Keeping your home air conditioning in working order is a delicate balancing act. Each unit requires special attention to ensure the proper functioning of its parts and a smooth flow of air.
Licensed professional HVAC technicians use various tools to identify problems and make repairs. Some of these include: a refrigerant recovery machine, pliers and screwdrivers, a vacuum pump, an electrical multimeter and a cleaning kit for the tray that carries condensation away from the evaporator coil. Contact Air Conditioning Repair Round Rock TX for professional help.
The refrigerant is a key component in your air conditioning system; it absorbs heat from your home and exchanges it for cold, refreshing air. If your AC unit is low on refrigerant, it will not be able to efficiently cool your home. In fact, a refrigerant leak puts your family at risk of serious health problems. If you suspect that your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant, contact a qualified HVAC repair technician right away.
Physical damage to your AC unit is one of the most common causes of refrigerant leaks. If the unit is hit by a lawnmower or other outdoor equipment, it can cause the refrigerant lines to break. Air pollution and corrosive chemicals can also damage your air conditioning system and lead to refrigerant leaks. These chemicals may include hair spray, cleaning products, and air fresheners as well as formaldehyde from new carpets and furniture. Over time, these chemicals corrode the copper lines in your air conditioner and can cause a leak.
Some technicians may suggest recharging your air conditioner with more refrigerant as a way to fix a leaky AC unit. However, this is a short-term solution that will not resolve the underlying issue. In fact, it is more likely that the newly added refrigerant will just leak out of your air conditioner again in a short period of time.
A qualified HVAC technician will conduct a thorough inspection of your air conditioner to find the source of the leak. This includes draining the old refrigerant, removing all the coils, and checking the connections. In addition, the technician will test for leaks in the evaporator coil and condenser. If the evaporator coil is found to have a hole in it, the technician will use a patch to seal the leak. If the condenser coil is found to have a leak, it will be replaced.
In some cases, the technician can locate a leak in your air conditioning system using a technique called fluorescent dye testing. After draining the refrigerant and pressurizing the empty pipes with nitrogen, the technician will add a special type of dye that will show up under a black light or when used with soapy water. This method helps the technician quickly pinpoint the location of a leak in the system.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
Air conditioning malfunctions can result in hot, uncomfortable and even unsafe indoor temperatures for your family members. While it is always best to leave troubleshooting and repair jobs to a licensed AC contractor, there are a few things that homeowners can do to help resolve air conditioner issues like a frozen coil.
If the evaporator coil in your AC system becomes clogged with ice, it is important to turn off your air conditioner and take several steps to unfreeze the evaporator coil. A clogged air filter is one of the most common reasons that evaporator coils freeze. The dirt and debris that build up on the air filter restricts the flow of warm air into the air handler and leads to the coil becoming clogged with ice.
Keeping your air filters clean can help prevent this problem from occurring. To clean your air filter, place it in a bucket of water and submerge it. Then, use a sponge to scrub the dirt from the surface of the filter. After you have cleaned the filter, rinse it with clean water.
A clogged air filter can also be a sign that your air conditioner has low refrigerant levels. If your refrigerant level is low, a professional can inspect and recharge the system to prevent further damage.
Another issue that can lead to a frozen evaporator coil is problems with the blower fan and motor. This is another reason that it is important to keep your blower fan and motor clean.
To help the ice on your evaporator coil melt, switch your thermostat to the FAN only setting. This will cause the air to circulate over the ice and help it melt faster. Once the ice is melted, you can turn your air conditioning system back on to cool your home.
A frozen evaporator coil can be extremely dangerous, especially for children and pets. If the ice causes your air conditioning system to shut down, call a professional as soon as possible. He or she will be able to take apart the air conditioning unit and find the underlying issue causing the frozen coil. A professional can also help you with your maintenance and cleaning tasks to ensure the long-term performance of your air conditioning system.
Dirty Filters
Air filters protect AC units by collecting contaminants and particulates that would otherwise damage internal equipment. That means filters will naturally get dirty over time. When that happens, they clog and reduce air flow, forcing the system to work harder to cool a home. This extra strain can lead to increased energy bills and accelerated wear on equipment components. It also increases the likelihood that an AC unit will break down prematurely, leading to a costly replacement or repairs.
The good news is, there are many things you can do to slow the pace at which your filter clogs. One easy step is to use a high-quality filter specifically designed for your system. Another is to make sure that your vents are unobstructed, so that the air can move freely throughout your home. Finally, you can make sure that your air ducts are not leaking, which can cause contaminants to be kicked back into the filter.
If you have a reusable filter, you can clean it by rinsing it with water and then drying it completely before reinserting it into the HVAC system. You should replace disposable filters every 1-3 months, depending on the size and type of the filter, as well as how frequently you run your air conditioner.
While there are numerous factors that can cause your filter to clog faster than normal, there are also several common reasons why this happens. For example, indoor smoking is a significant contributor to filter clogs, as is dust from remodeling or renovation projects. In addition, hot weather causes your blower to push more air through the system, which causes filters to clog more quickly.
When a filter becomes clogged, it can block the flow of air to the evaporator coil. This can cause the evaporator coil to freeze, which affects the ability of the system to remove heat from the air. Additionally, a clogged filter can impede air from the blower, which can further damage the evaporator coil. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s important to schedule a maintenance appointment with an experienced technician as soon as possible.
Clogged Drains
One of the most common air conditioning repair issues is a clogged drain line. Over time, dirt, algae, and mold can accumulate in the drain line, causing it to clog and restrict water flow. If this isn’t repaired in a timely fashion, the excess water can leak into your home and cause severe damage to your system.
If you notice a wet spot or puddle near your AC unit, this is a clear indicator of a clogged drain line. Standing water around your unit isn’t just a nuisance; it can lead to expensive water damage, mildew and mold, and reduced HVAC efficiency.
You should turn off your AC unit right away if you see standing water on or around it. This will prevent any further water damage and allow you to clean up the mess before an HVAC technician arrives to inspect the system.
In some cases, clogged drain lines can be prevented by flushing them out regularly with warm water. A wet/dry vacuum is also a handy tool for removing stubborn clogs that haven’t responded to other methods. Alternatively, blowing air into the drain line with an air compressor can dislodge any debris that’s obstructing the line, restoring proper drainage.
Another way to help avoid clogs is to have your drain line cleaned regularly by an experienced HVAC professional. A professional cleaning will ensure that your drain line is free of dirt, algae, and other debris that can clog the system.
The Cost of AC Drain Line Clogs
The cost of clogged air conditioner drain lines depends on several factors. The nature of the clog and the scope of work required to remove it will affect the overall price of the repair. In addition, any other repairs or regular maintenance tasks that may be performed during the repair process can impact the final cost.
For example, if the technician needs to replace the drain line or PVC parts, these will add to the total cost of the service. Additionally, if the drain line isn’t properly installed, it will be more prone to clogs in the future.