These are the fans that move air around inside your home and help vent heat outside of the house. If they fail, it will be impossible for your air conditioner to function. If the blower motor is easy to access and hasn’t been subjected to too much wear and tear, the technician should be able to replace it in a few hours.
A licensed professional can also perform a refrigerant recharge. This is a fairly simple procedure that involves measuring operating temperatures to determine how much refrigerant your air conditioner needs. They’ll then take steps to ensure that the lines that carry this gas are clean and free of any obstructions.
It’s worth mentioning that any time you smell burning ductwork, you should turn off your air conditioner immediately. A burning odor is likely to be caused by a defective blower fan or one of its electrical components, and this could lead to a fire.
In most cases, if your air conditioner is under warranty and still within its expected lifespan, it’s usually better to repair it rather than replace it. However, if the repairs will be more than the cost of a new unit or your current one is old and starting to experience problems, it might be time to consider a replacement.