When air conditioners break down, they can cause serious damage to homes. Fortunately, many AC problems can be resolved by a professional. This could include changing the filter, cleaning the exterior unit, or resetting the breaker.
It’s also important to schedule a routine inspection and maintenance service. This can improve energy efficiency and help avoid costly repairs. For professional help, contact AC Repair Round Rock TX.
A compressor is the heart of your air conditioner, so it’s no surprise that a faulty compressor can cause serious problems for your entire system. One of the first signs that your compressor is going bad is when you hear strange noises, such as rattling or grinding sounds. These noises usually mean that internal components are wearing out or damaged.
Another sign of a bad compressor is a drop in cooling efficiency. When your compressor fails, it has to work harder to cool your home, which means that it will consume more energy. This is why it’s important to keep up with preventive maintenance, including yearly AC tune-ups.
Faulty electrical wiring or power surges can also damage your compressor. This is why it’s important to have a surge protector installed in your system. It’s also a good idea to install a capacitor and contactor protection device to protect your unit from overvoltages.
If your compressor is tripping your circuit breaker, that’s a clear sign that it needs professional repair or replacement. You should never attempt to open your compressor unit, as it can be dangerous due to high-pressure components.
A bad AC compressor can also suffer from physical damage, such as being hit by a hard object or getting bent out of shape. This type of damage can lead to a number of problems, including a broken belt and seized compressor.
Another common problem with a compressor is an issue with lubrication. The moving parts in the compressor can generate a lot of heat, so they need to be properly lubricated to avoid overheating. If the lubricant leaks out, this will lead to excessive wear and tear on the compressor motor and other internal components.
If you’re hearing a clicking sound when your compressor turns on, that’s a sure sign of trouble. This is a sign that the start relay has gone bad and should be replaced by a professional HVAC technician. This is a job that requires special tools and training, so it’s best to leave it to the experts. This will help to ensure that your air conditioning system keeps up with your summer temperatures and keeps you comfortable all year round.
Faulty Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil, located inside the air handler unit of your AC system, is responsible for absorbing warm, humid indoor air in order to cool your home. It works by converting the liquid refrigerant to a gas, which absorbs heat from the air before dispersing it throughout your home. Unfortunately, a faulty coil can cause a variety of problems including reduced cooling efficiency and higher energy bills. To keep your evaporator coil in good shape, you must clean it regularly.
A clogged or dirty evaporator coil can cause several symptoms including an inability to provide proper cooling and a buildup of ice. It can also reduce the ability of your air conditioning to remove humidity from your home and may result in a hissing or banging noise that suggests the coil is leaking refrigerant and hitting other components.
Dirty or clogged evaporator coils can lead to higher electricity bills, which is because the AC has to work harder in order to cool your home. The resulting pressure on other parts of your system can lead to premature wear and tear or even a burnt out compressor. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your evaporator coil can help keep it working well for many years to come.
Coil problems often occur as a result of restricted airflow, such as when an air filter is dirty or the condensate drain line is blocked. This can prevent the evaporator coil from getting cold enough to convert refrigerant into a gas and release it in your house.
Another common problem is corrosion, which can develop on the evaporator coil when it gets too old or used for long periods without cleaning. The evaporator coil can also suffer from a lack of maintenance, such as frequent opening and closing of your air vents, which can cause dirt to build up over time.
When an air conditioner is in need of a repair, you should always call a professional to do the job. They will have the tools and experience needed to identify and fix problems with your AC unit in Virginia Beach, VA. They can also offer advice on how to best maintain your system and prevent future issues.
Faulty Blower Motor
When the blower motor fails, it can no longer provide adequate airflow to the vents that heat or cool your cabin. It can also interfere with the defroster, which uses the blower fan to direct air over your windshield.
A faulty blower motor may also lead to strange noises in the cabin. Screeching and squealing sounds often indicate an issue with the motor’s bearings or other parts of the fan assembly. Clanking, on the other hand, usually indicates a loose part or electrical problems.
Faulty blower motors can be difficult to diagnose and fix. They can be caused by a variety of issues, such as fan control problems or a bad battery or relay. A professional can help you determine what the problem is and recommend a repair or replacement.
The first step in diagnosing a faulty blower motor is to check the fuse and relay. A blown fuse will cut off power to the motor, so it is important to replace it as soon as possible. A faulty relay can prevent the blower fan from turning on, so it is important to check it for continuity with a multimeter and replace it if necessary.
Another common problem with a blower motor is a defective speed control module. This can cause the motor to overheat, which can be dangerous for your vehicle’s wiring and components. It is best to have a professional look at this problem because it will likely require extensive troubleshooting, including removing the blower cover and disconnecting the wiring.
A faulty blower motor can be very difficult to live with, so it is important to address any issues as quickly as possible. This can prevent your HVAC system from failing completely, which can cost you a lot of money in energy bills. The most effective way to keep your blower motor in good shape is by scheduling routine AC maintenance visits. During these services, technicians can clean the blower fan cage and test the motor for issues. In addition, they can lubricate the motor bearings to prevent future failures.
Faulty Contactor
The contactor opens and closes the electrical circuit that allows power to flow to your compressor, evaporator coil and fan motor. If it fails to function properly, your AC won’t get the energy it needs to run.
The arcs that occur when the contactor switches between open and closed positions wear down the contacts and lead to poor conductivity. A lack of continuity in the electrical circuit that the contactor creates is a sign that it’s time to replace the part.
You can test the condition of your AC contactor with a multimeter, available in most home improvement, hardware and electronic stores. Before you start, make sure the unit is turned off and that no one is touching any wires or switching the breaker in your house. Remove the side cover of your outdoor unit and locate the black rectangular object where colored wires are attached. It will have a pair of metal contacts and a spring-loaded plunger. Use the meter’s low volt setting to read the voltage between the two contacts. If the voltage is continuous, it’s in good condition and the contactor is working well.
If the volts read zero, it’s an indication that the contactor is defective. It’s likely that a piece of debris has welded the contacts together, preventing them from closing to allow electricity through. You may also see signs of arcing, such as pitting or burned copper, that can indicate the need for replacement.
Another sign of a contactor that’s failing is a chattering sound when the unit attempts to operate. The chattering is the result of the welded metal strips on the contactor’s plunger and coils shaking against each other, causing them to vibrate and produce a humming noise.
When a chattering sound indicates that your AC is trying to start but cannot complete the cycle, it’s important to have a professional inspect and replace the contactor so the system doesn’t burn out from overheating. A faulty contactor is just one of several minor issues that could develop into larger air conditioning problems if they’re not addressed promptly.