A number of different things can go wrong with an air conditioning system. Usually these are minor problems that can be easily fixed by a professional. For professional help, contact Air Conditioning Repair Orlando.
These include a dirty air filter, improper thermostat setting, or low refrigerant levels. These are easy to fix and can extend the life of your AC unit.
One of the most important parts of your air conditioner is the evaporator coil, which works to absorb heat from the air in your home and transfer it to the refrigerant. However, dirt, grime, and other debris can build up on the evaporator coil and reduce its efficiency. In fact, a dirty evaporator coil can actually cause your system to stop working entirely. To keep your evaporator coil clean, you should make sure it is cleaned at least once per year. If you have any questions about evaporator coil cleaning, be sure to contact a local AC professional.
The most obvious sign of a dirty evaporator coil is that it doesn’t work to cool your home as it should. This is because the dirty coil acts as an insulator, which prevents it from absorbing and moving heat throughout the house.
Another common sign of a dirty evaporator is that it takes longer for your air conditioner to reach the desired temperature. This is because the evaporator coil is working harder and longer to compensate for its reduced effectiveness.
Finally, a dirty evaporator coil will also lead to higher energy bills. This is because the dirt and grime on the evaporator coil restricts airflow, which can cause other components of your air conditioning to overheat. Over time, this can lead to the compressor and fan motors of your system failing completely.
The evaporator coil can be located inside your AC unit, which is usually located outdoors. To access it, you’ll need to open the box compartment, remove the tape and screws, and then use a can of compressed air or a soft brush to blow away any large pieces of debris that are stuck to the coils. After that, you can use a mild detergent to clean the coil. Be sure to use a non-acidic cleaner, as acidic chemicals can damage the copper and alloy metals used in the coil.
While it’s a good idea to regularly check and change your air filters, you should have an air conditioning professional inspect and clean your evaporator coil at least once per year. This will help to ensure that your evaporator coil is working properly, which can save you money on high energy bills and repairs.
Dirty Compressor Coils
If your air conditioner seems to be struggling to keep your home cool or is blowing warm air, dirty compressor coils are often the culprit. Dirty coils inhibit the heat transfer process by causing refrigerant to leak. This results in your system having to run longer and harder just to achieve a comfortable temperature. This extra stress puts unnecessary wear on your system, which shortens its overall lifespan.
The best way to determine if your compressor coils need cleaning is to check your energy bill. A sudden, unexplained increase in your electricity bill could mean that your AC is working harder than usual because of the clogged coils. Once your coils are cleaned, your electricity bills should return to normal.
You should also consider whether your living space is feeling warmer than it used to. If it’s taking a while to reach your desired temperature, this is another sign that the evaporator coils need to be cleaned.
Another telltale sign is the presence of strange noises coming from your outdoor unit. If you hear rattling, buzzing or grinding sounds, this is usually a sign that the compressor coils have become clogged and restrict air flow. This can cause your AC to work hard to meet your cooling needs, leading to increased wear and potentially even system failure.
Cleaning the compressor coils is a fairly easy task, though it’s important to make sure that all power to the unit has been shut off before you begin. Start by washing the coils with a garden hose fitted with an adjustable nozzle set to a wide wash setting. Spray the entire surface of each coil, going left to right across the fins and then angling downward to clean the first vertical column. Continue to wash and rinse the coils in this manner until all sides have been properly cleaned.
It’s important to remember that despite their small size, the evaporator and compressor coils play a crucial role in your air conditioning’s performance. They must be kept clean to ensure a reliable, comfortable cooling system throughout the summer. It’s also a good idea to have a professional service technician inspect and maintain your coils annually to prevent problems down the line.
Damaged Coolant Lines
The air conditioning system uses copper lines to carry refrigerant through the AC unit. Sometimes these lines can become damaged or leak. HVAC technicians use a variety of materials to insulate and protect the copper lines. Some manufacturers use rubber isolators to prevent mechanical vibrations from rubbing against the lines. These are very effective but can wear over time. When the isolators wear out the lines can rub on each other which will cause damage and eventually a hole. The most common source of coolant leaks is from the compressor. If you hear a buzzing sound from the fan or you see frost on the compressor it is an indication that the system may be low on coolant.
Coolant is a very dangerous chemical that can cause severe lung damage if inhaled. It is extremely important that any air conditioning repair professional handling this chemical have a Section 608 license from the EPA. A licensed technician will know how to handle and test the coolant for any signs of a leak.
In some cases a coolant leak can be repaired by using a commercially available sealant product. However if the coolant has left the engine and is leaking from the radiator or the hoses it will probably be necessary to replace the hoses.
The best way to prevent air conditioning coolant leaks is to perform consistent maintenance and inspections. Inspecting the compressor and condenser units for accumulating dirt, debris, and other foreign material will help prevent future problems. In addition cleaning or replacing filters, ensuring proper air flow, and keeping the area around the outdoor unit clear can all help to reduce the chances of cooling leaks.
A functional air conditioner is a blessing in the heat of a Parma summer. But just like any other mechanical device, it is prone to wear and tear and needs regular maintenance and repairs. Recognizing the early warning signs of an air conditioner breakdown can save you a lot of headaches and expense. A professional can advise you of the best course of action to take and how much repairing or replacing will cost.
Low Coolant Levels
Engine coolant is important for your car’s radiator and engine to keep it from overheating. However, it also has an important role in your air conditioning system as well. The coolant is what passes through your AC compressor to convert it from a liquid to a hot gas, which in turn helps to keep your cabin cool. A low level of engine coolant could have a negative effect on your cooling system and lead to an expensive repair bill.
A common sign of low coolant is ice forming on your refrigerant lines. This is a good indication that you need to shut off your AC unit and call in a professional ASAP. A professional will be able to inspect your refrigerant lines and check for signs of a leak, which they can then seal. Once the leak is sealed, they will recharge your system and bring its coolant levels back to where they need to be.
Another way to tell that your coolant levels are low is to see if your AC is working less efficiently than usual. This happens because the low coolant will prevent your air conditioner from being able to absorb heat from the indoor air. This may lead to weak airflow from your vents or even warm air blowing out of them.
If you notice a sudden spike in your energy bill, it is a good sign that your air conditioning system might be struggling due to low refrigerant levels. This is because the system will have to run all the time in order to cool your home when it has low refrigerant levels, which means that it will be using up more electricity than normal.
Low refrigerant levels can cause your AC to short-cycle on and off more frequently, which causes wear and tear on your system and wastes energy. A qualified HVAC technician will be able to check your refrigerant levels, locate any leaks and seal them, and then recharge the system with the proper blend to make sure it is operating properly again.
Trying to add engine coolant yourself can be dangerous and illegal, as it is a regulated substance that needs to be handled by trained professionals. Instead, contact an HVAC technician right away if you suspect that your coolant is low. They will be able to determine the cause of the low levels and can recharge your AC correctly.