Many homeowners are familiar with some air conditioner repairs, but a few tasks should be left to professionals for safety and accuracy. This article will discuss common AC repair problems and provide some tips on how to prevent them from occurring in the future.
A faulty compressor is the most expensive and most dangerous AC repair that can be necessary. The compressor is the literal heart of your system, and it receives tremendous amounts of strain throughout the summer. Over time, the stress can cause parts of the compressor to wear out or overheat, and it can lead to a complete system failure. Fortunately, this is a problem that can often be prevented with regular maintenance services.
Unusual sounds from an air conditioning system can also be signs of a problem, such as grinding, banging, or screeching. These sounds may indicate loose or worn-out belts, motor issues, or other electrical problems. In some cases, a professional can simply recalibrate the thermostat or adjust the settings to solve the issue.
Frequent cycling on and off, or short cycling, is another sign of a problem with an air conditioner. This can be caused by an oversized unit, a faulty thermostat, or refrigerant imbalances. Having these problems diagnosed and repaired by an expert can save you both energy and money in the long run.
Water leaks around an air conditioner are a serious problem and can lead to water damage in your home. These leaks are usually the result of a clogged drain line or an issue with your system’s refrigerant levels. Having this problem addressed quickly is the best way to prevent costly repairs and water damage.
An evaporator coil that’s covered with dirt and debris can reduce your system’s efficiency dramatically. This can be a simple issue to fix by cutting back the foliage surrounding your unit, or you can hire a technician to clean it for you. However, if the problem is more severe, you might need to replace your evaporator coils.
The start and run capacitors power the motors that drive your air conditioner’s blower and fan. A failing capacitor can cause the system to fail to start or to keep running after it’s turned off. This is a fairly easy problem for an HVAC technician to diagnose and repair, as it only requires the removal of one access panel and replacing the capacitor.