Having problems with your AC unit? You are not alone! As the summer months approach, many households experience AC repair issues. Common AC problems include breakdowns and malfunctions that can be expensive to repair.
Knowing what potential problems to look out for and preventive measures you can take will help keep your air conditioning system running smoothly – and save you money on costly repairs down the line.
Why It’s Important to Have Your AC Serviced Regularly
Maintaining your air conditioning system regularly is much less likely to break down and requires fewer repairs, making it one of the most economical home improvement projects you can do.
If your air conditioner isn’t functioning optimally, several causes could exist. This guide can help identify the issue and decide if you need to contact an expert for further assistance.
Most Common Air Conditioning Issues
While using your air conditioner, you may come across some common issues. While some can be resolved through DIY efforts, others require professional repair services.
Clogged air conditioners are a common issue during hot weather. Dirt, leaves, and other debris can clog pipes and drain lines that bring cold air into the system, leading to slower cooling times and decreased efficiency.
Clogged drain lines can increase your energy bill as the air conditioner must work harder to cool your home due to inadequate airflow, which prevents the compressor from reaching optimal temperature.
On hot summer days, many homeowners rely on their air conditioners to keep their homes cool. Unfortunately, an unresponsive AC can lead to serious issues and require costly repairs.
Regular air conditioning servicing for your home or business can help detect problems early and provide solutions before they worsen. Not only that, but these services also allow homeowners and businesses to save on energy costs.
Examine your AC unit for leaks in its refrigerant delivery system. These can reduce its efficiency and lead to fluctuating temperatures.
If you hear screeching, rattling or banging from your air conditioner, it could indicate a fan motor or compressor problem. For professional air con repair services, contact an experienced expert immediately.
Dirty Thermostat
The thermostat is an essential part of your air conditioning system that ensures the temperature in your home stays within the desired range. If it malfunctions, this could result in higher energy bills and a less comfortable living environment for you and your family.
Over time, dirt and grime can accumulate on thermostats, interfering with their basic operation and calibration. Preventing this from occurring will save you money on heating and cooling bills in the long run.
Another common cause of a dirty thermostat is that it’s not level on the wall. This is especially true for mercury bulb-type thermostats, which must be in an upright position to work optimally.
You can resolve this problem by unmounting the device and using a carpenter’s level to make sure it’s level when mounted again. If this doesn’t solve the issue, you may need to relocate it if it is placed in an isolated spot away from the main living areas or exposed to direct sunlight or drafts.
Loud Noises
Loud noises in your air conditioning system may indicate air conditioning trouble that needs to be addressed promptly. Fortunately, First Service Pros HVAC experts possess both the expertise and experience to diagnose and repair any ac unit issue you may be experiencing.
Whirling noises can indicate a damaged or broken belt, but they could also indicate your fan blades have become out of balance. This is an issue that needs to be addressed immediately to prevent further harm from occurring.
Screeching and squealing noises in a blower fan motor may indicate worn-out bearings or an issue with the compressor. On the other hand, banging sounds may indicate damaged compressor springs or something hitting it from within.
Buzzing noises are usually indicative of an electrical problem in your system. They could indicate a faulty relay, contactor, or capacitor.
Water Leaks
Water leaks are more than just an inconvenience – they can be hazardous. In many cases, they cause extensive structural and furniture damage to your home’s structure and contents.
Window unit ACs, portable wheeled ACs and central air conditioners with properly functioning drain pans collect water and send it down a condensate drain line to the outside or into your home’s drainage system.
When your drain line becomes blocked with mold, minerals, or other debris, the water won’t drain properly and this could lead to leaking as it won’t reach your drain pan.
Another potential issue is a broken condensate pump that won’t push water outside your home. Have this part repaired or replaced immediately to prevent the AC from leaking.
Refrigerant Leaks
Spotting brightly-colored stains on the walls surrounding your AC unit could indicate a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant leaks can cause the air conditioning unit to overheat and fail, so having an expert inspect it is highly recommended.
Another issue you might experience when using your air conditioner is a musty smell. This odor comes from mold growing inside the system, signaling that it needs to be cleaned.
When confronting an unpleasant odor, the most crucial thing to remember is that you should never open your unit and attempt to fix the problem yourself. Doing so could be hazardous and result in a fire.
Venting refrigerant into the atmosphere is strictly forbidden and should only be done by an HVAC expert if a safety hazard is present.
A malfunctioning thermostat or vent blockage is a potential cause of this issue. To resolve it, recalibrate your thermostat or remove an item that’s blocking airflow through the ducts to improve ventilation.
Faulty Circuit Breakers
Finally, a malfunctioning circuit breaker is another common source of the musty smell. If this occurs, immediately turn off the breaker and contact an expert as this could be hazardous.
Though there are various solutions to some of these problems, it’s always best to have an expert check them out for you. Doing so can help avoid larger issues that could eventually cause your air conditioner to stop working altogether.
The Benefits of Regular Air Conditioning Servicing
When your air conditioning system malfunctions, it can be a costly and stressful experience. Depending on how severe the issue is, you may require full AC replacement as well as extensive repairs. That is why scheduling regular maintenance for your system is so important; keeping it running optimally for extended periods of time will help minimize these expenses.
On an annual preventative maintenance visit, a qualified technician will inspect all essential components of your air conditioner. This includes cleaning blades, cooling coils and other parts. Furthermore, this process helps maximize your unit’s energy efficiency, cutting costs while keeping you cool.
Another advantage of regular AC servicing is that it can extend the lifespan of your unit. On average, ACs should last between 10-20 years with proper upkeep.
This is especially important if you plan to remain in your home for several years. Not only does it save money on repairs, but it also helps ensure your property’s value remains intact.
With this in mind, locating a reliable HVAC company that meets all your requirements is essential. Make sure they have an impressive service track record and provide great value for your money.
Many of these companies have been around for decades, meaning they know how to do the job correctly. Furthermore, their skills and experience allow them to assess your AC requirements.
Professional AC companies can also help you save money on energy bills. Unfortunately, homeowners who fail to have their units regularly serviced and cleaned may pay more for energy than those who do.
Regular maintenance can save you money on costly AC repairs. Most issues that cause breakdowns are actually minor and easily fixable.
For example, a dirty or clogged filter can force your AC to work harder and use more electricity – leading to higher monthly energy bills.
The Cost of AC Repairs
Air conditioning repair costs vary based on the problem or parts that need fixing. Generally, smaller systems tend to be cheaper to fix due to their simplicity. Furthermore, the type, brand and location of your system all play a role in how much you pay.
In addition to repair costs, you should anticipate paying service call fees that are usually included in the overall project price. When visiting your home, these fees cover a technician’s time and travel expenses.
You should expect to pay more for repairs when your system breaks down in hot or humid weather. That is because many AC repair companies must adjust their schedules or visit your property outside normal working hours, meaning they charge you a higher rate.
The type, size, and complexity of your air conditioner and its brand all play a role in how much repair work will cost you. Larger and more complex units such as ductless mini-splits require more labor-intensive repair work than window or portable AC units do.
Replacement parts such as a circuit board or contractor can be costly. On average, replacing a circuit board ranges in cost from $200 to $650 and manages your air conditioner’s electrical system by turning on and off its compressor; if it stops working properly, replacement may be necessary.
Sensor issues with the system’s thermostat can be costly to repair. These sensors measure indoor temperatures to regulate airflow and maintain comfort levels. Unfortunately, they become damaged or worn out over time from repeated usage, necessitating their replacement.
Drainage problems with your system can be expensive to resolve. Clogs, mold growth in the drain tube, and blockages in the trap all affect how your system functions. They may even cause water damage to components like the evaporator coil and other elements of it.
Preventative maintenance can keep your air conditioner running optimally and extend its lifespan. In many cases, the cost of a routine check-up is much cheaper than fixing it when it breaks down, making this an investment that pays off in the long run.
Call Us Today
Maintaining an air-conditioned home is top of mind for many homeowners, and having to deal with a malfunctioning system is never fun. Fortunately, there is no shortage of quality AC repair and maintenance companies to choose from. When searching for a top-notch air con service provider that will have you licking your lips and wallet, First Service Pros of San Diego County is your go-to provider. Our highly trained and vetted technicians provide top-notch services and superior customer service around the clock. Contact us today to learn more about our superior offerings or book your next ac check-up!
In conclusion, many common AC problems can be easily solved, and some may require professional help. If your unit is not performing as it should, make sure to check for the most common issues and take steps to rectify them before calling an AC repair service. It is also important to keep up with regular maintenance to ensure your AC unit runs efficiently and lasts longer. While you may be unable to prevent all common AC problems, being proactive can save you time and money in the long run.
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