If your air conditioner is broken, you need a professional repair. However, before calling an AC technician, try troubleshooting.
Check that your thermostat is set correctly and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. To save money, you can also clean your evaporator coil and compressor. These simple DIY repairs can help you avoid costly service calls. Click the Air Conditioning Repair San Juan Capistrano to learn more.
A leaking refrigerant is one of the most common AC repair issues. It affects cooling performance and can have an adverse environmental impact if not fixed promptly. Signs of a refrigerant leak include reduced cooling performance, ice buildup on air conditioning lines, and hissing or bubbling sounds.
Using specialized tools and equipment, a professional technician will test for a refrigerant leak. These may include an electronic detector that can spot a small amount of oil in the system (for oil-based refrigerants) or soapy water sprayed or dabbed on suspected joints and areas to see if they bubble when the refrigerant passes through them. In some cases, the HVAC technician will need to use a sweat weld to find the source of the leak and repair it.
If you suspect a refrigerant leak, turn off your air conditioner right away to prevent further damage. Then call a trusted HVAC company for an inspection and professional repairs. Then, follow the technician’s recommendations for repairing the leak and recharging the system.
Unfortunately, a leaking refrigerant can be costly to fix. That’s because the leak will likely strain the compressor, and this can lead to major parts like the compressor failing. This can cost upwards of $8k to replace, depending on the type of unit you have and whether it’s still under warranty.
A refrigerant leak can also damage your ductwork and create unpleasant odors. In addition, it can damage your copper coils, and erosion can leave tiny holes in these parts that allow for the refrigerant to escape. In this case, you’ll need a replacement for the damaged part and a new set of copper lines.
The final thing to consider is the type of refrigerant your system uses. Some older systems used R-22, which is no longer produced in the United States and can be expensive to purchase or find. It’s best to invest in an AC that uses the newer, more environmentally friendly refrigerant, such as R-410A.
Air conditioning repair issues can be costly, but a leaking refrigerant is one of those problems you should never ignore. It can have an adverse environmental impact and will cause your air conditioner to lose efficiency.
Damaged Compressor
The compressor is the heart of your AC. Its job is to compress refrigerant gas and send it through your air conditioning system to remove heat and excess humidity from the indoor air in your home. If something goes wrong with the compressor, your whole system will suffer. The best way to avoid AC compressor failure is to keep the unit well-lubricated with proper maintenance by an experienced technician.
When the compressor fails, you might hear a clunking or rattling sound. You might also notice that the system isn’t cooling as well as it used to. If you notice these or other problems, it’s important to get it repaired as soon as possible. If you wait, the problem will only get worse and could cause even more damage to your compressor and other parts of the system.
If the compressor has a bad clutch, it might cycle on and off too much, which can wear out internal components. Low refrigerant levels can also cause problems with the compressor. The suction line develops holes and cracks over time, which leads to leaks.
Overheating can cause damage to the compressor’s bearings and shaft. It can also reduce the velocity of the compressor oil that lubricates these components, leading to premature mechanical failure.
An experienced technician can help you avoid a costly compressor replacement by checking for electrical issues, such as burnt fuses or wiring, before they cause permanent damage to the compressor and other parts of the system. They can also clean the air filters and wash the condenser coil to prevent blockages.
Over time, all mechanical systems wear out and break down. You can prolong the life of your compressor by performing routine maintenance and getting an annual tune-up. A professional technician will inspect the compressor, clean and flush the condenser coil, replace the air filter, and check for refrigerant levels and a bad clutch.
Clogged Ductwork
Air ducts are often dirty and in need of cleaning. Over time, dust and dirt can build up inside your ducts, restricting air flow and creating health concerns. This is especially important if you or someone in your home suffers from asthma or allergies. Air ducts should be cleaned at least once a year.
Air filters, deteriorated insulation, and construction debris can all contribute to clogged ducts. Even household irritants like mildew and mold can linger in ducts, making your home’s air unpleasant and unhealthy.
During an AC maintenance visit, the service technician will check your ducts for obstructions and cleanliness. He or she will also make sure the ducts are not leaking. Leaking ducts cause your system to work harder, which wears out the compressor and other parts faster.
If you notice a consistent difference in temperature between different rooms on the same floor of your home, it could be a sign that your ducts are clogged. Even if the differences are small, they can still make your system work harder to heat or cool each room.
The most common causes of duct blockage are physical objects that are stuck in the ducts. This may be as simple as a toy dropped down the vent, or it may be construction debris, old insulation fibers, or vermin nests.
Another common problem is a duct pinch, which occurs when a duct turns or is pinched in one part of the system. This prevents the proper flow of air and will have a similar effect as brick barriers in a pipe.
It’s possible for homeowners to clean a few of the easier-to-reach areas in their ductwork, such as vents and grilles. However, it’s generally best to leave these jobs to professionals who have the tools and knowledge needed to reach difficult places and remove obstructions. Keeping your ducts clean can improve your comfort and reduce the need for air conditioning repairs. In addition, it can help you avoid expensive and disruptive clogs and leaks that might otherwise lead to an emergency call to the repair company.
Excess Moisture
When humid air mixes with hot outdoor temperatures, it can make your AC system work overtime. But excessive moisture levels in your home can harm your air conditioning system, leading to expensive repairs.
The most common sign of excess moisture is musty odors. This is because mold and mildew thrive in moist environments. Another sign is condensation on windows and mirrors.
Excess moisture also corrodes vital parts of your air conditioning system, including the compressor, evaporator coils, and condenser fan blades. This can cause serious damage and impact your comfort. If you notice any of these issues, contact a professional technician immediately.
In addition to the obvious problems outlined above, high humidity can cause other health and safety issues in your home. For example, it promotes the growth of dust mites and other allergens that can aggravate asthma and other respiratory conditions. It can also lead to peeling wallpaper and blistering paint, which can be costly to repair.
If you’re experiencing humidity-related problems, a professional technician can assess your AC unit and recommend the best course of action to address the problem. They can check your air filter, replace it if necessary, and clean the condenser coils. They can also suggest a dehumidifier or running exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom to reduce moisture levels. They can even help you find an air conditioner that’s sized to suit your home and budget.
Humidity is a big problem that affects air conditioning. By investing in a maintenance plan, you can keep your air conditioner working properly and safeguard your health and your home. This will also save you money in the long run by preventing excess wear and tear on your HVAC system. If you want to protect your air conditioner and save on energy bills, contact us for a free estimate.