Proper AC Repair Round Rock TX and maintenance help to keep a comfortable indoor temperature. It also helps to reduce humidity levels which can put strain on the system.
Many people don’t realize the importance of routine air conditioning maintenance until something goes wrong. The good news is that most of the problems can be prevented with regular care and attention.
Airflow is one of the main functions of an AC, so when it’s not doing its job, you know something’s wrong. The first step to take is to make sure nothing’s blocking the outdoor unit, such as leaves, branches or debris. Even small obstructions can cause your system to work harder and wear out faster.
Another thing to check is that the blower belt, circuit breaker and refrigerant levels are all good. If all of that checks out, the problem may be with your thermostat or programmable thermostat settings. Try reducing the temperature setting a bit and see if it works better. If the issue persists, call in a professional for more complex maintenance or repairs.
Low cooling efficiency or poor airflow are signs of a refrigerant leak. Re-charging an air conditioner will give you temporary relief, but you need to get the leak fixed before your energy bills start rising again.
Foul smells, high humidity and clogged ductwork are also signs of AC issues that need to be addressed. A professional will be able to find and fix the problem quickly and easily. They’ll likely test your condensation drain pipe for a clog and repair it or replace it as needed. They’ll also look for gaps and leaks in your ductwork that can be sealed with caulk and other easy fixes. These are usually quick jobs for a technician to do, so don’t let them get too bad before calling for help.
Heat Issues
Uneven temperature distribution is another common AC problem that may result from dirty air filters, thermostat issues, or ductwork leaks. Changing your filters regularly and making sure that fans and ducts are clean will help with this issue.
Thermostat problems often lead to your AC unit cycling on and off excessively or not turning on at all, as well as displaying inconsistent temperatures. It’s important to make sure your thermostat is properly set and that its batteries are fresh, as these factors can influence the performance of your AC system.
Frozen evaporator coils can also lead to your AC unit running inefficiently. This is typically a sign of a refrigerant leak or other electrical issues, so it’s crucial to get these repairs done as soon as possible.
Keeping your AC unit clean can help with heat issues as well, including keeping the outdoor unit free from debris and plants that can block its airflow. In addition, checking the evaporator coils regularly to ensure they’re not clogged is a good idea.
An HVAC professional will be able to diagnose any heat or cooling issues that you have and provide targeted solutions. These professionals are trained to handle a variety of repairs and follow strict safety protocols when dealing with electricity, refrigerant, and other hazardous materials. They can provide the expert care and service that you need for your home’s air conditioning system to continue working effectively for years to come.
Low Refrigerant Levels
There’s a common misconception that air conditioner refrigerant gets used up and needs to be refilled like gas in a car. In reality, this isn’t the case; if your air conditioning system is low on refrigerant it’s probably because there’s a leak. This is bad news because without sufficient levels of refrigerant, your AC will have a difficult time absorbing heat from your home.
In addition to reduced cooling, a lack of refrigerant will cause your system to overwork and eventually break down. Fortunately, professional technicians have the tools and training needed to handle refrigerant safely and effectively.
Leaking refrigerant allows moisture into your system, which can corrode and damage internal components. This can lead to a host of other problems, including complete compressor failure.
While basic homeowner checks can help confirm whether refrigerant deficiency symptoms are real or user error, any overwhelmingly evident issues demand professional assistance immediately. These experts can diagnose and repair the problem quickly and efficiently, minimizing overall repair costs. They also use comprehensive inspections to spot small operational inconsistencies before they snowball into refrigerant crises. For example, overly clogged filters can restrict airflow and allow debris to build up on coils, which accelerates wear and reduces energy efficiency. These inconsistencies can be corrected during regular maintenance visits, further reducing repairs and energy bills over the long-term. In addition to repairing refrigerant leaks, these professionals can also ensure that the correct blend of refrigerant is added, ensuring that your air conditioning system performs as intended.
Poor Airflow
Poor airflow is a sign that your air conditioner’s fan has an issue. A faulty fan isn’t able to circulate conditioned air throughout your home, which can lead to cooling issues and higher energy bills. Typically, the cause of poor airflow is an issue with the blower fan or motor. Fortunately, you can usually solve this issue on your own. You’ll need to replace the filter, clean or clear out any clogged vents, and trim nearby twigs and bushes (about 2-ft of clearance is recommended).
Another possible reason for poor airflow is that your thermostat is having issues. The thermostat’s sensors can get dirty or obstructed, which can also prevent it from reading accurately.
Low airflow can also be caused by new residents in your AC unit, like birds or small critters that have decided to make their home in the condenser unit. Oftentimes, this will require that you open up the access panel and check for nests and other signs of new inhabitants before starting your system again. If you notice unusual odors or sounds, it’s time to call in the professionals. Foul odors can be caused by mold or mildew, while strange noises may indicate electrical problems. Frequent cycling of your air conditioning could also be a sign that you have a refrigerant leak or an improperly-sized unit. This problem can cause damage to your compressor and lead to expensive repairs if not addressed immediately.
Unusual Noises
Strange noises from your AC are more than just an annoyance; they indicate that the system is experiencing major problems and can cause serious damage. Thankfully, many of these sounds are easily resolved by a professional. However, some of the more serious ones should never be attempted at home and should only be handled by a qualified technician.
Rattling or clanging sounds are a sure sign that some loose parts are banging together inside your air conditioner. This can be caused by a variety of issues, from a simple screw to the fan blades becoming misaligned. It could also be a result of a faulty capacitor or lack of lubrication in the motor bearings. In any case, these sounds should not be ignored because they will only get worse over time.
High-pitched squealing often indicates that the fan bearings are beginning to fail. These are a necessary component for the fan to turn smoothly, and once they start to wear out, it will make this squealing sound. Replacing the bearings is a relatively easy fix for our technicians.
Clicking noises are another common sign that something is wrong with your AC. This may be a sign that the thermostat isn’t functioning properly, or it may mean that there is a problem with one of the internal motors. It is always best to call in a professional for this type of issue, as they will be able to conduct a more thorough inspection of the unit and identify the exact source of the sound.
Pests
Pests like mice, rats, ants, wasps, and snakes have been known to take up residence in AC equipment and cause all sorts of issues. These pests can chew through ductwork, nest in the condenser unit, and even damage wires. They can also affect airflow, and they may carry disease-causing pathogens that spread throughout the home or business. The pesticides used to kill them are not good for the health of occupants either.
An AC repair technician will look for signs of a pest problem and close up any areas that can be entry points for bugs. They can also help prevent problems that lead to a pest infestation, such as a leaky AC that allows water to get into the condenser and create a moist environment that attracts pests.
A regular maintenance schedule can also reduce the risk of a pest problem in the first place. Keep ductwork clean and free of food waste, which can lure pests. Make sure there are no cracks or gaps in the ductwork, and replace worn out insulation to reduce heat loss. Also, a dehumidifier can help to keep indoor spaces as dry as possible. This will help to prevent a bug problem in the first place, and it will also save money on energy bills. The best way to avoid a pest infestation is to have an annual AC tune-up, which will ensure that the system is running as efficiently as possible and close up any potential gateways for pests.