If you notice puddles or mold around your AC unit, the most likely culprit is a clogged condensate drain tube. Fortunately, this is another AC problem that can be prevented with routine maintenance services.
Familiarizing yourself with the terms of your warranty helps ensure compliance with the requirements, which can ultimately extend its duration. Choosing reputable and authorized service providers is also important to safeguard the warranty. Reach out to AC Repair Provo UT for expert assistance.
1. Refrigerant Leaks
If you’ve noticed a loss of cooling power or higher energy bills, the culprit may be an AC refrigerant leak. The air conditioning system uses a special chemical called Freon to absorb and cool your home, but this fluid can also cause damage if it starts leaking out of the lines and into your house.
Leaks often happen due to the natural aging of the system. Over time, your AC unit can develop weakened connections and worn rubber seals around valves and fittings. This is especially common in older systems. But even newer units can develop these problems, especially if they’ve been in use for several years or more.
Aside from causing high energy bills, refrigerant leaks can cause damage to your system and reduce its lifespan. The lack of fluid forces the compressor to work harder, which can strain its parts and lead to further damage and costly repairs.
You can help prevent refrigerant leaks by addressing any vibrations in your system. Vibrations can cause the pipes to bang against one another, which can weaken their welds and stress the joints. In addition, you should regularly perform routine maintenance on your system to spot small problems before they become major leaks.
If you think your air conditioner has a refrigerant leak, call your local HVAC company right away. They’ll conduct a thorough inspection to locate the source of the problem and address it accordingly.
A technician can use a number of quick methods to search for the leak in your air conditioner’s linesets, which are the copper tubes that carry the Freon from the condenser to the evaporator. For example, they can drain the unit and then pressurize it using nitrogen. This method ensures that there’s enough pressure to force any leaky connections to pop open and bubble when covered with soapy water.
Another quick and easy way to find leaks is by using a special fluorescent dye. This chemical is compatible with the type of Freon in your air conditioning system, and it’ll glow a bright blue in the presence of moisture. The technician can then scan the lines for any fluorescent spots to find the source of the leak. Once the leak is located, the technician can repair or replace it and recharge your air conditioner. They’ll also dispose of the old refrigerant in accordance with EPA guidelines.
2. Faulty Compressor
When your AC compressor isn’t working properly, the results can be disastrous. A faulty compressor can leak refrigerant, which poses health risks and makes your AC less effective at delivering cool air. It can also cause electrical problems that lead to a sudden shutdown of your system. If you notice any of these signs, turn off your system and contact an HVAC professional immediately.
If your air conditioner keeps losing power, tripping a circuit breaker or has to be reset repeatedly, it may be a sign that the compressor is failing. A failed compressor can draw too much power, which overheats the unit and poses a potential fire hazard. Instead of simply resetting the breaker, you should call an HVAC technician to take a closer look at the compressor and see if the problem can be fixed.
Faulty compressors can make clunking and rattling noises as they start to fail. These sounds are caused by the mechanical vibrations of the compressor and can be quite disturbing. If you hear these noises, shut off your air conditioner immediately and call an HVAC specialist for a thorough inspection.
Another sign of a faulty compressor is when it can’t start. A bad compressor can put unnecessary strain on the other parts of your system, which can cause further problems and even damage the compressor itself. A trained technician will be able to diagnose the cause of this problem and recommend the right solution.
A faulty compressor can be the result of many different things, including physical damage and wear and tear from age. Poor maintenance, dirty coils and clogged filters can also put excessive stress on the compressor and hasten its failure.
Another common reason for a faulty compressor is a lack of oil. Oil is necessary to keep the compressor cool and lubricated, which helps it to spin. If the compressor is lacking oil, it will not spin and can cause a number of other problems. An experienced technician will be able to identify the cause of the lack of oil and fix it quickly.
3. Faulty Blower Motor
Your blower motor is a crucial component in your air conditioning system. It pushes conditioned air throughout your home through ductwork and out of vents in different rooms. As such, a faulty blower motor can drastically reduce the overall efficiency of your air conditioning system.
If you’re experiencing any of the following signs that your blower motor is not working correctly, it’s time to call for a professional AC repair technician.
1. No or Low Airflow
The first sign of a bad blower motor is no or weak air flow coming out of the vents when the air conditioner is turned on. This is caused by dust and dirt buildup in the blower fan cage or from the motor itself, causing it to overheat and strain to rotate. A licensed HVAC professional can clean out the fan cage and replace the blower motor if necessary to restore proper airflow.
2. Unusual Sounds
Unusual noises coming from your vents are another clear indication that something is wrong with your blower motor. Squealing or screeching sounds suggest a lack of lubrication in the motor’s bearings or belts, while rattling and clanking noises indicate that other components may have become loose or broken. These issues should be addressed promptly to avoid further damage or a possible fire.
3. Rising Energy Bills
If your electric bills are steadily climbing over the course of a few months or years, this is another telltale sign that your blower motor is starting to wear out. As the motor ages, it will need more and more electricity to turn the fan at high speeds. You can test this by measuring the voltage at both the low and high blower speeds. If the voltage is low or even zero, the blower motor is not functioning properly and needs to be replaced.
4. Faulty Speed Control Module
If you notice that your blower motor isn’t turning the fan at all when you switch it on, this indicates a problem with the speed control module. This is a complex component that requires professional replacement to avoid more serious problems down the line.
4. Failed Contactor
When your AC unit is operating normally, the contactor opens and closes to allow electricity to flow through to your compressor and fan motor. When the contactor fails to engage properly, it will block electricity from flowing and prevent your air conditioner from cooling. Here are some common signs that the contactor is failing or needs to be replaced:
Noisy Operation
A malfunctioning contactor may cause unusual buzzing or humming noises when the AC unit is running. This indicates that the contactor is having trouble communicating with other vital parts of your air conditioning system and needs to be replaced.
Overheating Components
A faulty contactor may also affect the flow of electricity to your compressor and fan motor, causing them to overheat. This is a serious problem and needs to be addressed promptly to avoid irreversible damage. A professional AC technician can evaluate the condition of your contactor and determine if it is the source of overheating problems in your system.
Inconsistent Cooling
A failed contactor can also cause the system to shut off and on frequently, resulting in uneven cooling throughout your home. This is a sign that your air conditioner can’t maintain a consistent temperature and requires a quick and professional repair.
Failing Contactor Coil
Over time, dust, debris, and harsh climatic conditions can accumulate on the contactor’s coil, which causes the contactor to fail to engage. This prevents your air conditioner from running as it should and causes your energy bill to go up significantly.
In most cases, the contactor can be replaced by an HVAC technician, but you can try to do it yourself if you are comfortable with working on electrical components. To do this, first make sure the power to your AC unit is completely turned off at your circuit breaker panel. You should also remove the side cover of your condenser and locate a black rectangle positioned vertically that is connected to multiple-colored wires. You can then visually inspect the contactor for any signs of physical damage, such as charring or pitting. You can also test the contactor’s coil terminals with a multimeter set to OL (open loop). If you receive a reading of 0 volts or below, the contactor is probably broken and will need to be replaced.