Identifying and repairing these issues promptly will improve air circulation and keep your home cool. Routine maintenance will also help prevent problems and part failures that can lead to costly repairs.
Start by flipping the circuit breakers off and examining your thermostat. Look for a humming sound or a deep buzz similar to a refrigerator’s. Contact Air Conditioning Repair San Juan Capistrano now!
In many cases, air conditioning issues that appear to be major can be traced back to minor thermostat problems. This is especially true in Florida, where even small problems can significantly affect cooling system performance and comfort. If you’re having trouble with your AC, try to resolve minor thermostat problems before calling an HVAC professional.
One of the most common thermostat issues involves readings that don’t match your room’s actual temperature. This can happen due to dirty sensors that are unable to send the proper signals to your AC unit. This is a relatively easy problem to fix, but you may need to remove the cover of your thermostat and clean the sensors with a soft-bristled brush.
Another common issue is that your thermostat will keep running after reaching the set temperature. This can be caused by a number of things, including the fact that your thermostat has your fan set to “auto” and is therefore constantly circulating air. A professional will be able to correct this problem by resetting the thermostat and making sure your fan settings are correct.
Lastly, you should always check the power to your thermostat before trying to adjust the temperature. This can be as simple as replacing the batteries or ensuring that the breaker is on at your electrical panel.
Thermostat problems can also stem from a number of other causes, such as a child lock setting or a faulty wiring connection. If your thermostat is unresponsive, don’t just keep pressing the buttons; this could cause permanent damage to the device.
If you’re having other air conditioning issues, such as loud humming sounds or whistling noises, these can indicate more serious problems with your AC unit that should be addressed by an expert. These problems can include sagging ductwork, insufficient refrigerant or other internal system issues that require the attention of an experienced HVAC technician.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that your outdoor air conditioner (also known as the condenser) is often overlooked. It should be kept free of dirt, debris, weeds and grass, and large objects that can block the flow of air to and from it. This can help prevent the air conditioner from overworking, which can be one of the leading causes of failure.
Dirty Evaporator Coils
An AC unit’s evaporator coil is responsible for absorbing heat from your living space and transferring it to the outside air. However, this process can be compromised by dirt, which is why the evaporator coil should be kept clean. If your home isn’t feeling cool enough, or it takes longer than usual for the AC to get the job done, you may need to schedule an evaporator coil cleaning.
A dirty evaporator coil can also produce unpleasant odors and emit harmful pollutants into your home. These contaminants can include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from chemicals used in household products like cleaning solutions, paints, and furnishings. When the VOCs are heated up by the evaporator coil, they’ll be released into your indoor air and can lead to irritations or even health concerns.
The easiest way to prevent a dirty evaporator coil is to have professional maintenance performed regularly. Your trusted air conditioning service technician will inspect and clean your evaporator coil, as well as other parts of your system to keep it running at peak efficiency.
In addition to having your evaporator coils cleaned, you can help prevent them from becoming too dirty by changing your air filter on a regular basis. A dirty filter can allow more dust and allergens to reach the evaporator coil, leading to an overgrowth of debris that can affect its performance.
When you do need to clean your evaporator coil, make sure the power to your AC unit is turned off and that it’s safe to work on. Use a can of compressed air to blow out any large particles and then gently brush away any other debris. You can then use a shop vac or vacuum to remove any remaining loose dirt.
Be careful when you are working on your evaporator coil, as it’s usually located inside the box compartment of your AC unit. If you’re unsure of where to find it, ask your trusted air conditioning service professional to show you during a scheduled service appointment. They’ll have the proper tools, equipment and knowledge to safely and effectively clean your evaporator coil and ensure that it remains in top condition.
Dirty Compressor Coils
Whether they’re at the front or back of your air conditioner, the compressor coils play a major role in cooling. However, dirt and dust buildup can hinder their ability to absorb or dump heat, resulting in your AC running longer than necessary. This puts a strain on the system, shortening its lifespan and contributing to future repair bills.
The most obvious sign of dirty coils is a sudden increase in your energy bills. Since your AC runs for longer to cool your home, it uses more energy in the process. You’ll also notice that the humidity level in your house is higher than usual.
Dirty condenser coils are a common cause of AC failure. If left untreated, they can lead to excessive compressor wear or evaporator coil damage. A professional technician will be able to inspect the coils and determine if cleaning or other repairs are needed.
To clean the compressor coils, shut off power to the unit by flipping the breaker at your electrical box or removing the fuse located outdoors near the unit. Then, remove the outer casing and cover to expose the coils. Spray a cleaner specifically designed for air conditioning condenser coils onto the surface, following the manufacturer’s instructions for application and contact time. Once the cleaner has had a chance to break down grime, rinse the entire surface of the coil with a garden hose, angling downwards. After washing, reassemble the outdoor unit and restore power to it.
Regularly scheduled maintenance visits with a qualified HVAC professional are an excellent way to keep your condenser and evaporator coils clean. During these service appointments, the technician can thoroughly clean them and perform any other repairs that are necessary to ensure your air conditioning system works properly.
It’s important to know that the air conditioner condenser and evaporator are delicate systems. They’re made up of hundreds of extremely thin vertical “fins” or folds of metal. Vigorous brushing or blasting with a pressure washer could bend or even damage these fins. Instead, a professional technician will use a gentle cleaning solution that won’t put unnecessary stress on the system.
Coolant Lines
One of the most common problems our AC repair technicians encounter with air conditioners is issues with the liquid lines. These insulated copper lines are what transports coolant between the outdoor and indoor air conditioning units. The larger line that is insulated typically carries the cooled refrigerant gas and is known as the suction line, while the smaller uninsulated line that is usually red in color carries the cooled liquid.
These liquid lines chill the air before the AC unit supplies it to your home, and they play an essential role in ensuring that you get the most efficient cooling possible from your system. When these lines become damaged, the coolant can’t flow properly through the system and can lead to some major issues with your air conditioner.
A few of the most common issues that happen to these lines include leaks, corrosion and freeze-ups. A refrigerant leak can be incredibly problematic and should always be handled by a certified professional, as it can damage the compressor coils or cause an oily mess in your system. The good news is that these lines are designed for longevity and should last 20-25 years with proper care.
When these lines suffer from corrosion, they may develop cracks in the surface that can allow moisture to leak into your system. As the moisture mixes with the coolant, it will cause serious and expensive damages to your compressor and evaporator coils. It’s important to have the lines inspected regularly and cleaned as needed to prevent these kinds of issues.
Another issue that can happen to these lines is that they can freeze up during extremely cold weather. This is due to the thermal expansion and contraction that occurs when the air conditioner is running. This can also happen if these lines aren’t properly insulated and can be costly to fix.
Adding more refrigerant to your system can be tempting, but it’s not the best solution for a number of reasons. For example, adding more refrigerant can cause your system to operate inefficiently, and it can also damage your compressor and evaporator coils. Having our HVAC service experts inspect and diagnose the problem is the best way to determine whether you simply need a refrigerant recharge or if there’s an underlying issue at work.
