Air conditioning repair is critical to keeping your home cool. Thankfully, scheduling maintenance twice a year minimizes the repairs needed and will help to prevent them from happening altogether.
Many AC repairs are minor and easy fixes, but when they go unaddressed they can lead to bigger issues that will eventually require replacement. Here are four common AC repair problems and some tips for preventing them.
A capacitor is a cylindrical part in your AC unit that stores energy and then transmits it to the motor to start it running. Without this essential component, your AC would not work. In addition to providing energy for your fan, compressor and outdoor fan motors, a capacitor is also used in the relay switch on your unit. This important piece of equipment can fail due to age or a variety of other reasons, including heat exposure and voltage ratings.
While it’s possible that your air conditioner can run without a working capacitor, doing so is dangerous because of the electrical charge and oil inside. The best way to determine whether your capacitor is failing or needs replacing is to have a qualified heating and AC repair technician take a look.
Often, a failing capacitor causes the compressor to stop and start repeatedly, which can lead to overheating of the circuit board and ultimately the entire air conditioning unit. Other signs of a bad capacitor include high electricity bills or loud humming noises from the access panel.
Failing capacitors can be difficult to diagnose because the problem is usually not obvious until the AC stops working. The good news is that a professional can replace a capacitor and restore your AC to normal operation with minimal effect on other components of the system.
The most common reason for a capacitor to go bad is that it’s overloaded with too much energy, either from a lightning strike or from power surges in your home. Even something as simple as turning on a large appliance or going outside during a summer thunderstorm can overload your electrical system and cause the capacitor to fail. When you encounter any of the symptoms of a bad capacitor, contact your local heating and AC repair company right away. They will be able to get a new capacitor installed quickly to prevent the failure of other more expensive components and keep you cool.
Contactors
A contactor is a key piece of the air conditioning system that bridges your thermostat and high-voltage elements like the compressor and fan motor. It’s important that this electrical component opens and closes smoothly, but it can also develop mechanical problems over time that can impact your home’s comfort and safety.
A common AC contactor problem is a chattering sound, which can be caused by uneven opening and closing of the contacts. This can be a result of inconsistent control voltages, low transition times between peak currents, or the gradual burning off of alloys that coat the contacts over time.
Another potential issue is a faulty coil, which can result in excessive contact voltages or excessively hot wires. This can lead to an inability for the contacts to open, or arcing between them, which can be dangerous and cause other components to overheat and fail.
It’s a good idea to regularly clean your contactors to remove dust and debris from the moving parts. This can be done with an alcohol-based cleaner solution, such as CRC QD Electronic Cleaner Spray. You should also check for any signs of corrosion or damage to the metal parts and enclosure. Regular maintenance of your contactors can help you avoid more serious issues and prolong the lifespan of this essential AC equipment.
One of the best ways to protect your contactors is to install surge protectors, which can mitigate the effects of sudden power surges and lightning strikes on electrical components. You should also choose a contactor with an enclosure that’s designed to promote natural heat dissipation.
If you’re experiencing a problem with your AC unit, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional HVAC contractor for repair services. They can help you diagnose any AC contactor problems and find a solution that will restore the full functionality of your air conditioner.
When assessing an air conditioning contactor, it’s helpful to understand the technical differences between contactors and relays. In general, contactors are intended for higher-power applications than relays and have more substantial electromagnetic coils. They are also physically larger and more expensive than relays.
Blower Motor
The blower motor is a key component of the air conditioning system, helping to move the cooled air through the HVAC ducts. But like any mechanical and electrical device, it can be prone to all kinds of problems. Luckily, most of these issues are easy to resolve with a little bit of maintenance.
Strange sounds from your blower motor are usually a good indication that something is wrong. They can range from a whirring sound to rattling or clanging noises. The latter could mean that the blower motor fan blades have become damaged. If this is the case, it is important to get them repaired as soon as possible.
Similarly, squealing or screeching noises may be caused by a loose belt or bearing problems. These can be easily fixed by replacing the belt or lubricating the bearings. Another common issue is overheating. This is usually due to a buildup of dust, dirt or other debris within the motor. Thankfully, modern blower motors often contain electronics that prevent them from overheating.
Another sign of a problem with the blower motor is unusual smells coming from the vents. This may indicate that the blower motor has an electrical short or is burning out. If the issue is not resolved promptly, it can result in permanent damage to the motor and other components of the HVAC system.
It is also important to contact a specialist when it comes time to replace the blower motor. They can help you find the right model for your vehicle and ensure that it is installed properly. Having an expert at hand can also save you money in the long run.
A qualified HVAC technician can assess the condition of your blower motor and recommend whether it needs to be repaired or replaced. They can also provide regular maintenance to prolong the life of your AC system. They can even install a new blower motor for you at an affordable price, depending on the type of AC system you have and its specifications. This way, you can rest assured that your home will remain comfortable even when the temperature reaches triple digits.
Air Filters
When the air filter is clogged, it can restrict the flow of warm or cool air. This can make your home feel uncomfortable. A dirty air filter can also allow dust, dander, and other debris into the air duct system. This can lead to respiratory issues and even mold in the ducts.
The air filter is a vital part of the cooling system. It helps to maintain the efficiency of your system and ensures healthy indoor air quality. An AC service technician can examine your air filter during routine maintenance to determine if it needs cleaning or replacing.
Dirty air filters affect energy efficiency. The HVAC system has to work harder to produce the same level of cooling, which consumes more energy. This results in higher electric bills and less overall comfort.
A clogged air filter can cause the evaporator coil to freeze. This can damage the coil and lead to a costly replacement. This is why changing your air filter monthly is so important.
If the air filter isn’t changed regularly, it can cause refrigerant leaks. This can be dangerous for your family, especially if the refrigerant is in the indoor unit. It can contaminate the entire system and ruin the whole unit.
The cost of a new air filter is far less than a costly HVAC repair bill. By purchasing and installing a new air filter on a regular basis, you can avoid expensive AC repairs and ensure your air conditioner works as well as possible for a long time.
Whenever you change your air filter, always be sure to shut off the power to your air conditioning system. Then remove the old air filter and carefully insert the clean filter, ensuring it’s facing in the same direction as the marked arrow. Licensed technicians can help you pick an appropriate filter for your home and advise you on proper installation techniques. They can also perform annual preventative maintenance on your air conditioning unit to keep it running smoothly and efficiently.