How Air Conditioning Repair Really Works in 2022

What is Your AC Contractor Is Telling You

The following tips have been compiled to help you familiarize yourself with your AC system. Though the advice won’t turn you into a professional repairman, it will help you understand your unit’s inner workings. Ultimately, having some basic knowledge will make you feel more assured that you’re not getting taken advantage of.

Why Regular AC Maintenance Is Important

Scheduled regular HVAC system maintenance is necessary to ensure that your system is functioning effectively and efficiently. Most service calls that professionals handle are in relation to neglected systems that have received very little in the way of maintenance. Fortunately, basic maintenance is something you can handle yourself!

Your air conditioning system uses temperature and air pressure to cool your home. As a result, however, dirt and grime can build up on the filter, the evaporator coils, and even the units located outdoors. As airflow regularly passes through your condenser coils, the evaporator coil, and furnace fan, dirt builds up over time. This grime can become detrimental to the overall functioning of your unit and cause not only higher pressure but also rising temperatures. This building pressure causes the refrigerant to run in a fashion not designed for AC units.

Most people tune out when it comes to learning about their air conditioning units as there’s a lot of science and technology involved. The refrigerant converts gases into liquids while providing dehumidification for your entire house. Ultimately, there’s more that goes into how your system functions, but knowing this bit can ensure you’re well aware of just how important having a clean system is to ensure efficiency. Regular cleanings and maintenance can prolong the life of your system while making sure that you won’t have to pay hefty repair costs due to neglect down the line.

Most Common Mistakes In Relation To Charging Your AC

Many homeowners aren’t aware, but AC systems require regular charging. Though a lack of charging can cause disruptions to service, more often than not, a leak is the real culprit behind common malfunctions.

When installed, AC systems need proper sealing and checking to ensure that nothing escapes or leaks. After the initial check-up, the system should never have any issues with leaks unless something has directly hit the system in some way to cause damage. This kind of damage is easily caused by heavy storms or a cracked and worn-out part.

In short, though recharging a unit is advantageous, the rate at which this needs to occur makes it the least likely candidate for a malfunction. Do check your system’s charge on occasion, but if you notice the charge going down, you should hire emergency repair services as there’s a leak to identify. Not finding and repairing a leak adequately means your system will need annual recharging, which can become costly in the long haul.

If your unit is free of leaks, avoid getting the pressure checked unless there’s an actual problem. When gauges are used to check the pressure in your system, it depletes your refrigerant, and over time, this also causes your system to need an annual recharge.

The relationship between the pressure and temperatures in your system is precariously balanced. However, any changes to either can prove detrimental to your air conditioning.

Troubleshooting Your AC System

Suppose you hear a humming noise coming from your air conditioner, but the outdoor fan appears stuck. In that case, your capacitor may be the culprit. You can attempt to fix this problem yourself by using a long stick or a broom handle to free the blades. If you can get the blades spinning again, it really is the capacitor. Fortunately, this is a quick and easy fix!

The real issue is that most problems with AC systems are electrical in nature and a problematic circuit breaker, malfunctioning capacitor, or blown fuses are to blame. You can check these things yourself to help you gain a better idea of what’s wrong with your system. Knowing can also make you feel more assured about the cost of the repair services you’ll undoubtedly hire.

Go outside and listen to your unit. Are you hearing a humming noise? If not, it’s a sign of a loss of power, which may be due in part to a blown a fuse or a tripped circuit breaker.

If you can hear humming but the unit is non-functioning, it points to a likely problem with your capacitor. It is a small silver colored part located in your service panel. These parts have dozens of prongs and are either round or oval in shape. Avoid touching the part, but do take note of whether the top portion has mushroomed or not. If so, this means that the part is malfunctioning and it is helpful to know when hiring a repair contractor.

Electrical Problems With AC Systems

Usually, air conditioning systems will let you know when something is wrong with them. This is especially true if the issue is not related to an electrical malfunction. If your AC system has copper lines, make it a point to regularly check them for frost or ice buildup. Any air conditioning unit that has this problem is showing signs of an impending malfunction, therefore, it’s important to act in haste and get it repaired as soon as possible.

Air conditioners are often seen as complex systems based solely in science. Still, they’re simpler than what many homeowners often give them credit for. As a homeowner with an AC system, it’s important to keep yourself educated on what can go wrong with your unit and how you can diagnose the most common problems. Though there are certain issues that are straightforward enough to fix with a DIY approach, it’s best to get a second professional opinion on your system. Whenever dealing with anything electrical, you run the risk of injury or electrocution, which is why you should always proceed with due caution. The advice above can help you make the process of hiring the right help easier while setting your mind at ease about your AC unit.