Summer has nearly begun. It means homeowners in hot climates will once again rely on their air conditioners to survive the heat in the months to come. Almost every household in the USA uses a form of cooling during the hot season.
Nevertheless, AC units should be checked for signs of malfunction after the dormant period. Instead of getting annoyed with your air conditioner for not working properly, you should have it inspected before summer.
Learn more about the most common types of AC repairs and how HVAC specialists can help you.
Ductwork issues
Ductwork problems are among the most common issues homeowners have with their air conditioners. If the airflow is relatively week in just one or two rooms in the house, you might be dealing with malfunctioning ducts. In such scenarios, the dampers’ condition should be the first thing to get inspected. Dampers take the role of valves in ducts, in charge of producing airflow. Check out some tips for replacing HVAC dampers.
Moreover, the dampers should be in an ON position to provide maximum airflow. When these are fully or partially closed, airflow becomes weaker. Another cause for weak airflow might be leaking air ducts, whose condition can be checked by using a flashlight inside the vents. If the light is coming through the vents, you should ask for the assistance of an HVAC contractor. These specialists use duct sealing to close the gaps and restore the airflow.
Frozen evaporator coils
Another AC problem requiring repair is frozen evaporator coils. These coils are filled with refrigerant, whose job is to absorb heat from the air. Unless there is warm air circulating, the coils become cold, and an ice layer accumulates on top of them. Once the ice starts accumulating, the AC is likely to freeze up and stop functioning.
Furthermore, the refrigerant inside the coils is prevented from absorbing heat, meaning no cool air will exit the vents. When dealing with frozen evaporator coils, HVAC specialists advise homeowners to leave them to defrost for twenty-four hours before inspecting the damage. Afterward, HVAC experts check the airflow and look for signs of physical deterioration.
The most obvious signs of physical coil damage include dented pipes, bent fins, deteriorated fittings, etc. Once such damage is repaired, the next troubleshooting step involves checking refrigerant levels. These aren’t supposed to be low, as the coils will freeze once again.
AC fan issues
Air conditioners transfer heat from inside the house to the outside via the fans located in the unit placed outdoors. Heat transfer fails to take place if the fans don’t perform in an expected manner. Nevertheless, HVAC professionals are proficient in inspecting the condition of these fans. If looking for the best service in Albuquerque, NM, always hire highly trained technicians. They should check the compressor for signs of overheating or internal damage.
In case the compressor overheats, the safety load will most likely trip. Nevertheless, when there is internal damage, the consequences are much graver, such as replacing the entire unit. Professionals will visually inspect the problem by looking at the wiring. Upon detecting a loose component or faulty wiring, they will find the most appropriate way to repair it.
Refrigerant leaks
Refrigerant leaks are unavoidable in most households. Since this liquid is what makes air cool in your home, a leak unquestionably reduces the efficiency of the AC. The moment you notice your air conditioner isn’t cooling the air as it used to, it might be a symptom of a refrigerant leak. When coolant levels are low, there is usually a leak somewhere in the system.
HVAC contractors firstly locate the leak and then recharge the refrigerant. These technicians are trained in adding as much coolant as necessary, as per the specifications of the manufacturer. In case the leak is minor, just adding refrigerant would do the trick. Anyhow, when the leak is major, the entire network should be replaced to prevent further issues. Visit this URL, https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/air-conditioner-problems/, to discover ten silent signs your AC is failing.
To sum up
An AC inspection is essential before the summer season.
It reveals important information about the health of residential AC units!