As we approach the hottest time of the year, it’s more important than ever to make sure your A/C unit is in good working condition which means it might be time to look into air conditioning repair.
Maybe you’ve started to notice weird sounds or vibrations when the unit is starting up. Or maybe warm air exits the supply registers rather than the cool air you’re hoping for. Or perhaps water is pooling around the air conditioner. No matter what kind of issues you’re having with your air conditioner now is the time to fix them.
In today’s post, we are going to cover some of the more common issues with air conditioners, as well as how an ac repair technician will address them.
Top Reasons Why Air Condition Repair Technicians are Called
Here are the top seven reasons air condition repair techs are called in to fix A/C units.
AC unit won’t turn on
“My air conditioner won’t turn on!” This is probably the most common reason for requesting the service of an ac repair tech. In some cases, it is simply because the circuit breaker has been tricked. If it still doesn’t work once it has been reset, it could be due to a problem with your thermostat. If the thermostat is unresponsive, it won’t communicate with the A/C unit. Your ac repair tech can fix this to make sure the thermostat is properly communicating with the rest of your central air system.
Worn out fan belt
When an air conditioning unit starts making a squealing noise when it’s turned on, this is often due to an issue with the fan belt. Over time, fan belts are exposed to a lot of wear, tear, and heat. Eventually, they can become loose or even crack, resulting in that annoying squealing sound.
Your A/C repair tech can replace the fan belt to get rid of that sound and make sure your A/C unit is working better than ever. This issue is seen in older A/C units that still use blower fan belts. If your system has been in place for a number of years, this is a likely reason for the strange sounds coming from the A/C unit.
Refrigerant leaks
Many air conditioner issues are more of a nuisance than anything else. But in the case of refrigerant leaks, they can actually pose a danger to you and others in your property. When the closed circuit of tubes that distributes refrigerant is compromised, refrigerant can start to leak out. In turn, this can contaminate the air supply in your building. Depending on how severe the damage to the unit is, it may need to be replaced entirely. In other cases, replacing separate components, including the coils.
Frozen evaporator coil
Speaking of coils, a frozen evaporator coil is another reason home or building owners might call an air condition repair technician. This is another issue that should be addressed right away. Otherwise, your compressor could burn out, leading to even more costly repairs down the road. If you suspect you have a frozen evaporator coil, some of the signs you will look for include ice around the outdoor refrigerant line and condensation around your air handler.
There are a few reasons your evaporator coil could freeze. In some cases, the coils are dirty and the extra strain on your system means it isn’t working properly. In other cases, it could be refrigerant or airflow problems. Your ac repair tech will be able to diagnose the problem and address it quickly, so you can get your A/C unit back up and running its best.
Defective fan motor
A defective fan motor in your A/C unit can cause a number of issues. For starters, it could mean your fan doesn’t run at all, even when the air conditioner is turned on. In other cases, it could mean the fan keeps running, long after the unit is turned off. The fan could also be rattling, buzzing, or operating intermittently.
There are many signs of a defective fan motor, and depending on the root of these issues, your A/C repair tech could take a different approach. Your repair tech will conduct a visual inspection, as well as check the condenser unit to make sure it isn’t overheating. They will also check the capacitor, the wiring, and look for any other issues with the unit to determine the course of the repairs. In some cases, the fan may be salvageable, and other times it could need to be replaced entirely.
Defective compressor
When there is an issue with your air conditioner’s compressor, you will often notice a screeching, growling, or clattering noise coming from the unit. It can also result in a number of other issues, including trouble starting up, limited or non-existent cold air flow, or circuit breaker problems. Compressor issues can be due to a blown fuse from a breaker trip, and it may be a more simple fix. However, there are also compressor issues that may require a more involved repair process.
The condensate drain is clogged
The condensate drain is an important part of your A/C unit. It catches condensation from the coil, and there’s more of it during periods of higher humidity levels. If this drain gets backed up or clogged, the condensation will accumulate and your air conditioner will stop working. It can also leak into your home or commercial property. During an inspection, an ac repair technician will check this drain for debris, including pet hair, insects, and leaves. Removing the standing water from the condensate pan with a wet/dry vac is also common practice. Often, these provide relatively quick fixes to a potentially serious problem.
(Speaking of debris, a clogged air filter is another common air conditioning problem. Luckily, cleaning your air filters regularly can help prevent this from happening at your home or business. Take a look at this post next for helpful tips for cleaning your air conditioner filter)
Factors that Determine When You Will Repair or Replace Your AC Units
As you can see, there are certain issues with your air conditioning unit that are more serious than others. Some require a quick fix or the replacement of a single part. Other times, the entire unit may need to be replaced.
Here are some additional factors that determine whether repair is possible, or if replacement is the next best step.
Age
Is your air conditioning unit more than 10 years old and now it’s causing trouble? In that case, it’s usually best to consider replacing it. By this time, most repairs will be a bandage, rather than a complete solution. You will often end up spending more on repairs than what it would cost to replace the unit outright. That brings us to our next point!
Investment cost
It’s also worth considering whether it’s a wiser financial choice to invest in a new system, rather than dishing out for regular repairs. Is a new system a better investment in the long run? When you call AC Care HVAC Services, we can help you calculate your return on investment to determine if an upgrade is more beneficial than repair.
Utility rates
Right off the bat, you may think you can’t afford an air conditioner replacement. But take a look at what you are spending on energy and electricity bills for your home or business. Often, an outdated and inefficient A/C system is the culprit for these high bills. By investing in a new system, it could ultimately save you money in the long run thanks to major cost savings on your utility bills each month.
Preventative Maintenance for Your Air Conditioner
Even if you take great care of it, there might come a time when air condition repair is required. But to keep your A/C unit in the best shape possible for as long as possible, here are some maintenance tips you won’t want to miss.
- Routinely change and clean the air filters (we can help with this too!)
- Clean the A/C coils and look for excessive condensation or build-up
- Remove any debris from the unit, including in the condensate pan, on a regular basis
- Fix any bent fins with gentle pressure to straighten them out
- Be sure to practice other methods for keeping your property cool, including keeping blinds and windows closed, to ease the pressure on the A/C unit
Do you want to learn more about the benefits of regular A/C unit maintenance? Take a look at this page next.
Contact AC Care HVAC Services for AC Repair on the Treasure Coast and Palm Beaches
We have covered several of the issues that might be the cause for the trouble you are having with your air conditioning unit. If your A/C unit isn’t working at peak efficiency, don’t wait another day! The friendly and knowledgeable team at AC Care HVAC Services is on standby for all of your air conditioning repair needs. In addition to repairs, we also offer maintenance services and air conditioning replacement for homes and businesses on the Treasure Coast and Palm Beaches.
Air conditioning issues can happen any time of day or night. That’s why we offer 24 / 7 emergency commercial and residential HVAC repair—we are always there when you need us! Our licensed commercial HVAC heating and cooling technicians are ready to help. Additionally, we also offer parts and labor warranty as well as provide FREE 2nd opinions.
No matter what kind of air conditioning problems you’re experiencing, we have the solution and expertise to get things right. Our qualified technicians go through motor vehicle and background checks. They are professional, uniformed, knowledgeable and at your service! Call (772) 266-2665 today to schedule an appointment or request emergency service.