Common AC Repair Problems That Can Destroy Your Home’s Comfort
When AC Repair Baytown technician arrives at your house, he will look at the unit for signs of a problem. For example, a dirty air filter or clogged evaporator coil can prevent the system from cooling your home properly.
The thermostat and contactor provide electricity to the compressor, which then compresses refrigerant into vapor and moves it to the evaporator coil. If these components are defective, the cooling process won’t begin.
A clogged air filter is one of the most common causes of HVAC system failure. It may cause a host of problems including overheating, reduced performance, and higher energy bills. It also impacts indoor air quality and shortens the lifespan of the HVAC system. The best way to avoid these issues is to change the air filter regularly.
When the air filter becomes clogged with dirt, dust and debris, it restricts the airflow into the AC system. The fan motor needs to work harder to move the air, which increases energy consumption and raises utility bills. It also increases the risk of overheating and damage to critical components such as the compressor, blower motor or heat exchanger.
Dirty filters are also a major health hazard for people with allergies. They trap pollutants such as pet dander, chemical cleaning products, dust and dirt inside the filter before they are released into the home’s supply vents. This can exacerbate existing allergies and asthma symptoms and pose a threat to the health of young children, elderly adults and newborns. The build-up of these contaminants can also contribute to mold growth in the home.
Faulty Thermostat
Your thermostat is the key to regulating your home’s comfort level and ensuring efficient operation of your air conditioning system. But like any other electronic device, it can experience issues that can disrupt your normal operations. This can lead to inefficient cooling, higher energy bills, and premature wear on your AC system.
A faulty thermostat can often show signs such as erratic cooling patterns and unlit or distorted displays. It may also change temperature settings without your command or misread the room’s actual air temperature, leading to incorrect cooling. It is important to recognize such signs and get them checked as early as possible, since it will prevent further damage to your HVAC system.
Another common sign of a faulty thermostat is a tripped circuit breaker. You can check the circuit breaker by looking at your electrical panel and seeing if the switch next to the thermostat is hovering between “off” and “on.” If it is, you should reset it and try again. If it keeps tripping, you should contact an AC repair expert immediately. You can also try opening your thermostat to see if there are any loose or disconnected wires. But since playing around with wires can be dangerous, you should leave the job to a professional.
Faulty Contactor
A faulty contactor can make it difficult or impossible to cool your home. This is because it controls the flow of electricity to the compressor and fan motor. If the contactor fails, these components may overheat, leading to permanent damage.
Faulty contactors can also stop closing, meaning that even if the thermostat signals for cooling, the AC won’t receive power. Fortunately, this is a simple problem to solve. Simply check the electrical contacts inside the contactor to ensure they are touching each other when closed. If you don’t hear a click, the contactor has stopped functioning and needs to be replaced.
Once you’ve turned off the power supply, remove the old contactor from the AC unit using a screwdriver. Next, carefully remove the wires from the contactor and note their position so that you can correctly reinstall it. Finally, use a multimeter to test the contactor for continuity. You can do this by setting the multimeter to the OL (open loop) mode and connecting the probes to the contactor’s low volt terminals. If the multimeter reads zero, the contactor is working and does not need to be replaced. Otherwise, the contactor will need to be replaced immediately.
Faulty Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil is located inside the indoor AC unit, and it holds the refrigerant that draws warmth and humidity from your home. During operation, the blower forces warm air over the coil. In turn, the refrigerant absorbs the heat from the air, and then cools your home. However, the evaporator coil can develop problems that affect its function.
One of the most common is that it can freeze up. This usually happens because of a restriction in airflow that prevents the coil from cooling. It can be caused by a dirty air filter, a clogged drain, or closed registers in your home. Fortunately, changing the air filter or running your system in fan mode can often help restore proper airflow.
Another problem with the evaporator coil is a refrigerant leak. If the leak is significant, it can cause the coil to degrade and lead to a system failure.
Leaks can also be caused by corrosion, which may be accelerated by exposure to water and other contaminants in your home. You can reduce corrosion by using a water-based cleaner that is labeled for use on your AC system. It’s also important to regularly replace the air filter to prevent dirt and dust from accumulating on the evaporator coil.
Faulty Blower Motor
A faulty blower motor could result in your AC unit struggling to provide adequate airflow throughout your home. If you notice weak airflow through your vents or strange sounds, such as clanking, rattling, and banking, it’s time to turn off your system until a professional can assess the problem.
A failing blower motor can also lead to higher energy bills. This is because the motor must work harder to achieve a comfortable temperature, resulting in a high energy consumption.
You may be able to solve the problem by jumping out 120 volts to the board and ensuring that it’s receiving power. You should also check the capacitor attached to the blower motor to ensure it fits manufacturer specifications. It can be replaced, and you should retest the blower motor.
You can prevent problems with your blower motor by keeping your ducts clean and changing the filter regularly. A clean filter enhances airflow and improves indoor air quality, reducing the strain on your HVAC system. You can also reduce the risk of a blower motor failure by ensuring that all vents and registers are free from obstructions. It’s also wise to schedule annual inspections and maintenance with a professional, who can clean and lubricate the blower motor to prevent it from overheating or failing.
Faulty Capacitor
One of the most common AC repair problems is a faulty capacitor. Capacitors are small, cylindrical parts that are responsible for transmitting energy to the air conditioner’s motors. They help start the fan and compressor motors, and they also provide power to keep them running once they’re started up. Unfortunately, they can become less effective over time due to normal wear and tear or due to damage from lightning or power surges.
Typical signs of a bad capacitor include warm air blowing out of your vents, a strange humming sound, and unusually high electricity bills. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to contact an AC professional for assistance.
Capacitors are sensitive to heat, so they can easily overheat and deteriorate if they’re exposed to high temperatures for extended periods of time. Additionally, capacitors can suffer from manufacturing defects or electrical issues that result in premature failure. Identifying problems like these early on can help prevent higher energy bills and more expensive repairs down the line. An experienced HVAC technician can perform a complete diagnosis to determine the root cause of your capacitor problems and recommend an appropriate course of action.
Faulty Condensate Drain
Your home has a condensate drain line that allows condensation to escape from your air conditioner and into the drainage system. When this line clogs, the moisture that builds up in your drip pan will overflow and potentially cause water damage throughout your home. Clogged condensate lines can be easily prevented with regular AC maintenance and inspections.
Over time, the drain line can be impacted by algae, mold, and debris, which can lead to a build-up that causes your AC to leak. The excess water that lingers in the air conditioner can then cause a variety of other issues that require AC repair.
A clogged condensate drain line can also be caused by damage to your evaporator coil. Depending on the severity of the damage, the coil may be irreparable.