A few months ago, my air conditioner completely died. I woke up in the middle of the night covered in sweat, and I didn't know what to do. The next day, I called an HVAC expert, and they came out to inspect my system. It turned out that it had failed because of filthy filters and a clogged return duct, which made me sick to my stomach. I had caused the problem, and I needed to learn how to fix things. My HVAC professional taught me a few easy maintenance techniques that I didn't know before, so that I could maintain my new system. Check out this blog to learn more about HVAC yourself.
It's important to have air conditioning repairs done as soon as you notice a problem. If your AC keeps running with parts malfunctioning, an expensive part like the compressor could be harmed. You hear your AC run daily, so you should be familiar with how it acts and sounds.
If something seems out of the ordinary, call an air conditioning repair service for help. Here are some signs something may be wrong with your AC, some checks you can do yourself, and when you need professional help.
Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Helps
If your AC makes loud noises or new noises, it's a good idea to get the noises checked out. They might signal a part going bad or trouble with a fan. If your AC is working, but not keeping your house cool, the problem might be low refrigerant. If your air conditioner isn't blowing air out at all, the blower might be bad. All of these are signs something is wrong with your AC and you should call for repairs after you've made some quick checks of your system.
Checks You Can Make Yourself
The first thing to check when your AC is malfunctioning is the filter. A clogged filter can cause a number of problems since it reduces airflow. Put in a new filter and see if the problem is fixed. If your AC isn't working at all, you should check the circuit breaker to make sure it has power.
If the AC is running but very little air is coming out, there might be a hole or gap in the ducts you might be able to repair with duct tape. Also, check the thermostat to make sure it is set properly. If none of these self-checks fix the problem, it's time to call the professionals.
Repairs That Need Professional Help
When parts go bad, they should be replaced by a licensed AC technician so you don't void your warranty. A technician can test parts to locate the bad ones and replace them. Parts that might go bad in the condenser include the capacitor, fan motor, compressor, contactor, and fuse. If your AC is making odd noises or it has a burning odor, you'll probably want a professional to find out what's wrong and make repairs.
Another time to call an air conditioning repair service is when there's ice on your AC. This is often caused by low refrigerant, low airflow, or a dirty evaporator coil. Your AC has to be turned off so the ice will melt. Then the technician can find and repair the problem.
Also, if you notice water around your air handler, that could mean your condensation drain is clogged up or there's a bad float switch. The overflow can cause water damage to your floor or the air handler, so you'll need a technician to figure out why the pan is overflowing and make the needed repairs.
For more information, contact an air conditioning repair contractor near you.
Share2 March 2023
