Keeping up with routine maintenance can keep an air conditioner running well and even extend its lifespan beyond the typical ten- to fifteen-year range. Learn how to do this, and you can avoid costly repairs down the road.
Before calling an AC repair professional, check your thermostat and electrical panel to make sure that the breaker is not tripped or the fuses are not blown. If the breaker is still on but your unit is not running, test the fan motor with an ohmmeter. However, if you need some professional help, you can contact Air Conditioning Repair Van Nuys.
A dirty evaporator coil can cause a lot of problems for your air conditioner. This is because it prevents the coil from absorbing heat from your home. This is the primary function of your AC system. The evaporator coil draws heat out of your home to cool it down, and the condenser coil releases that absorbed heat to the outside.
The problem occurs when dirt and debris build up on the coil fins, creating an insulating layer that inhibits heat transfer. This causes the air conditioner to work harder, leading to higher energy bills. It also shortens the life of your air conditioner and makes it more prone to breakdowns and other issues.
You may notice that your air conditioner doesn’t seem as cool as it used to. That’s because the evaporator coil is dirty. A clean evaporator coil will be much more effective at cooling your home. It will also be more efficient, so you’ll save money on your energy bill.
Another potential issue with a dirty evaporator coil is that it can freeze up. This happens when condensation forms on the dirty coil and then freezes during operation. This prevents heat transfer, which is the whole point of your air conditioner.
One way to keep your evaporator coil from getting dirty is by changing your air filter regularly. It’s also a good idea to have a professional perform annual maintenance on your air conditioning system. This will include cleaning the evaporator coil. The technician will typically use a pull-and-clean method for this, though they may need to remove the outer casing and top of the air conditioner in order to access the coil.
Dirty compressor coil
The compressor coil is an essential part of the air conditioning system, but it is also susceptible to dirt buildup that can affect its performance, efficiency, and air quality. Dirty compressor coils can cause the system to work longer and harder, which can lead to overstressing of the components and a shorter system life.
Your AC dealer will begin by blowing a light breeze over the condenser coil to remove loose dirt and debris. This will help the dealer determine if there are bent fins, which can be straightened with a piece of thin metal called a “fin brush.”
If the coil is very dirty, your technician may use a commercially available non-acid or non-alkaline cleaner to clean it. Then they’ll blow a little more air through the coil to remove any remaining debris and ensure that the coil is fully open, which will allow the refrigerant to flow through it effectively.
A dirty condenser coil can also restrict airflow, which will reduce your comfort and increase the time it takes to cool your home. It can also cause ductwork problems and even affect your indoor air quality, which is particularly important for people with asthma or allergies.
The best way to prevent a dirty AC coil is to perform routine maintenance. This includes checking and cleaning the evaporator and compressor coils twice per year, especially before summer heat demands that your air conditioner operate at peak capacity. Your local HVAC dealer will know the ideal times to perform this task and can advise you about other precautions that are necessary for your specific area. For instance, your unit should be kept away from any sources of pollution, such as vehicular or industrial exhaust. It should also be positioned to avoid any potential obstructions, such as nearby construction or foliage.
Low coolant levels
If your AC isn’t producing as much cold air as it used to, low coolant levels could be to blame. Coolant is a liquid that keeps your engine cool and allows the rest of your car’s components to work properly. The coolant can also impact your air conditioning in indirect ways by keeping the radiator and other AC parts working correctly.
One of the biggest signs that your coolant is low is if you see water or puddles around your AC’s refrigerant lines and furnace. This is typically caused by a leak in the system and needs to be addressed immediately to avoid further damage. It’s also important to note that low coolant can have a direct effect on your car’s performance if the issue isn’t fixed soon enough.
Another sign that your coolant is low is if your vehicle’s temperature gauge reads high or you notice that it takes longer than usual for your car to reach its desired cooling temperature. The coolant in your vehicle is responsible for transferring heat away from your engine and keeping it at a stable level, so when the level is low, it can cause a variety of issues, including overheating and even engine damage.
It is important to have the right type of coolant in your vehicle, which is why you should always have it flushed by a garage that knows exactly what they are doing. Using the wrong coolant for your vehicle can cause water pump damage and offer no protection to the mechanical seals in your engine, which can eventually lead to cylinder and radiator hose damage over time. Having the right kind of coolant in your vehicle is vital and will help keep your engine running properly for years to come.
Damaged coolant lines
A coolant leak will not only prevent your air conditioning from working, but it could also pose a health hazard. Refrigerant, which is the main coolant in your vehicle, contains a harmful chemical that affects the environment and can enter your respiratory system when inhaled. This chemical is tasteless and odorless, but it has been linked to headaches, dizziness, and even seizures in some cases.
If you are experiencing hissing sounds when the air conditioner is running, there is a high chance that you have a refrigerant leak. Coolant lines can leak due to corrosion or age-related issues. Corrosion is often caused by road salt and brine used to melt ice in the winter, which can eat away at metal parts in the cooling system. Erosion can also be a result of the hot outside temperatures, which can cause copper tubes to thin over time. When these tubes erode, they can develop tiny holes that can leak refrigerant.
When you suspect a coolant leak, the first step is to drain the system by opening the petcock located on the lower portion of the radiator and allowing the coolant to flow out. Then, you can begin to inspect the hoses and replace any that are leaking or have holes. When replacing the hose, make sure to use a new clamp that is properly positioned and tightened. Also, be sure to replace the old clamp if it is rusty or weak.
You can also buy a special leak detection dye that will change color when a combustion gas is present in the coolant. This will make a slow leak easier to find and repair.
Damaged Thermostat
A damaged thermostat can lead to many different air conditioning problems. A good AC service technician will be able to diagnose this problem quickly and easily, so it is worth getting in touch with one of these specialists if you have any concerns.
The first sign that your thermostat might be damaged is often a dark display, which means that it is not getting power and cannot work. In the event that you see this, it is important to shut off the thermostat breaker before you attempt to open the unit and check its condition. Once you have done this, you should find a simple reason for the thermostat not to be working, such as dead batteries or a tripped breaker.
Another sign of a broken thermostat is when you compare the actual temperature in the room to the set temperature on the thermostat and there is a difference between them. This is because the thermostat might be disconnected or mismatched, or perhaps the wiring on it has become faulty. This is often a problem with old thermostats, which are more likely to break than their modern counterparts.
A damaged thermostat can also prevent the compressor from reaching a high enough operating temperature, which can lead to the air conditioner overheating and potentially causing expensive damage. Whether the issue is with the coolant system, the compressor, or the thermostat, it is essential to get in touch with an experienced professional for quality air conditioning repair as soon as possible. Doing so will ensure that your AC system is running properly, reducing the risk of damage and saving you money in the long run. Contact us today to book an appointment with our team of experts.