How To Tell If Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair Or Replacement
Air conditioning systems endure considerable wear and tear during the long, hot months of the year. With such heavy usage, you can expect to deal with at least a few air conditioner repair issues from time to time. However, if your air conditioner is getting older, you may be wondering if the latest trouble with the system is a sign that a replacement is imminent.
The typical lifespan of an air conditioning unit is 12 years, but this is not a hard and fast rule. The actual life of your air conditioning system will be based on the make and model, how heavily it has been used, how well it has been maintained, your climate and other factors. If you want to know if the time has come to replace an older model, simply ask yourself how comfortable you are inside your home.
Some people delay getting a bothersome repair issue fixed by a professional because of the fear that the cost would be significant or that a replacement would be needed. The good news is that many repair issues are simple and easy fixes, so you should not be timid about setting up a service call at the first sign of an issue. These are some of the more common signs that indicate the need for attention and potentially repair service.
1. The Air Conditioner Will Not Turn On
This is most commonly caused by a thermostat issue. Check to see if the setting on the thermostat is correct and that the unit is turned onto the “Cool” setting. You should also ensure that the thermostat is receiving electrical power. Take a quick look at the circuit breaker to ensure that the fuse has not been tripped. There is no cost associated with these simple steps.
2. The Air Conditioner Does Not Seem to Work as Well as Last Year
A common cause of this issue is limited airflow. Before you schedule repair service for your AC system, change the air filter. This is an affordable fix that may resolve the issue. Remember to change the air filter every one to two months. You can also check the outdoor unit. Ensure that there are at least two feet of clearance around the perimeter of the unit and five feet of clearance above the unit. These steps are affordable, costing only the amount of your air filter.
3. Your Utility Bills Are Much Higher This Year
Assuming that you have accounted for any temperature changes between this year and the same time last year, there may be a problem with your HVAC system. After you have ensured that the air filter is clean, you can check out the condensing coil that is inside the outdoor equipment. If it is dirty or dusty, you should call an HVAC technician for an annual maintenance service. Maintenance service usually costs less than $100, but it may vary based on the type of equipment that you have.
4. The AC System Is Making Unusual Sounds
If you have noticed that your AC system is making a ticking, rattling or whizzing sound when it turns on and off or for the entire time that it is running, there may be numerous causes. Something as simple as a loose screw may be causing the issue, and your HVAC technician can find and fix this issue quickly. Some of the other possible causes are a worn-out blower motor in the indoor equipment or a damaged fan blade in the outdoor equipment. The cost to address this issue may range from under $100 to more than $700 depending on the problem.
5. The AC System Shuts Off Too Soon or Too Late
When the thermostat is not properly controlling the temperature in your home, you may easily feel too warm or too cold. In some cases, the problem is related to the location of the thermostat. For example, the thermostat may have cold air from the vent blowing directly at it, or it may be located in direct sunlight. Otherwise, the thermostat may need to be replaced. If you can change the location of the thermostat or install a new one yourself, this is a very easy and affordable problem to fix.
6. The Equipment Appears to Be Leaking
The most common cause of moisture around the indoor equipment is condensation. This occurs from normal operation, and the moisture is supposed to be collected and removed from the home through a pan and a drain line. In many cases, an issue with water accumulation from condensation stems from a clog in the drain line. You may be able to clean out the tube yourself for free. If the tube needs to be replaced, the cost is nominal. In some cases, there may be a problem with the sump basin, and this equipment may need to be repaired or replaced.
7. The Air Is Not Cool Enough
If you hold your hand up to the air vent or register, you may notice that it is only moderately chilled. The primary cause of this problem is poorly insulated refrigerant lights. These are the two lines leading from the outdoor equipment into the home. They should be covered with fully-intact insulation. If the insulation appears to be in good condition, your refrigerant probably needs to be recharged. The cost for this is approximately $100 to $200.
8. The AC System Will Not Turn On
If your AC system is completely non-responsive to your thermostat settings and controls, the compressor may be burnt out. The only way to address this issue is to replace the compressor. This replacement includes the need for new Freon and various other small parts as well as labor costs. Because the cost of a new compressor may range from $600 to $,1900 or more, it may be wise to consider a full system replacement if your unit is getting older. A good rule of thumb is to replace the AC unit if the air conditioner repair cost is more than half of the replacement cost and if the equipment is eight years old or older. We have new air conditioner specials and financing available, just Call or Text us today for more details (941) 203-7955.
Common Summer Air Conditioning Problems In Southwest Florida
When summer arrives and the hot Florida sun raises the air temperature, you turn on your air conditioner to improve your comfort and that of anyone else who lives in your home. If you have recently noticed problems with your air conditioner and don't want to face the summer heat alone, taking action is vital. Learning about the most common issues people encounter is a step in the right direction.
You will know what to expect and what to do about it after arming yourself with a few tips. You will also discover how a team of professionals can give you a hand, save you money and keep your air conditioner working well all summer. The team at Mahle Cool Air consists of caring and passionate individuals who strive to meet your needs each step of the way, giving you peace of mind. No matter the problem you have encountered, we will make it a thing of the past.
Refrigerant Leaks
An air conditioner that is leaking refrigerant could be the problem you are facing. Major leaks are noticeable when you know the red flags for which to look, but small leaks are often hard to detect. If your air conditioner generates air flow throughout your vents but does not provide cold air, low refrigerant could be to blame.
Some people don't understand the issue and try to refill the coolant as a result. Doing so is a temporary solution that will work for a short period, but the problem will resurface in no time. If you want to move forward and achieve peace of mind, having a trained expert check your unit for signs of leaks or damage is an excellent step in the right direction.
Clogged Air Filter
Located in the air duct or blower compartment, your air filter plays a vital role in the quality of your indoor air. Its job is to filter dust and other particles from the air before it circulates throughout your home. What most people don't realize is that air filters can only do their job for a limited time before they get clogged and need to be cleaned or replaced. A clogged air filter stops the cold air from entering your home, and the temperature of your house will go up as a result.
Damaged Thermostat
While you can face any one of the many air conditioning problems, some are more likely to occur than others. Some issues you encounter will require costly repair fees or service charges that can hurt your budget. Other issues, though, are much cheaper. If you are lucky, a broken thermostat could be to blame for the issues you have been facing. If the temperature of your home stays the same no matter the settings you use, you could have faulty wiring.
You might think trying to fix it without help is a good move that will save you money, but that path is not wise. Unless you have experience in this area, working with a professional is the only safe bet. A caring professional can come to your home and review your thermostat for the signs of trouble. Fixing a few wires or replacing the thermostat could be the solution for which you have been searching.
Damaged Fan
When you turn on your air conditioner to enjoy the benefits that it provides and don't get the desired result, you might want to check your outdoor unit. You will often find that a broken or damaged fan is stopping you from cooling your home to the desired temperature. Old units can experience this problem for many reasons, but new models are not immune to the threat.
A damaged motor is sometimes at fault when your fan won't turn on or spin fast enough to push cold air into your home. In other cases, you might discover that a shorted wire is the source of your trouble. Running your air conditioner when the fan is not fully operational can cause other problems you won't always expect. Disable your unit and call an expert if you notice this problem, and you will be glad you did.
Being Proactive
If you are like other people who want to survive the Florida heat, you accidentally wait too long to inspect and maintain your air conditioner. No matter the problem at hand, spotting it in the early stages is the key to avoiding unneeded complications.
You should have an expert inspect your unit once in the fall and again in the spring of each year if you would like to enjoy the best possible results. This process brings issues to your attention before they have time to get worse than they already are, and your budget will thank you. If your mission is to get the most from your air conditioner and to keep it in great shape for years to come, opting for routine maintenance will do the trick.
Getting Started
If you are currently facing air conditioner problems or would like to prevent them from occurring in the first place, we are here to help. The kind, caring staff at Mahle Cool Air will come to the rescue and provide assistance when you need it the most. Our family-owned business operates locally and cares about each member of the community, and that is why we operate with transparency and integrity at all times, treating our clients like family. If you are ready to get started, you can pick up your phone and give us a call right away.
Can Your Air Conditioner Cause Water Damage In Your Home?
In Venice, Florida the summers get very hot and steamy. Consequently, the air conditioning system in the home or business is under a tremendous amount of pressure to perform well and keep the occupants in the building cool and comfortable. However, problems pop up all the time. The air conditioner is not performing well and is not able to remove that humid air out of the building. Often, this is due to an improper air conditioner maintenance program. This leads to a sweaty cooling unit. Leaks form, resulting in water damage to the property.
Investigating Leaks
Just about everyone that owns an air conditioner notices that the unit leaks at certain times. Perhaps, you've noticed that the unit is leaking a bit more than usual. Certainly, this might be due to running the unit for a long time or other problems might be present. Your unit keeps your building or home cool by removing the humid moisture out of the place. Therefore, it is perfectly normal for the air conditioner to sweat just a bit on a very hot and humid day.
Leaks Cause Damage
Of course, as the property owner, its vital to investigate the cause of the leak. Those leaks might lead to major water damage that destroys the rugs, floors, and building structure. The fact is that those leaks might happen to a window unit or central air conditioning equally. Of course, you could contact a HVAC company to perform air conditioning maintenance and repair the leak. However, it's still a good idea to do a bit of investigative research on your own, before the professionals arrive. Give them the results of your investigation to help zero in on the cause. It's vital to get to the source of the problem because a leak might cause major water damage on the property.
Is Leaking Normal
Leaking is a normal occurrence during an exceptionally hot summer that required constant cooling. However, other circumstances might also exist. One of the top reasons that the unit is leaking might be due to a clogged condensate drainage. The water is collected in the condensate drain and carried into the plumbing system or outside of the building. Now, if the drain is clogged, the process is interrupted. You will probably notice that there is very apparent leaking on the floor, walls, and even outside of the building. It's clearly apparent that the potential for damage is very high. Clogged drains require, the services of a professional HVAC company to remove the clog. They will use professional vacuuming techniques to flush out all the dirt and debris that is causing the clog.
Check For Leaky Pipes
Perhaps, the unit is old and the pipes are starting to leak in the unit. Surprisingly, this is a very common occurrence in older model units. Call in the HVAC team to quickly replace the pipes and your unit will be up and running at maximum capacity promptly.
Frozen Coils
You've probably noticed that your central air unit starts to form ice or freeze over, when it is working extremely hard on a very hot day. The ice forms on the coils, the melting ice causes leaks. If you suspect that this is the problem that is causing the leak, turn off the unit immediately. Let the ice melt. Wipe up any water that drains onto the area, to avoid damage. If this happens on a regular basis, contact the professionals for further diagnosis of the problem and a permanent solution.
Window Units
Most people buy the popular window units because they are very inexpensive. It's easy to buy several units and place them in various areas around the house. However, leaks are fairly common with the window units, which might be due to improper air conditioner maintenance or incorrect installation. It's important to realize that a leak might occur, if the unit is not level. For example, installing the unit with the front tilting in toward the room, might cause the condensation to leak into the room. This is a very curable problem. Simply level off the unit or tilt the unit back, toward the window. This will make it possible for the water to flow outside of the window, instead of the inside of the room.
The majority of minor leakage problems are easily fixed, by the owner. However, major problems require the services of a HVAC team.
Serious Air Conditioner Problems That Require Professional Repair
Your home air conditioner unit has dozens of parts that need to function healthily to work efficiently. If one part acts out of place, the entire unit can go. This is one of the most common causes of ac air hot. However, other causes include a refrigerant leak, which requires the help from an air conditioner repairman. To fully understand why your AC unit is blowing hot air, consult our guide below.
The Wiring
Often enough electrical problems is a common cause of your AC unit blowing warm air. There are handfuls of water interacting with each other in your AC unit, one these wires cut or fray, it can cause your unit to start breaking down.
Causes: Wires are usually cut by either objects or animals, but can frequently become frayed by overheating. If a wire is chewed, it can cause your AC unit to malfunction, which will require a complex repair. To prevent this in the first place, make sure no wires are available to touch outside of your unit. However, you should also put objects in place to protect your AC unit from your animals or family, such as a gate.
Solutions: To fix your wiring, you should consult your local air conditioning repairman to replace any broken wires in your unit.
The Refrigerant is Leaking
This is one of the most common reasons for an ac not working. The refrigerant can leak for a few different reasons, though it is unlikely you will see it happen. Since it would leak outside of your house, you may miss the leak entirely.
Causes: As stated before, there are a few different reasons why your refrigerant may leak. A joint can become loose when you use the ac often, the service valve could have worn out, or the unit could have been assembly badly by the manufacturer. To avoid these leaks, be sure to check out your unit often and get it serviced before you turn it on for the summer.
Solutions: Trying to fix the refrigerant on your own can be a risky task. It is best to leave this for a professional to deal with.
The Compressor
If you find yourself Googling “ac not working,” the cause of your troubles may lay in your compressor. The compressor transforms refrigerant gases from the evaporator into hot, high-pressure gas. The gas then goes into the condenser. With a broken compressor, your ac will likely not work at all. If you suspect this is the issue, call a professional to diagnose it.
Causes: There are a number of reasons why the compressor may be broken, including overheating, electrical problems, or refrigerant going back into the compressor. On average, compressors remain functional for ten years at least. The only way to reduce the risk of your compressor breaking is to use your ac less.
Solutions: Unless you are an expert, you will not be able to fix the compressor on your own. It would be best to call a professional. They can determine if the compressor is the actual problem and replace it if need be. See how much it costs before replacing it as it might be more cost effective to get a new air conditioner unit.
Check Your Air Filter
When your air filter is working correctly, it will get dirty. The majority of people only check out their ac’s filter when something is wrong. However, your air filter should be checked, cleaned, or replaced every so often to avoid problems. Having a dirty filter will not cause your ac to blow hot air, however, it will contribute to the issue and reduce the level of coldness by a bit.
Causes: The air filter catches dirt and other particles that are moving throughout your unit. They also need to be cleaned out or replaced when they become too dirty. Be sure to check the filter on a regular basis.
Solutions: First, shut off your ac. Then either clean out the air filter or purchase a new one. Only then can you begin to use your ac again.
Check Your Thermostat Settings
When you are feeling ac air hot, this is probably the best case scenario. When put directly, homeowners sometimes forget to switch their thermostat settings from warm to cool when summer comes. Whether you or your child accidentally set the thermostat, your ac unit will blow warm air until the switch is flipped.
Causes: If you have children in your home, this sort of thing can happen frequently. This can also happen if you are a forgetful person. Before summertime comes around, write yourself a reminder to switch your thermostat to the cool mode.
Solutions: Double check your thermostat’s settings to ensure it's on the right mode. Then, adjust it accordingly.
Do Heavy Summer Rains Damage My AC?
In areas with high summer temperatures, having air conditioning is essential for staying comfortable. AC is practically a lifesaver in the hotter months, so naturally, people want to take good care of their units. During a heavy rainstorm, many homeowners worry that their air conditioning unit will be damaged.
Luckily, most of the outdoor AC unit's components are designed to resist water damage. All the exposed pieces are made of metal, copper, and aluminum and can avoid damage from heavy rainfall. All the electrical components are safely sealed inside the unit and cannot be affected by rain. Some homeowners still worry, though, and try to protect their unit from the rain by covering it with a tarp. This can actually cause more damage, especially if it remains on the unit for an extended length of time. It can reduce air circulation and lead to the buildup of rust.
Heavy rain most likely will not damage your AC. However, some of the weather conditions that sometimes accompany rain could cause some damage. Storms bring high winds that usually cause tree branches or other objects to fall. Depending on the location of your home and your AC unit, a branch or an object from your yard could fall on the unit and damage it. If possible, clear the area around the AC of any patio furniture, tools, toys, or other objects if you're expecting a storm.
Wind could also cause leaves, dirt, or other debris to get caught inside the unit. You could cover your air conditioning unit for the duration of a severe storm, but remember to remove the covering immediately after the storm dies down. After a storm, especially one with strong winds, inspect the inside and the outside of the unit to make sure it's unharmed.
Severe flooding could also cause damage to your AC. A few inches of water shouldn't be a problem, but if the flooding rises above 15 inches, it could damage the electrical components of the outdoor unit. If your home does experience severe flooding, don't turn your AC on until your HVAC professional checks it out.
Although rain on its own will not damage your AC, other weather conditions can harm the outdoor unit. Stay informed about upcoming severe weather, and inspect your unit for damage immediately after a rainstorm or thunderstorm. If you think your air conditioning unit might be damaged, contact an HVAC professional to take care of the problem.
What Are The Most Likely Issues With Old Air Conditioners?
Your air conditioner is a complex apparatus, consisting of many different parts that can eventually wear out. With proper maintenance, however, an AC unit can last for many years. Older models are subject to such problems as worn-out electrical connections, faulty wiring, inoperable thermostats, or burned out compressor or blower motors. In most cases, these problems are easily corrected when the work is performed by a licensed, experienced heating and air conditioning repair technician.
It's important to keep your system in good running order, especially if it is an older unit. Besides the proper maintenance procedures you can complete yourself, it's a good idea to have your system checked at least once every 12-24 months by a repair expert. Replacing the entire unit because of maintenance negligence is far more expensive than most repair operations. Some of the most common issues with older model air conditioners are explained below. These are easily repaired by an HVAC professional.
Loss Of Cooling Power
Your system's refrigerant is what cools the circulated air. If your air conditioner is no longer producing chilled air, your refrigerant may be becoming weakened or you may have a leak in the refrigerant line. When the refrigerant sits idle for long periods of time during non-use, it can become sludged. This can cause a blockage in the smaller feed lines in and around the evaporator coils. If your coolant lines around the evaporator coils are becoming frosted over, it may be the result of blocked refrigerant flow.
A refrigerant leak occurs when an older piping system becomes corroded. A leak usually happens very quickly, with all of the refrigerant escaping within a period of minutes. If your system suddenly fails to produce cool air even when the blowers are working properly, you will likely have to have your system recharged with a new supply of refrigerant.
Clogged Or Worn Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coils come into contact with the air being drawn in by the blower. This is where the heat in the air is transferred to the coolant. Older models are susceptible to evaporator coil problems, especially if the coils become clogged with dust, grit, or other airborne particles and hair.
It's important to clean off both edges of the coil surfaces from time to time. Even when the filters are being replaced regularly, the coils still become coated with grit and grime. However, even when cleaned off on a regular schedule, the coils become coated on the inside. This requires a professional cleaning procedure, one that should be scheduled every one or two years.
Motor And Fan Problems
Most systems have two fans. One is the blower fan that is located beside or above the evaporator coils. This fan can become stuck if the shaft becomes knocked out of alignment or if the shaft is coated in grime. If the motor is whining but the fan is not turning, the motor itself may be wearing out.
The compressor fan is operated by a similar type motor. If the motor buzzes but does not operate the fan, the motor is probably burned out and needs to be replaced. However, the problem may be a worn out capacitor. The motor is connected to a jump-start capacitor that delivers additional amperage to get the motor shaft turning. You may need to call in the services of a professional to determine whether the problem is with the motor or the fan.
Dirty Filters And Air Ducts
The filters located near the evaporator coils should be replaced once every four to six weeks. If they become clogged, less air will transfer its heat to the coils, and the output pressure from the registers will be reduced significantly. In older systems, it is vitally important to have a professional clean out the ducts as well. This reduces blockage and also keeps the duct system free of harmful biological agents.
Faulty Thermostat
If the thermostat is more than 10 years old, it should be checked by a professional each time any other repair service is performed. Sometimes a faulty thermostat reads temperature incorrectly, which can lead to cycling of the system. It is recommended that the thermostat be replaced by a newer model that can more accurately measure actual room temperature. Newer models also have some high-tech features that allow for customizing the amount of work the system performs, which can save a lot of energy.
Get Professional Help
It's best not to attempt any type of repair job unless you have the adequate training and experience required. We are a family-owned HVAC company with decades of combined experience in all types of system-related problems. We are NATE-certified and Bryant Factory authorized, and we promise complete satisfaction with each type of repair or replacement work we perform.
How do air conditioners work?
When it gets hot outside, turning on the air conditioner is something that most people do without thinking about it. It is certainly a convenient luxury in our day. Knowing how do air conditioners work leads to appreciating these devices even more.
Air conditioners come in all sizes. From small window units in homes to massive multi-story units in commercial buildings, there is a size for every need. Central air conditioners (HVAC) work on the same principles.
Air Conditioners Remove Heat
The basic idea behind an air conditioner is that it removes the heat from a room and transfers it outside. There are four major components in an air conditioner that enable it to work.
The Secret Is in the Coolant
Every air conditioner (AC) uses a chemical that easily changes from a liquid to a gas. It can make this change at rather low temperatures. Whenever it makes the change from a liquid to a gas, it absorbs energy in the form of heat to be able to make the transition. Then, when it transitions back to a liquid, it releases energy in the form of heat.
The Evaporator Coils
Facing the inside of your home is the evaporator coils. This is where the hot air flows over the cold coils, which are low pressure, and turns the liquid into a gas. The fan inside your air conditioner blows the cool air into your home.
The Compressor and Condenser Coils
The compressor unit in an air conditioner compresses the warm gas and pressurizes it, making it hot. This hot gas will then pass through the condenser coils, where it quickly cools. In an HVAC unit, the compressor and coils are located outside. As the gas cools, it releases the heat, and another fan blows the hot air outside. As the heat is released, the gas once again turns back into a liquid.
Because the unit is a closed system, it simply keeps recirculating the gas and liquid, which changes from one state to the other over and over again. A thermostat allows the temperature to be set so that it can be regulated.
The Expansion Valve
In order to keep one side at a higher pressure than the other, an expansion valve is added to the system. This device simply regulates how much coolant flows into the evaporator.
Humidity Is Also Removed
Another excellent feature of an air conditioner is that it removes unwanted humidity. If you look at the cool side of the unit while it is working, you will notice moisture on the coils. This is the humidity in the room condensing on the outside of the coils, which then drops to the bottom of the unit. A drain allows the moisture to pour out toward the outside.
Keeping your home's HVAC unit in good shape is important so that it will work efficiently when needed. Air conditioning experts can keep your home's unit in peak working order. When it is operating correctly, you will be able to save more money. Call or Text us today for more details (941) 203-7955 and don't forget to check out our specials, financing, and rent-to-own air conditioning options.
Keep Your Air Conditioner In Top Working Order By Changing Your Air Filter Regularly
At Mahle Cool Air we take pride in finding and fixing all the issues our customer have with their AC. Often though, the customers problems came about for simple maintenance issues that have been neglected and led to major AC problems or poor performance and high utility bills.
One of the biggest issues for a poorly working central air conditioning system is not changing, or worse, not even having an air filter in the air handler.
Why an air filter is so important for central air conditioners
So what’s the big deal with the air filter anyway? It comes down to how the vast majority of air conditioning systems have been designed. Nearly all air handlers which deliver cold coolant and also absorb heat from the home, have air flowing over a coiled line of coolant.
This coiled tube which contains coolant, is embedded in a honey-comb like structure of very narrowly spaced cooling fins. For proper operation it is essential that air can flow through and around this coil.
As air is drawn over the coil is gets cooled by the coolant and blown into the air vents by a blower. In addition to cooling the air, the air actually heats the coolant in the same way ice melts in a class of water. But also with a cold drink, condensation will form along the coil and when operating properly, will drain away and out of the home.
However if the air flowing over the coil and the finely spaced cooling fins is dirty with dust particles and other common particulate in household air, the dust will begin to build up around both the coil and the blower fan.
Over time the dust will clog up the cooling fins on the coil and prevent air from flowing directly over the coil. Not only does this prevent the air from being fully cooled it causes another issue, the water from condensation does not fully drain away.
During hot days the homeowner will run the air conditioner much harder because the clogged coil is not able to cool the air fully.
As more and more condensation builds up in the dust coating the coil and other AC parts, the coolant which is no longer being warmed by the air will actually get the condensation so cold it will freeze solid.
Once this happens the air conditioner will cease to cool the air at all because air can no longer reach the coil and exchange heat. The only remedy at this point is to shut the AC off and let the ice met away.
Often the issues goes unnoticed for years causing the air conditioner to be run much more often than needed and resulting in much higher electric bills.
The get and keep an older dirty AC back to good running order give Mahle Cool Air a call. We can completely clean out the air handler parts allowing the air to be cooled like new and all that condensation to be drained away. After that be sure to change your air filter each month to keep the air flowing clean and free of dust. If if need some help in this area Mahle Cool Air offers regular maintenance plans to keep your AC running smooth all year long.
Why Do Air Conditioners Breakdown In Summer?
As summer approaches, residents here in Florida will be using their air conditioner more frequently, and it is going to be operating for longer periods of time. This is when system breakdowns are most likely to occur. In most cases, repair of the unit or replacement of a specific part is necessary, and this means calling on the services of an experienced HVAC tech.
You certainly don't want to think about the possibility of a 90° home or office interior, but it just might happen. It is, therefore, a good idea to learn about why your air conditioning unit might fail. Here are some of the most common reasons an HVAC unit experiences problems during the late spring and summer seasons.
1) Motor Capacitors Become Inoperative
As you run your air conditioner more and more, overheating of the unit often causes the capacitors to become fatigued. If they blow out, the motors that run the compressor and fans will not operate. The system won't even circulate the room air, meaning that your home's or office's interior will heat up very quickly. A large air conditioning unit that provides a high number BTU's cooling power can cause an electrical overload, and instead of the breaker panel tripping, the capacitors on the system's motors will blow.
2) Refrigerant Leak
As you operate your air conditioner more and more frequently, the cooling refrigerant begins to circulate under more pressure. Coolant is sent to the outdoor compressor and then rerouted back to the central unit. If a leak develops, the refrigerant loss can become an indoor or outdoor environmental hazard. At the same time, you will notice that the air coming from the register ducts is no longer cool. The only way to fix this problem is to have a professional HVAC system tech fix the leak and replace the refrigerant.
3) Coils Become Frozen
This is one of the most common air conditioning system problems. As the unit runs, dirty filters or blocked ducts can cause a cooling of the evaporator coils. Sludgy refrigerant is the result, and the coils will become covered with a thick layer of ice or frost. The coils will no longer conduct heat away from the air flow, and the result is warm air blowing from the registers. If the refrigerant lines become blocked, they must be cleaned out by a service technician.
4) Faulty Thermostat Operation
If your thermostat is set to the desired temperature but the system keeps cycling on and off, chances are the thermostat has a faulty part or there is a wiring problem. Repeated cycling can cause a series of problems within the evaporator coils as well as to the motors and fans. Replacement of the thermostat may be necessary.
Most air conditioning repairs become more and more expensive if the problem is allowed to continue. The sooner the unit is repaired, the lest costly the repair bill. If you suspect something is wrong with your air conditioning system, have it checked out by a professional repair specialist such as Mahle Cool Air in Venice FL. Call or Text us today for more details (941) 203-7955 and don't forget to check out our specials, financing, and rent-to-own air conditioning options.
Common Ways Air Conditioners Breakdown Leaving You Feeling The Heat
Know the Signs of Problems with Central Air Conditioners
With hot summer weather arriving soon in the Venice area, there are good reasons to have your home’s air-conditioning system serviced to prevent breakdowns that require emergency repairs. There are several common ways a central air conditioner can stop operating completely or cooling a building efficiently. It is a good idea for homeowners or renters to understand the signs of an imminent central air conditioner breakdown in order to tell a professional technician what is wrong with the system when requesting service. For most repairs, an expert air-conditioning technician is required to avoid electrical shocks and injuries from the air conditioner’s components or prevent additional damage to the system.
Moisture under the Central Air Conditioner’s System
It is vital to check under your air conditioner’s system inside a home to determine if there are leaks. A dripping air conditioner may have a disconnected or clogged drain line that leads to an overflowing drain pan. The drain pan will drip moisture on surfaces below, leading to structural damage, odors or mold growth. This problem is simple to repair by reattaching the drain line or removing debris such as sediment from the air conditioner’s drain line. However, there are more serious reasons concerning finding water puddles underneath an air-conditioning unit that requires the expertise of a knowledgeable mechanic. When the refrigerant is low in the air-conditioning unit, the compressor may freeze before turning off for a short amount of time. The ice on the unit melts, leading to puddles beneath the unit that recur as the system freezes and thaws repetitively.
An Air Conditioner that is Making Strange Noises
Air conditioners will make a certain amount of noise, especially when turning on and off, but you should listen carefully for strange sounds as the unit is operating. Grinding or clanging noises indicate that a mechanism is worn or loose, requiring a repair immediately to prevent a breakdown in the middle of the night or on a weekend. Failure to get a loose part tightened or a worn part replaced can lead to it dislodging completing, breaking other components. A poorly lubricated component can also begin to get hot, leading to smoke and a fire that can damage a home. Problems with a fan in the exterior portion of a central air-conditioning unit can also lead to a compressor failure despite tightening the fan or lubricating moving parts.
The Air-Conditioning System is Taking Longer to Cool a Home or Room
If you begin to notice that an air conditioner is taking longer to cool a room or home, then it is time to inspect the device for debris such as dust inside the unit or blockages outside the unit. Begin by turning off the unit to clean the coils and change the air filter before making sure vents are open and free of dust. When this does not solve the cooling problem, this means that the air-conditioning system is either leaking refrigerant or undercharged. The best way to have this problem repaired correctly is by contacting a professional technician who has an understanding of various models and brands of air conditioners to find where a leak is located. Simply adding more refrigerant to the central air conditioner will not repair the problem. While making this air conditioner repair, the technician can also inspect the compressor and other components to verify the mechanisms are working optimally.
An Increase in an Air Conditioner’s Utility Bills
Unless there are unusually hot or humid temperatures in a geographic zone, your utility costs should remain nearly the same as a previous year’s bills. A huge increase in electrical usage is often caused by wiring defects, nonfunctioning capacitors or poor airflow in a building’s ductwork. In addition to having a problem with the actual air-conditioning unit, a home might have a major electrical problem such as a defective voltage meter. An old air conditioner made before new energy efficiency regulations may require a replacement with a new model that uses less electrical power. A knowledgeable technician can assist you in selecting a new air conditioner for a home, before installing the device.
Defective Central Air-Conditioning Sensors, Relay Switches, and Thermostats
Additional reasons for a central air conditioner not cooling a home or operating at all are defective thermostats, relay switches, and sensors. Finding the problems with these mechanisms is difficult, requiring the correct schematics and diagnostic equipment. Fortunately, an expert air conditioner repair technician has the tools and schematics needed to determine the parts that are defective. After troubleshooting the air-conditioning unit completely, a technician can replace, adjust or repair small defective mechanisms to make sure the system is working correctly to keep a home or room cool.
If your air conditioner is on the fritz, contact the AC Repair pros at Mahle Cool Air. Our certified technicians can be there and have your central air conditioner back up and running in no time. Call or Text us today for more details (941) 203-7955 and don't forget to check out our specials, financing, and rent-to-own options. Stay Cool with Mahle!