While a properly maintained air conditioning system will usually last for 10 to 15 years, parts wear out and can require repair. Fortunately, many minor AC issues can be resolved by yourself without calling an air conditioner repair professional. However, if you need some professional assistance, you can contact Air Conditioning Repair Sherman Oaks.
First, make sure the thermostat has power and that the breaker or fuse supplying power to the unit has not been tripped. Next, check the evaporator coil and compressor for dirt.
Your air conditioner’s evaporator coil is what absorbs heat from your living areas and cools the circulating air in your home. Without this critical piece of equipment, your AC would be unable to perform its basic function. That’s why it’s so important to regularly clean the evaporator coil and other parts of your system.
A dirty evaporator coil can dramatically reduce your system’s efficiency and cause your energy bills to rise. The accumulated dirt and debris on the coil acts as an insulator, preventing it from absorbing heat from the circulating air. This means that the refrigerant must work much harder to cool your home, leading to increased wear on other components in the system and eventually a breakdown.
Dirty evaporator coils are also a major safety issue because they can lead to dangerous leaks in your home’s indoor air system. These leaks can result in unpleasant odors, water damage, and even mildew and mold. In most cases, the evaporator coil will need to be cleaned by an HVAC professional before the problem becomes too serious.
The first step in cleaning a dirty evaporator coil is to turn off the power to your system at the breaker box or fuse panel. This is essential to prevent any potential damage or injuries during the process. Next, carefully remove the access panel from the front of your air handler or furnace and look inside the unit to see the evaporator coil.
Begin by inspecting the evaporator coil for large debris like leaves or spider webs. Remove these by hand, then use a coil brush to remove loose dirt and debris. This special tool is available at most hardware and AC shops and has bristles that are about halfway between a regular broom and a wire brush. Be careful not to bend the evaporator coil fins, which can be damaged easily.
After brushing, rinse the evaporator coil with a mixture of water and liquid cleaner. Be sure to follow all instructions on the cleaning solution’s label and wear gloves and goggles. You should also be careful not to touch the evaporator coil or any other electrical components while you’re working on it.
Dirty compressor coil
A dirty compressor coil is not good for your air conditioner. Dirty coils cause the unit to work harder, putting added stress on other components and shortening the overall operating life of your AC system. Neglecting to clean your coils may seem like a small problem at first, but it puts the rest of your system under more stress and can lead to more frequent repair issues down the road.
A layer of dirt on your evaporator coil acts as an insulator, blocking the airflow that is necessary for the cooling process. It also prevents the evaporator coil from absorbing or releasing heat, which is key to your home’s comfort. The result is increased energy usage, which leads to higher utility bills.
Your condenser coil is located outdoors, so it’s vulnerable to dirt and debris from the environment around your home. Dirty coils force your air conditioner to work harder to reject heat from your home, which will put additional strain on other components such as the fan motors and compressor. Over time, this extra work can result in the copper windings inside your compressor’s compressor coil melting or breaking.
Dirty evaporator coils can also affect your home’s indoor air quality by increasing humidity. This can cause mold spores and mildew to grow in your HVAC system and spread throughout your home, which is not only irritating but can be dangerous if you or a family member has asthma or other respiratory conditions.
The best way to avoid these air conditioning problems is by scheduling regular maintenance visits with your local Carrier dealer. They’ll check and clean your evaporator and condenser coils, change your air filters, and test your unit to ensure it is functioning properly when you need it most. You can even schedule service online, making it easy to keep your air conditioning running at its best!
Low coolant levels
Engine coolant is essential for keeping your car’s engine from overheating and can also help keep your AC working properly. The same can’t be said for air conditioner coolant (AKA refrigerant), which is used to cool the air that comes through your vents and into the cabin of your vehicle. Low levels of this fluid can negatively affect your AC in several ways.
One telltale sign of low coolant is a warm or hot smell coming from your air vents. Another is a strange bubbling or hissing sound that may indicate a refrigerant leak. If you notice either of these issues, it’s best to stop driving your car and take it to a professional for repair.
A coolant leak is a serious problem that can be very dangerous for your car’s engine and radiator, but it can also cause your AC to lose efficiency. In fact, you may not even be able to run your AC at all if the leak is severe enough.
If you have a leak in your cooling system, you’ll need to have your entire AC system inspected and repaired by an experienced technician. This is because the refrigerant in your AC system is ozone-depleting and must be handled with care by certified professionals.
Many people aren’t aware that they have a low refrigerant level until they receive their utility bill with a spike in energy costs. This is because your AC is working much harder than normal to compensate for the lack of coolant, which causes it to use up more fuel.
You’ll need to visit a certified professional to have your refrigerant levels checked and topped off as needed. If your AC isn’t functioning properly, you’ll likely need to have it refilled with the right amount of Freon to get it back to peak performance.
A quick fix to your AC can be as simple as adding more Freon, but it may not solve the underlying problem. If a leak or other problem with your compressor is to blame, you’ll need to have your vehicle taken into an auto shop for more extensive AC repairs.
Damaged coolant lines
Even the smallest of thunderstorms can do significant damage to your air conditioning system. The sudden change in weather can cause air conditioner problems ranging from a dirty cabin filter to a failing compressor. But if you understand what can go wrong with your car’s AC system and know what to look out for, you may be able to save yourself a trip to the auto shop.
Coolant Lines
Your air conditioning system uses a liquid called Freon to cool your car. This liquid is transferred from the engine to the evaporator coil with the use of air conditioning refrigerant lines. These hoses are under a lot of pressure, so it is not uncommon for them to leak. A leaking hose can quickly empty your entire cooling system of its vital refrigerant and leave you with no way to get cold air into your vehicle.
If you hear a hissing sound coming from your air conditioner or notice traces of refrigerant on the ground or underneath your vehicle, turn off your air conditioner and check the refrigerant lines. Be careful not to touch the lines, as they contain a harmful chemical that can be dangerous if handled improperly. If you find that the hoses are damaged or cracked, it is best to call an auto service professional as soon as possible.
The hoses are attached to the AC unit with a spring-type or band clamp. You should inspect these clamps for signs of wear and tear and tighten them as per the manufacturer’s specifications. Make sure that you don’t overtighten the clamps, as this can damage the hoses or cause them to crack.
Over time, your coolant lines can become eroded by the harsh elements and formic acid that are found in most antifreeze. Erosion causes tiny holes in the copper lines, which can lead to air conditioner issues and coolant leaks. You can tell that you have a coolant leak when you see puddles of fluid under your car or if the low coolant indicator light illuminates on your dashboard.
