Your air conditioner is an important part of your home. Regular maintenance can help extend the life of your unit.
While some issues need to be handled by a licensed professional, many can be resolved on your own. If your AC is constantly running, a few simple steps can save you from making an expensive replacement call. Consult with Pro Air Install & Repair for expert guidance.
The evaporator coil is one of the most critical components in your air conditioning system. Located inside the air handler or attached to the furnace, this coil absorbs heat from the indoor air before it circulates back into your living spaces. A dirty evaporator coil, however, can lead to higher energy bills, equipment damage and poor indoor air quality.
The best way to determine if your evaporator coil is dirty is to look at it. The surface of the coil will usually be covered with a layer of dirt and grime. This buildup is caused by hair, dust and pet dander as well as airborne pollutants like pollen and mold. The grime can then get trapped in the coil and cause the air conditioner to operate less efficiently.
Dirty evaporator coils can also cause an air conditioner to freeze up. This occurs when the evaporator coil becomes too cold from the heavy buildup of grime, and it cannot absorb heat as it should. This leads to ice forming on the coil, and it can damage your unit if not promptly removed.
You can usually clean a dirty evaporator coil yourself by removing the access panel and using a vacuum attachment to remove the dirt and debris. Be sure to turn off the power to the air conditioner before you begin! It’s also a good idea to use a can of compressed air to blow off any large pieces of dirt. You can then use a cloth or soft brush to work away any remaining grime.
Dirty evaporator coils are not only bad for your air conditioning system’s efficiency but can also be harmful to your family’s health. The accumulating layers of dust can trap pollen, allergens and other pollutants, which are then circulated throughout the home as the AC operates. This can aggravate respiratory problems like asthma and allergies. The dirt and debris on the evaporator coil can also promote the growth of mold and bacteria, and they can release unpleasant odors when heated up during operation. The odors can be even more intense if the coil is wet from a clogged condensate drain.
Dirty Compressor Coils
Your air conditioning system works to remove heat from your home and transfer it to the outdoors via refrigerant. This heat transfer is a vital process to achieve the cool comfort you are used to in summer. However, a dirty compressor coil limits this process and causes your AC to work longer and harder. This results in increased wear and tear, higher energy bills, and possibly a costly system replacement.
Coil cleaning is an important part of your air conditioner’s maintenance and repair. While some homeowners may be able to clean the outside of their unit’s coil, it takes a trained service technician to properly clean the inside. A professional can also determine if your coil is clogged and address any underlying issues.
Dirty condenser coils can result in your cooling system making loud noises such as rattling, buzzing, or grinding. This is a sign of a refrigerant leak and can cause the compressor to malfunction or even fail.
A professional can diagnose the problem and perform a leak detection test to determine whether your coil is leaking. They can then use a specialty tool to repair the leak and recharge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant.
Performing a simple cleaning of your unit’s coil can extend its lifespan and reduce your energy bills. However, it is always best to let a professional service technician perform this task. They can disassemble the unit and use a special tool to wash off the coil and ensure it is free of debris. They can also straighten bent fins to help restore its functionality and efficiency.
You should be doing a visual inspection of your AC unit’s outdoor coil regularly. If it looks dirty, you should have it cleaned by a professional before the summer heat sets in. In addition, you should keep the area around your outdoor unit clear to prevent it from becoming obstructed. You should also replace the air filter regularly to help with proper airflow. A qualified service technician can advise you on how often you should perform this inspection and cleaning.
Damaged Coolant Lines
Coolant is a vital part of your air conditioning system, and it is crucial to protect against heat damage. However, over time, it can wear away at components, especially hoses. This can result in a coolant leak, and it is important to address this issue as soon as possible.
A coolant leak is the most common cause of low refrigerant, and it can lead to costly repairs for your air conditioner. Fortunately, there are several signs of a coolant leak that you can look for. These include a hissing sound, a sweet odor similar to coolant and leaking liquid around the cooling system.
Fortunately, there are a few different ways to repair a coolant leak, including replacing the hose or adding a new compressor seal. Other causes of coolant leaks include excessive mechanical vibration, oil contamination or electrochemical degradation (ECD). The most common way to prevent a coolant leak is by following manufacturer guidelines for installation and maintenance.
The coolant lines are also exposed to the elements, which can damage them. In addition, they can be affected by abrasion from contact with other components, oil and dirt. While a hose can last 10 or 20 years, it is important to inspect them regularly for signs of aging and damage.
While the copper tubing is tough and can withstand quite a bit of pressure, it can be damaged by vibration or exposure to UV radiation. This can cause abrasions or cracks in the tube that can allow refrigerant to escape. To reduce the risk of this type of damage, it is recommended to install rubber isolators or replace the tubing entirely.
Radiator hoses are designed to withstand high temperatures, but they can degrade over time. This is due to a process known as electrochemical degradation, where metals in the cooling system create an electrical charge between the hose and the engine/radiator fittings. The resulting galvanic cell forms micro-cracks in the hose tube.
The coolant lines are another source of refrigerant leaks, and they can be damaged by extreme temperatures, abrasion or exposure to chemicals. This type of leak usually requires a full replacement of the hose.
Damaged Thermostat
Like any other hard-working car part, thermostats eventually wear out and need replacement. A faulty thermostat can cause your cooling system to short cycle, run nonstop, or even stop working entirely. The good news is that your thermostat can often be repaired or replaced fairly easily without affecting the other components of your air conditioning system.
Getting the right AC repair technicians to inspect and replace your thermostat can save you money in the long run. In addition to ensuring that your system operates properly, your technician can also help you upgrade to a newer and more energy efficient model that offers programmable features you can control from your phone or remote.
One of the first signs that your thermostat may be having problems is a dark display screen. Whether this is due to a lack of batteries or a more serious problem, this can be an indicator that it’s time to get the unit replaced.
Another clear sign of a failing thermostat is when your home feels much warmer or colder than what the temperature displayed on the thermostat indicates. This is usually a sign that the thermostat isn’t reading the actual indoor air temperature correctly, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including aging, electrical issues, or mistreatment from other sources.
Finally, if your thermostat is constantly cycling on and off, this could be an indication that the unit has been damaged or improperly installed. A professional technician will be able to check the thermostat’s settings and wiring to determine what’s causing it to malfunction.