Air conditioning repair is the process of restoring an AC unit to proper working order. It typically involves inspecting all parts of the system, servicing what needs to be serviced, and repairing what requires repairs.
Homeowners can use a simple equation to decide whether repair or replacement is better. The equation is the repair cost divided by the air conditioner’s age. Visit Website for more information.
The air conditioning condenser takes the hot, moist air from inside the home or car and transforms it into a cool liquid that’s then compressed to create the cold air that blows through the vents. If the condenser becomes damaged or stops working properly, you may notice that your AC is not producing as much cool air as usual. A malfunctioning condenser may also indicate other problems, such as a compressor problem or a refrigerant leak.
Performing regular maintenance on your air conditioner can help you keep the condenser in good shape. You can change the filter regularly, clear the brush away from the unit, and ensure the area around the condenser is debris-free. However, the best way to keep your condenser in tip-top shape is by having a professional do routine maintenance and inspections. If your condenser has been damaged or hasn’t been repaired in a while, it may be time to consider replacing it altogether.
When you’re dealing with an older air conditioner, several parts may fail at once or over a period of time. This can increase the cost of repairs and make it more likely that you’ll need a replacement sooner rather than later.
The good news is that some of these components, such as the relay switch and run capacitor, can be replaced on your own if you’re confident that they are the cause of your problem. You can buy these parts at a hardware store or online. However, to replace the fan motor or the compressor, you’ll need to shut off power at the outdoor disconnect and use a voltage tester to ensure that there is no remaining electricity in the wires.
Check the Thermostat
Your thermostat is the most important part of your air conditioning system, it’s responsible for keeping your home comfortable all year round. But when something goes wrong with your thermostat it can cause all kinds of trouble for your cooling. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t working or is giving inaccurate readings it may be time to call a technician for an AC repair.
Luckily, thermostat problems are one of the easier parts of your cooling system to fix. The first thing you should always do is check the batteries, these are easy to change if you know how. Simply remove the old battery and put in a new one and you should be good to go!
Then you should look for any other obvious issues. If your thermostat has a display screen, make sure the backlight is still on, this could be an indication of a problem with the electrical components. Make sure the unit is not covered in soot, cigarette smoke or dust as this could also prevent the thermostat from working correctly. It’s also worth checking the owner’s manual for any helpful troubleshooting or diagnostic sections.
Keep in mind though, that while you can do some things on your own, it is generally best to leave more complicated work to a professional. If your thermostat isn’t working it could be caused by a variety of different things and will likely require the attention of a trained expert to identify and correct the problem. If you’re having trouble with your thermostat don’t hesitate to give us a call here at SuperTech, we can get it fixed up in no time! Schedule a service now.
Check the Electrical Connections
Your air conditioner’s electrical connections can affect how efficiently your system operates. If your breaker or fuse trips repeatedly, or if you notice that you’re consuming more energy than usual, it may be an indication of wiring problems that should be investigated by a professional. During an inspection, a technician will do integrity tests on the thermostat and AC shut and blower shut off valves, as well as inspect the contactor, capacitor and wiring for signs of damage or wear and tear.
Loose or improper connections can lead to fire hazards and reduce the lifespan of your AC system. A professional service technician will check the electrical connections during a preventive maintenance visit to make sure they are tight, free of corrosion and have adequate insulation.
A technician will also clean the evaporator coils, adjuster blower and condensate drain lines to ensure proper airflow and avoid any leaks. They will also perform a refrigerant level check and refill your air conditioner as needed to prevent low refrigerant that can cause a variety of problems from freezing your home to overheating.
Check the Compressor
The compressor, located in the outdoor portion of your air conditioning unit, is one of the most essential components for making cool air. It’s responsible for turning the liquid refrigerant into gas that flows through the coils. The compressor also pumps the refrigerant back and forth from the inside and outside of your home to ensure that levels remain steady. When your compressor malfunctions, it will no longer pump refrigerant throughout the system. This can lead to a lack of cold air, as well as an increase in your energy bill.
Often, when the compressor fails to pump refrigerant, it will leak the liquid that is inside. Leaks may not only damage your compressor, but they can cause a mess in your home and possibly pose health concerns. If your compressor is leaking fluid, you’ll need to have it repaired as soon as possible.
Another common sign of a bad compressor is when the unit makes a rattling noise. These noises can occur when the compressor’s mounts begin to fail and cause the compressor motor to shake itself loose. If the compressor fails to seal properly, it can leak the oil that lubricates it, which causes a high-pitched squeal.
To check the state of your compressor, you can use a multimeter to measure its voltage. To do this, connect the red and black pins of your multimeter to the Common, Run, and Start terminals on the compressor. You’ll want to make sure that the compressor is cooled down before you conduct these tests. If you see that the voltmeter reads “OL” (overload) or “OLG” (open-loop), this indicates that there’s no current flow through your compressor. You might need to replace a capacitor or have the compressor motor replaced if this is the case.
Check the Fan
If your AC fan isn’t running, you won’t be able to circulate air through your home. This may be because it’s set too high or because the motor isn’t working properly. Changing the fan speed isn’t something you should try on your own, as it requires specialized knowledge of how the system is wired. In addition, attempting to change the fan speed could invalidate your warranty and even cause damage to your equipment.
The fan’s aluminum fins can become deformed over time, which is why it’s important to make sure there is enough clearance between the unit and objects. They should also be kept free of dust and dirt. In some cases, the fins can get bent because of debris smacking them against the compressor or from windy days. A butter knife or a screwdriver can be used to help bend them back into shape.
If the fan isn’t turning on, this can indicate a problem with the capacitor. This cylindrical component stores electricity and releases it during compressor and fan startup to give them a boost of power. It also helps to smooth out voltage fluctuations on the power grid and protect the motors from damage.
If you suspect a problem with the capacitor, you should never attempt to remove or repair it yourself. Doing so could result in a serious electric shock, injury, or death. Instead, call a professional HVAC technician or electrician. They’ll be able to safely and quickly diagnose and fix the issue. They’ll also be able to identify other problems with the unit, saving you the cost of an expensive replacement.
