Regular AC maintenance can help to reduce the chances of your air conditioner breaking down. This is because it involves HVAC diagnostic techniques such as airflow assessment, refrigerant leak detection, thermostat calibration and inspection among others.
The air filtration process can also help to reduce humidity levels in your home. This can improve comfort while decreasing your energy bills. Contact AC Repair Round Rock TX for professional help.
1. Damaged Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil is one of the most vital components of your air conditioning system. It absorbs and distributes cool air throughout your home, regulating indoor temperatures. However, like any component of a sophisticated piece of machinery, the evaporator coil can experience mechanical issues that affect its performance.
One of the most obvious signs that your evaporator coil is broken is reduced cooling efficiency. Over time, the evaporator coil can deteriorate or develop corrosion that prevents it from absorbing and distributing cool air. This can result in your AC turning on and off more frequently than it should, consuming more energy and leading to higher energy bills.
Corrosion of the evaporator coil can also lead to refrigerant leaks. If left untreated, a leak in the evaporator coil can quickly spread throughout your entire air conditioning system, causing severe damage. Fortunately, this issue is easily avoidable through regular maintenance and by taking steps to reduce indoor VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Another common sign of an evaporator coil problem is uneven cooling. The evaporator coil is responsible for distributing cool air to each room in your house, but it can struggle to do so if the coil is damaged. Uneven temperature distribution can cause a number of health and comfort issues, especially for vulnerable groups such as young children and elderly people.
Depending on the severity and location of your evaporator coil leak, it may be possible for a professional HVAC technician to repair it by adding more refrigerant or sealing small leaks. However, if the evaporator coil is damaged beyond repair, replacing it with a new one might be a better solution. Choosing a replacement that matches the coil’s Btu rating, physical size, and configuration will help ensure a seamless installation and proper operation.
2. Damaged Condenser Fin
The fins on a condenser coil, the thin wavy wires that run up the outdoor unit, are at risk of damage from debris or even the normal wear and tear of the AC system. If the fins become bent or dinged, it can stifle air flow and reduce efficiency. This means that the system will have to work harder to cool your space, which can cause premature wear on the compressor and shorten its lifespan.
A professional should inspect the air conditioner’s condenser fins to ensure that they are not damaged and that they have a good amount of airflow. If the fins are severely damaged, they may need to be replaced. If the damage is minor, a technician can use a fin comb to straighten the fins and restore proper airflow.
Corrosion can also damage the fins. The corrosion can prevent the condenser from removing the superheat from the vapor refrigerant, so it cannot cool your space. In this case, the unit will need to be replaced with a new one and a new set of refrigerant lines.
The refrigerant level should also be checked and if it is low, the refrigerant will need to be recharged. This can help prevent future problems with the unit and save you money in the long run.
3. Damaged Fan Motor
The fan motor spins the blower wheel to circulate air through the system, and if it fails, it won’t work. An AC repair technician will diagnose the issue and replace the damaged component.
A Rattling Sound
If your AC is working fine but it’s making a rattling sound, it could mean the fan or motor bearings are wearing out. Over time, the bearings create more friction and drag on the shaft rotation, which makes the motor work harder and can lead to overheating. The repair technician can replace the bearings and fix the problem.
The Fan Blades Aren’t Turning
A faulty fan motor can leave the fan blades stuck, which means that no air is being circulated. A humming sound typically indicates the motor is still working, but it will need to be replaced if the fan blades aren’t turning.
The Capacitor is Failed
The start and run capacitors provide an initial boost of electricity voltage to the fan motor to get it started, then supply a constant current once it’s running. Capacitors can degrade over time, and if either of these fails, the fan will struggle to start or won’t stay running.
Other Possible Problems
A failing fan motor can cause reduced airflow, which can result in overheating and higher energy bills. If you notice a burning smell or see black smoke coming out of the vents, shut off your air conditioner immediately and call an HVAC repair professional right away. An overheated fan motor can erode the insulation around its electrical wires, which is dangerous and may require replacement by an experienced technician. A tripped house circuit breaker could also indicate an overload of electrical current from the fan motor.
4. Damaged Thermostat
Thermostat problems can result in insufficient air circulation throughout your home. This can lead to mold and other harmful contaminants that may not only create a musty odor but can also cause respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues. The best way to prevent these problems is with routine maintenance. During these services, the electrical components of the system are tested to ensure that they are working properly.
If your thermostat isn’t responding to the set temperatures or is displaying an error message, there might be a problem with the power supply. In some cases, this could be as simple as a dirty sensor or low batteries. Check your user manual to find out where the sensors are located and how to clean or replace them. You might also want to have a professional HVAC technician look at the sensor to make sure that it is not blocked or that there are no loose wires that can affect its performance.
In some cases, the thermostat might be broken and will need to be replaced. This is usually the case if the device does not respond to the settings or if it displays an error message. The good news is that many newer models have built-in features that indicate when the device is having a problem, so this may be an easy fix for you.
Other signs of a faulty thermostat include an inability to turn on the AC unit, an inability to detect and display the correct temperature, or a failure to shut off when there is a refrigerant leak. In most cases, these problems are caused by improper wiring or faulty connections within the thermostat and the air conditioning system itself.
5. Damaged Compressor
AC repair experts understand that the compressor is one of the most crucial components in an air conditioning system. This is because it’s responsible for compressing and storing refrigerant. Without a functioning compressor, the rest of the system can’t function properly. A common sign of a malfunctioning compressor is that the air coming out of your vents doesn’t feel as cool. The compressor is a complex electro-mechanical device that requires regular maintenance to stay in good shape. A few simple steps can extend the life of your compressor.
A strange noise is another indication that something is wrong with your compressor. When a compressor is operating correctly, it should make low-volume whirring sounds. However, if you hear clicking noises or vibrations, they’re signs that the internal compressor parts are beginning to wear out. The sounds might also be a result of loose internal components scraping against each other.
If the noises get worse, they could cause your compressor to overheat and shut down. Your AC will have to work harder than usual to cool your home, which will ultimately lead to higher electricity bills.
In addition to overheating, the moving parts in your compressor can also experience wear and tear from everyday use. For example, a damaged shaft seal or bearings can lead to leaks and reduced efficiency. Technicians check for these issues during a compressor inspection.
A faulty capacitor or broken switch can also cause the compressor to stop working. These electrical devices send power to the motors and compressor, so when they break down, it’s difficult to start your system. If you notice these symptoms, call an AC repair professional right away to avoid further damage.