A well-functioning AC system will cool your home more effectively, resulting in lower energy bills. Additionally, routine maintenance will extend the lifespan of your system.
When AC Repair Round Rock technician arrives at your home, they will first check for clogs in the evaporator coil and defrost it. They may also inspect for any signs of water leakage or low refrigerant.
1. Evaporator Coil Clog
The evaporator coil is one of the most important components of your air conditioning system. This is because the evaporator coil is responsible for absorbing heat from your home to cool it down. However, if the evaporator coil becomes dirty and clogged, the AC will not be able to absorb as much heat and it will cause your home to become hot and humid. This is why it’s important to keep your evaporator coil clean and free of dirt and grime.
One of the most common signs that your evaporator coil is clogged is the fact that your air conditioner is cycling on and off more frequently than usual. The reason why your air conditioner is cycling so often is because it is trying to compensate for the lack of heat transfer. This will cause it to use up more energy and raise your utility bills.
A clogged evaporator coil can also cause low refrigerant levels, which will result in your AC system not cooling as effectively as it should. Additionally, if the coils freeze, it may result in your system shutting off completely or making loud noises when running.
If you have a clogged evaporator coil, the first thing that you should do is switch your air conditioner off. You should then turn on the fan-only setting. This will force warm air over the evaporator coil and may help to thaw it.
Another possibility is that your air conditioner has a clogged drain line. The condensation that is produced by your evaporator coil usually runs out through a drainage line and into the condensate pan. However, if this drain line is clogged, it can’t expel the excess moisture and it will eventually freeze your coil.
If your evaporator coil has frozen, you should immediately contact a professional. They will be able to diagnose the problem and provide the appropriate repairs. They will also be able to offer advice on how to avoid this problem in the future. They will also be able to provide you with a comprehensive AC maintenance service that will help to keep your evaporator coil clean, which in turn will help your system to function properly.
2. Blower Motor
The blower motor is the critical component that pushes cooled or heated air through your home’s dashboard vents based on the climate system settings and selected fan speed. Since this is such a vital function, you need to pay attention to any odd sounds that might indicate its mechanical or electrical failure.
Fortunately, it’s often easy to distinguish between different noises that might be coming from the blower motor. Screeching and squealing usually indicate the need for new bearings while clanking or banging sounds suggest that something inside the motor is loose or damaged. If the sound is especially loud, it might mean that something has come loose inside the blower itself and needs to be replaced right away.
Another common sign that the blower motor is about to fail is if it produces low airflow from your home’s vents. This might be due to a variety of reasons, including dirt and dust accumulation that can overwork the blower motor or a bad capacitor. It could also be due to a worn-out blower motor resistor or fan, which can cause inefficient operation and overheating.
A blower motor that overheats is a serious problem. It can cause a fire, so you should turn off the air conditioner immediately and call a professional to check out your unit. If it’s able to be saved, the technician might simply need to clean out the motor and replace the fan or a blower wheel.
Your blower motor has many moving parts that supply your home with conditioned air. This makes it prone to all sorts of faults that can interfere with its proper functioning. If you hear strange or unfamiliar sounds, you should contact a heating and AC repair company to inspect the blower motor as soon as possible.
The blower wheel is a circular fan that rotates to draw and force air into the HVAC ducts. It’s normally made of plastic with ribbed sections that create the fan blades. Keeping the wheel clean and free of debris is necessary for it to work properly. If the wheel becomes jammed with dirt or dust, it can overwork the motor and cause it to overheat. In other cases, the blower wheel’s spine might become detached from its fins. This causes metal-on-metal friction that makes a lot of noise.
3. Contactor
Like a switch, the contactor allows electricity to flow through and power components like the compressor and fan motor. However, over time the contactor can go bad due to various reasons. If your AC system is making abnormal sounds, it’s a good idea to look at the condition of the contactor.
Buzzing or humming noises can indicate that the contactor isn’t functioning properly. These sounds can be caused by a malfunctioning contactor coil, debris, or other problems. It is important to check your contactor and replace it if you suspect it’s not working correctly.
Another common sign of a bad contactor is frequent on-off cycling. This occurs when the contactor fails to stay in the closed position and interrupts the flow of electricity to your air conditioning system’s components. This can cause them to overheat and lead to irreparable damage if not addressed immediately.
When a contactor is working properly, the electrical currents snap together through magnetic action each time your unit starts up. These electric arcs can slowly wear out the contact points over time. If you notice any visible signs of pitting, it’s likely time to replace the contactor.
The best way to determine the condition of your AC contactor is to open up your condenser unit and remove the side cover. You’ll see several different colored wires connected to a black rectangle positioned vertically inside. That’s your AC contactor. If you’re not comfortable removing the contactor and its wiring, contact a professional. They’ll be able to inspect the condition of your contactor and help you make the appropriate repair. The more you know about your air conditioner, the better equipped you are to protect it from potential issues and get the most out of its lifespan. With regular maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs and ensure your home stays cool throughout the summer. Contact Hal Mechanical today for more information or to schedule an AC repair service.
4. Refrigerant
Refrigerant is an air conditioning essential that helps cool your home by absorbing heat from the air. It’s not something homeowners think about often, but when it’s not working correctly it can cause your cooling system to fail. Refrigerant problems are common in air conditioners and can lead to reduced cooling performance and high energy costs.
Refrigerants leak for a variety of reasons, including age, wear and tear, or physical damage to the compressor or refrigerant lines. Most AC technicians take care to avoid mechanical issues that can lead to leaking by properly brazing connections instead of using soldering methods. However, some contractors may overcharge your system with refrigerant during service or repair, which can also lead to leaking.
When there is too much refrigerant in an air conditioning system it can increase pressure inside components, leading to leaking or damaged coils and compressors. This can also decrease your system’s ability to cool your home because it has to work harder to circulate the refrigerant throughout the system. Professional services have the tools and expertise to charge an air conditioner with the correct levels of refrigerant, reducing the risk of problems down the line and ensuring optimal cooling performance.
While it’s important to address all of the above issues as soon as you notice them, a hissing sound or ice buildup on the refrigerant lines is one of the most serious signs that your air conditioner is losing its refrigerant. This can result in a loss of cooling efficiency, increased energy costs, and further damage to the system. Contact us at the first sign of trouble to avoid further damage and costly repairs.
Refrigerant is a flammable chemical that can pose safety concerns when it’s handled improperly or if the proper maintenance steps aren’t followed. Professional HVAC services have the knowledge, tools, and equipment to handle refrigerant safely and efficiently, maintain correct pressure levels in the system, and reduce strain on the compressor. Having regular maintenance visits can also help prevent refrigerant issues and keep your system running smoothly for longer.