If your AC system is making unusual noises or isn’t cooling as well as it usually does, it may need repairs. Regular maintenance can reduce the need for repairs and extend the lifespan of your air conditioner.
A skilled technician can identify and fix any issues. This includes cleaning, lubricating and inspecting components to restore proper functionality. Contact Ausco Air Heating & Air Conditioning for professional help.
Your air filter plays a vital role in your AC system, ensuring proper operation and helping to protect the important internal mechanisms. But a dirty filter can have serious repercussions, especially during the scorching summer months.
Clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing your cooling system to work harder to cool your home. This added strain increases energy consumption and results in high utility bills. It also causes the system to overheat, leading to a host of problems that often require professional AC repair services.
The most common symptom of a clogged air filter is lower cooling efficiency in your home. Your system will struggle to maintain the desired temperature and may only cool some rooms in your home, leaving others sweltering. This is especially noticeable on a sweltering Nevada summer day.
You can also notice a clogged filter when you open the cabinet and find visible dirt on the filter itself. You can clean or replace the air filter to restore its function and improve your cooling efficiency.
A clogged air filter can also reduce indoor air quality by trapping allergens and pollutants, which circulate throughout your home. This can aggravate respiratory conditions and allergies, making life with your HVAC system more difficult for you and your family members.
Regularly changing your filter is one of the simplest ways to help extend the lifespan of your air conditioner. Keeping up with this simple maintenance task ensures optimal performance and helps to keep your home cool all year round.
Dirty filters allow a build-up of contaminants to settle on the blower and evaporator coils. Over time, this can wreak havoc on these delicate components, often necessitating expensive repairs or even a full system replacement.
A dirty air filter can also cause the cooling system to short cycle, meaning it constantly turns on and off in an attempt to cool your home. This puts a lot of strain on the equipment and can lead to premature wear, leading to expensive AC repair services. A clean air filter is essential to your comfort, and with a little effort, you can avoid these costly consequences.
Low Frequency Noise
Noises emitted by your air conditioner can be a crucial indicator of a range of problems. Some of these sounds may be subtle hums or whirs that are normal during AC operation, while others could signal more serious issues that require immediate attention. By recognizing these noises and understanding what they might mean, homeowners can make the right decisions regarding their repair needs.
Loud humming, clanking, or banging sounds might indicate that your system is overheating. These noises can also suggest that your compressor or fan motor are overworked, leading to reduced efficiency and energy consumption. If you hear loud or jarring noises, it’s important to call in a professional as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Hissing or bubbling noises can often indicate refrigerant leaks, which can lead to a rapid depletion of this vital coolant. Not only do these leaks cause cooling inefficiencies, but they can also pose safety risks for your family.
A harsh rattling sound could indicate that the blower fan is hitting against its housing. This can also be a sign of loose screws or bolts. Leaving these loose parts unattended will quickly result in more significant mechanical problems.
Other noises like a clunk or a thump can be signs of damaged or missing pieces inside your unit. These components can include things like a cracked or broken fan blade, or a bent piston rod. In these cases, it’s best to have a technician diagnose the problem and determine the correct repair solution.
Although a few DIY solutions might provide some temporary relief from an overworked AC, these types of issues are generally too complex to be resolved without the help of a professional. When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to contact a licensed and certified AC service company for prompt diagnostics and repairs. This will protect your comfort, safety, and finances in the long run.
Water Leaks
An air conditioner leaking water is a serious issue that needs to be dealt with immediately. It can lead to costly damage to your home as well as increased cooling inefficiency. The best way to prevent AC leaks is to have routine inspections and tune-ups performed by a certified professional. However, if you discover a problem, it’s important to know the common causes of AC leaking so that you can take action before it escalates.
The first step in any troubleshooting process is to turn off your air conditioner. This will eliminate any potential electrical hazards and allow you to inspect the unit without compromising your safety or the effectiveness of the repair. Next, check for a visible leak around the drain pan or any signs of water pooling around the unit. It’s also a good idea to clean any standing water, as this can help prevent mold growth in your home.
A common cause of AC leaks is a clogged drain line. The condensate drain line is designed to remove excess moisture from your system, but it can become clogged with algae or debris over time. If left untreated, a clogged drain line can cause the AC unit to overflow and create a costly water leak.
Other causes of AC leaking include a cracked or missing drain pan, a faulty float switch, or internal damage to the evaporator coil or other components. A professional can inspect your unit and replace or repair any damaged parts to help prevent future leaking.
An AC technician will check for a number of issues that can cause leaks, including clogged or frozen coils, low refrigerant levels, and poor installation and maintenance. They can also inspect and clean your return vents, ductwork, air filters, and fin coils to ensure proper airflow and reduce the risk of leaks.
Although it is tempting to purchase a new AC when yours begins leaking, repairing the old one is often more cost-effective and efficient. If you are concerned about your AC leaking or have other AC repair concerns, contact Madd Air Heating & Cooling today for a consultation.
Frozen Unit
A frozen unit isn’t the most common AC problem homeowners face, but it is one of the most serious. Frozen coils can cause a variety of issues including restricted airflow, low cooling performance, higher energy bills, and even damage to the compressor.
A variety of factors can cause an AC unit to freeze, such as low refrigerant levels, dirty filters that restrict airflow to the evaporator coil, and mechanical problems with the fan or compressor that affect pressure control. A frozen air conditioning unit can also be caused by a problem with your home’s ductwork.
The best way to prevent your AC from freezing is to regularly inspect and replace the air filter as recommended by the manufacturer. This helps to ensure airflow is adequate, and it prevents the evaporator coil from becoming dirty. Additionally, it is important to keep your indoor and outdoor vents clear to ensure that air is flowing properly throughout your home.
If you notice a frozen unit, turn off your thermostat and unplug the unit. Then, carefully use a hair dryer on a low setting to melt the ice. It’s also important to check that the drain pan isn’t overflowing or clogged, which could lead to leaks and water damage. Finally, you should check the condensate drain line for blockages, as this is essential to removing water from your system.
After the ice on your air conditioner has melted, the water will drip into the drain pan and then flow outside via a condensate drain line (a white PVC pipe). Unfortunately, dirt can get picked up along this route and cause the lines to become blocked, leading to overflow or leaks.
Frozen units are dangerous to run, as they can cause severe damage to the compressor and other parts of your air conditioning unit. If you suspect that your AC is froze, turn off the thermostat and contact your local HVAC technician immediately. In addition to thawing the unit and addressing any other issues, they can also help you avoid future problems by providing routine maintenance and addressing issues as they arise.