Your air conditioning is a big investment that requires periodic repairs and maintenance. Addressing problems promptly extends the lifespan of your unit, saving you from costly system replacement. Contact Air Conditioning Repair Round Rock TX for professional help.
Clean the drain ports on your unit’s evaporator coil to avoid clogs. You can use a wire hanger or the blade of a pocketknife to clear them.
1. Evaporator Coil Clog
The evaporator coil is one of the most critical components in your air conditioning system. It is where refrigerant absorbs heat from your home’s air, enabling your AC to cool your house or office. However, when the coil becomes clogged, the cooling capacity of your system decreases. In the most severe cases, the clog can freeze the coil. In addition, it can lead to a leak in your air conditioning unit, which requires immediate attention from a professional to avoid further damage.
The easiest way to prevent this issue is by installing air filters regularly and sweeping the area around your AC unit. This can reduce the amount of dirt and dust that builds up on the coil, which can lead to it becoming dirty or even frozen.
If your evaporator coil is clogged, you will notice that your air conditioner does not produce cold or cool air. A clogged coil also prevents the air from being properly humidified. You can test whether your evaporator coil is clogged by turning off the air conditioner and looking at it to see if it has a layer of ice on top. If so, you will need to clean the coils.
A clogged evaporator coil will cause your air conditioner to short cycle. This means it will turn on and off frequently, wasting energy and speeding up the wear and tear of your air conditioner’s other components. In the long run, this can cause significant problems and require costly repairs.
Cleaning your evaporator coil is a simple task that can be done by a confident DIYer. However, you will need to shut off your AC unit at the breaker box and panel before opening it up. Once you have accessed the coil, use a spray bottle to mix warm water and a bit of mild detergent to spray onto the coil. After a few minutes, rinse the coil with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or debris. Do not use acidic cleaners or other harsh chemicals, as these can damage the delicate fins on the coil.
2. Compressor Coil Clog
The air conditioner compressor coil is a crucial component in the system. This coil, along with the evaporator coil, work together to provide efficient cooling for your home. A dirty or fouled coil restricts the ability of your compressor to reject heat from the indoor air. This will cause the compressor to run harder, creating excessive strain on other components of your system. Over time, this can lead to costly repairs and even premature system failure.
Your outdoor unit is exposed to the elements all day, giving contaminants a chance to enter your air conditioning system. Dirt, dust, birds, insects, leaves, fungi, and other debris can get into the system and clog the coil. If you have a dirtier condenser coil, your system will be less efficient and produce unusual noises.
Identifying a clogged or dirty AC coil can be difficult for homeowners who do not have the proper tools or experience to perform the task. However, if you notice that your system is not cooling as well, or that your energy bills have gone up for no apparent reason, you likely have a dirty evaporator or compressor coil.
A clogged coil is also a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and other contaminants. This can negatively impact indoor air quality and can be problematic for those who suffer from allergies or respiratory issues. Lastly, a clogged condenser coil can prevent your air conditioner from properly rejecting heat, forcing the system to run constantly to cool your space. This will overheat the compressor and cause it to fail.
If you suspect your coils are dirty, it is best to contact an experienced HVAC technician to clean them thoroughly without damaging other components of your system. They can also spot other problems while they are cleaning the coils, preventing future issues and saving you money.
3. Refrigerant Leak
If your AC is running but the air coming out of your vents isn’t cool, it might be due to low refrigerant levels. This is usually caused by a slow leak somewhere in the system – most commonly the evaporator coil, but sometimes elsewhere too. Adding more refrigerant might solve this problem temporarily, but the real issue should be diagnosed and fixed.
There are many different ways that hissing sounds can be a sign of an AC leak. One way is that the hissing noise comes from escaping refrigerant that is making its way through a hole or crack. Another way is that the hissing sound is produced by condensation that is leaking from the evaporator coil. As the refrigerant leaks, it can cause the evaporator coil to freeze and then drip water onto the floor or into a pan underneath your unit.
Frozen coils won’t be able to efficiently absorb heat, and the lack of refrigerant will cause your air conditioner to run longer and harder in an attempt to reach your desired temperature setting. This will cause your energy bills to increase and can lead to a compressor burnout, which will require replacement of your entire air conditioning system.
A common reason for an AC leak is poor workmanship or corrosion on the copper lines that carry refrigerant. Corrosion can develop in places that are hard to reach or easily damaged during the installation process, and vibration from poorly-mounted units can also cause these lines to vibrate and wear. These lines often require periodic inspections and re-lubrication.
Refrigerant leaks are dangerous because they allow harmful greenhouse gases to escape into the atmosphere. They can also leak into your home, where they can be dangerous to children and pets. If a significant leak is detected, the best course of action is to call a professional to inspect and repair it.
Depending on the extent of the leak and where it is in your system, repair or replacement may be a better option. If your system is older and has a significant leak, replacing it might be more cost-effective than continuing to pay for repair services.
4. Contactor Failure
The contactor is a type of switch that’s responsible for turning various parts of your air conditioner on and off. It’s essential for keeping your home cool, but it can wear out over time. This happens because of both electrical and mechanical problems. For example, the coil in the contactor can burn out from overheating. Additionally, pests or debris can get into the contactor and prevent it from functioning.
Fortunately, contactor failure is relatively easy to fix. A professional can inspect your air conditioning unit to make sure it’s properly positioned and connected. They can also clean it of dirt, dust, and other contaminants that could cause arcing and prevent the contacts from making a proper connection.
A faulty contactor can interrupt the flow of electricity to your AC’s compressor and fan motor. This causes them to overheat and can lead to system shutdowns, which can damage the compressor. Another sign of a bad contactor is frequent short-cycling, which occurs when the system turns on and off frequently in quick succession. This is because the contactor fails to stay closed for a sufficient period of time, which triggers the safety mechanisms to shut off the compressor and fan.
If you have a faulty contactor, it may be necessary to replace it. It’s best to have a professional technician install the replacement to avoid further damage. Getting your contactor replaced as soon as possible will save you money on energy bills, and it can help prevent expensive repair or replacement expenses down the road.