If you find yourself facing a breakdown in your air conditioning system, there’s hope. Just like cars and refrigerators, air conditioners also have their maintenance requirements.
A breakdown in the air conditioning system could be due to improper maintenance, loose wiring, dust accumulation, or other factors.
That’s why it is of utmost priority for every home to have a good air conditioning repair service provider at its disposal.
But before getting into the ‘repair’ part of your air conditioning system, let us understand what an air conditioner is and how it works?
What is an A/C unit and its function?
An air conditioner (A/C unit) is a mechanical device that helps regulate the temperature in an enclosed space, such as a room or building.
An A/C unit uses electricity to convert thermal energy into mechanical work and then back into thermal energy.
This causes air to be cooled or heated and can help provide relief from the heat or the cold, depending on the setting selected by the user.
A/C units are commonly used in homes, offices, and large venues such as stadiums and convention centers. When an A/C unit malfunctions, it can cause a number of problems, including high temperatures, humidity problems, and weak or no air circulation.
Thus, it is important to take note of any issues with your A/C unit so that you can get it fixed as soon as possible.
Causes of malfunctions in an A/C unit
An A/C unit can experience a variety of malfunctions, each of which could cause the unit to operate erratically.
Over-sizing the unit by the installer may result in it repeatedly starting and stopping, low refrigerant levels or a refrigerant leak may result in erratic operation, clogged or excessively dirty air filters may cause weak airflow, dirty evaporator coils may cause the system to run erratically, and a failing thermostat may impede the system’s ability to operate at the desired temperature.
It is vital to fix any of these issues as soon as possible so that your air conditioner operates efficiently and effectively.
Signs of a malfunctioning A/C unit
If your air conditioner isn’t cooling your home as efficiently as it used to, you may be experiencing some of the above signs of a malfunctioning air conditioner.
Some of the common indications include an increase in your energy bills, a unit that doesn’t work as efficiently as it used to, ice build-up in the unit, lack of cooling during summer months, problems with the air conditioner unit such as excessive noise and smog, a peculiar odor coming from the unit and so on.
The unit may not be able to cope with the summer weather conditions and may break down easily.
To avoid any trouble, you must call an air conditioning repair service provider and get your air conditioner checked before it gets damaged.
What to do if you notice your A/C is not working?
If your A/C is not working, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue. Start by checking the thermostat to make sure the system isn’t turned off.
If the thermostat is working properly, the air conditioner should be heating and cooling as expected. If it’s not heating or cooling as expected, inspect the air filter to see if it is excessively dirty or clogged.
This could be a sign that there’s a problem with the unit’s cooling coil or condenser.
Consider any built-in delay features that may have been activated when the unit was shut down and powered back on.
The delay feature allows air conditioning units to cool off for a brief period after being turned on.
If none of these steps resolves the issue, contact a professional ac repair service technician to diagnose and repair the issue quickly and efficiently.
How to fix an A/C unit if it is not working properly
If your air conditioner is not working properly, it is crucial to check the thermostat settings to make sure they’re accurate.
You can also check the breaker box for a tripped breaker and replace the air filter if it has not been done in the past few months.
Lastly, you can make sure the outdoor unit is not obstructed by debris and that it is not leaking refrigerant.
If none of these solutions help, consider calling a repair service to take care of the issue. They’ll be able to diagnose and repair the air conditioner quickly and professionally.
Tips for preventing A/C breakdowns
A broken air conditioner isn’t only an inconvenience, but also a costly repair. To prevent this, you must be aware of the factors that can lead to breakdowns in air conditioners.
– Check the condition of your air conditioner unit regularly. This will include checking for proper operation, signs of wear and tear, and any visible damage.
– Keep your home cool and comfortable in hot weather with proper insulation and ventilation. This will limit the amount of cooling needed, saving energy and money over time.
– Repairing an air conditioner yourself can cost more than hiring a professional contractor. Before embarking on any repairs, get a professional inspection and estimate first to ensure that the job is done right and cost-efficiently.
– Get a trained professional when you notice any unusual smells, noises, or heat issues. They can check the unit’s condition and provide optimal repair service for your air conditioner unit.
How much would it cost to fix my A/C unit?
If you are looking to repair a central air conditioning unit on your own, you can do it for less than $100 in supplies.
Replacing an AC contactor costs around $25, evaporator coil replacement costs between $1,300 and $3,000 on average, adding R-410A refrigerant costs between $140 and $380, and replacing a thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) costs an average of $400.
So the total cost of repairing a central air conditioner on your own can vary quite a bit depending on the extent of repairs required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are my A/C units blowing cold air?
In order to ensure that you’re blowing cold air, it’s important that your heating and cooling unit consists of either a furnace and AC or a heat pump.
When it comes to air filters, most homeowners change the blower filter twice a year. In addition to this, if you live in a dusty area, you may want to change the filter more often.
Be careful with air purifying or HEPA filters as they can reduce airflow in your system.
What are some common problems with my A/C unit?
If you’re having one or more of the following problems with your air conditioner unit, it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible.
1. Not cooling properly: A/C repair technicians can repair systems that are not cooling properly by fixing filters, evaporator coils, or thermostats.
2. Smelling of gas: This issue may be caused by a leak in the ductwork, improper venting, or clogged air conditioning units.
3. Noisy operation: A/C repair technicians can fix noisy air conditioners by cleaning and servicing the compressor, evaporator coil, condenser coil, or blower motor.
How can I fix my A/C unit if it is not working properly?
If your air conditioner is not cooling properly or is having other problems, then you may need to have it serviced.
Common repairs that air conditioner service technicians can make include cleaning or replacing air filters, checking thermostat settings, and repairing condenser units if necessary. In some cases, a thermostat repair may also be necessary.
Also, be sure to read the owner’s manual carefully to know how to troubleshoot specific problems with your air conditioner. If you don’t understand something, ask your HVAC service technician for help.
Remember: Over-sized systems can put a lot of stress on air conditioners, which may cause them to malfunction or run erratically. Make sure to consult with your HVAC service technician about upgrading to a larger unit if necessary.
Can I repair my A/C unit myself?
It’s not recommended to repair your air conditioning unit yourself as doing so can be dangerous and result in costly repairs. Instead, you should call a professional for help.
HVAC technicians are able to diagnose why your air conditioning isn’t working and can provide reliable and accurate repair options.
They can also discuss the best way to keep your system running optimally.
By working with a professional, you can rest assured that your air conditioning will be fixed correctly and efficiently.
Where can I find a trustworthy A/C repair technician?
When it comes to finding a trustworthy A/C repair technician, here are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Look for a technician who is licensed, certified, bonded, and insured. This will ensure that the technician is qualified and experienced in repair work for air conditioning systems.
2. Check if the technician has gone through a background check and drug test. This will help to ensure that the technician is safe to work with and doesn’t have any hidden dodgy pasts.
3. Research the background of the company before hiring them. Make sure to know their experience, licensing, and certification status. You can also ask around for other people’s reviews on this particular company before hiring them.
Conclusion
A leaky air conditioning unit can reduce air circulation in your home and make it uncomfortable. A malfunctioning air conditioning unit, on the other hand, can lead to a range of problems such as excess heat and humidity, indoor air pollution, and reduced air quality.
Therefore, it is essential to keep an air conditioning unit working properly by keeping it well-maintained. Here is simple A/C maintenance that you can do at home to help prevent air conditioning breakdowns:
Also read: Noisy Ceiling Fan Bearings: Troubleshooting Tips
Shery
