While air conditioners last up to 20 years, the first key to their longevity is routine maintenance. Getting your system serviced twice a year will greatly reduce the chance of an unexpected breakdown.
During AC servicing, technicians make sure all parts are clean and lubricated. They also repair and replace worn components as needed. Contact Air Conditioning Repair Henderson NV for professional help.
The evaporator coil is the part of the air conditioner that actually cools your home. The job of the evaporator coil is to absorb heat from your home’s air and transfer it outside, but if your evaporator coil is dirty, it might not be able to do its job. A dirty evaporator coil can cause your air conditioning system to overwork, which will wear it out prematurely and lead to more expensive repairs down the road.
One of the most common signs that your evaporator coil is dirty is reduced cooling performance. A dust-coated coil is less effective at absorbing heat from the air, which will make your AC work harder to reach your thermostat setting. In extreme cases, a heavily-clogged coil can freeze over, completely blocking airflow and forcing your air conditioner to turn off.
Another common sign of a dirty evaporator coil is unpleasant odors. Dirty evaporator coils can trap volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that can be emitted from cleaning products, paints, and furnishings. The blower fan of the AC can then circulate these contaminants throughout your home, causing respiratory problems for allergy sufferers.
In addition to a noticeable decrease in cooling power, a dirty evaporator coil can also reduce your energy efficiency. When the coil is dirty, it can take longer for the air to cool down and for the evaporator coil to return to its normal operating temperature. This will require your AC to run for longer periods of time, resulting in higher energy consumption.
A professional air conditioning technician can safely remove your evaporator coil for cleaning. This process requires the removal of the access panel and use of a shop vac to remove loose debris. Then, your dealer can use a commercial AC cleaner or a mixture of water and detergent to rinse off any remaining dirt from the coil’s fins. They will then return the access panel and wipe down the drain pan to finish up. Your technician should also check and clean the condensate drain to prevent a clogged evaporator coil. Clogged drains can also result in frozen evaporator coils, which will lead to more expensive repair needs in the future.
Dirty Compressor Coil
A dirty condenser coil is a problem that affects your entire air conditioner. The condenser coil, located in the outdoor unit, is responsible for absorbing and releasing heat that your system takes in and circulates to the inside of your home. When the coil becomes dirty, the refrigerant is unable to release the heat it has absorbed. This prevents your air conditioning from achieving the desired temperature set on your thermostat.
The dirt that builds up on the coil serves as a form of insulation and blocks the airflow the coils need to perform their function. This makes the process of absorbing or releasing heat more difficult and cuts down on overall energy efficiency, which can lead to higher power bills. It also puts a strain on the compressor and other components, which can cause premature wear and tear.
Another sign that your air conditioner’s condenser coil is dirty is that it will take longer for the system to cool your home or office. When the coil is clogged, it restricts airflow and can also lead to rattling or buzzing sounds from the unit.
Dirty coils can also cause poor indoor air quality, which could be a major health concern for people suffering from allergies or asthma. The lack of airflow can result in mildew and mold spores circulating inside the HVAC system. The contaminants can then be dispersed throughout your living or working space, making them dangerous for anyone to breathe.
If your AC’s dirty condenser coil is not cleaned quickly, it can cause the compressor to overheat and eventually shut down. When this happens, it will be necessary to repair or replace the entire compressor and possibly the entire system if the damage is severe enough.
Some steps can be taken by the average person to clean the coils, but the most effective way to do so is to hire a professional service technician. These technicians have the knowledge and equipment needed to ensure the coil is properly cleaned and can identify underlying issues that need to be addressed. They can also offer helpful advice regarding preventative maintenance and help you to develop a plan for the future of your air conditioning system.
Damaged Coolant Lines
A damaged or missing coolant line can lead to a refrigerant leak. These lines connect the condenser with the evaporator coil, and they should be intact, tight, and properly sealed. When they aren’t, the air conditioning will struggle to cool the system and your energy bill may soar.
A leaking or damaged cooling line can be due to a variety of factors. A damaged hose, loose hose clamps, or a corroded connection can all cause a loss of refrigerant. Fortunately, you can sometimes fix these issues yourself. However, it’s best to hire a certified HVAC professional to do the work because handling refrigerant is dangerous and requires an EPA-approved Section 608 license.
If your car’s “Low Coolant” light comes on or you find yourself constantly adding coolant, this could indicate a leak in the upper radiator hose. This hose cools the engine and if it fails, your vehicle will overheat.
To check for this, take a look under your car while the engine is running and see if you can spot any coolant dripping out. If you find a puddle, turn off your vehicle and carefully trace the source to the hose or hose connections that need replacing.
In addition to checking the hoses and hose clamps, it’s also a good idea to have your cooling system flushed every 30,000 miles to reduce internal damage. Coolant deteriorates with age and exposure to high temperatures, and the use of abrasive additives can accelerate this process.
Another way to help prevent a coolant leak is by using a quality replacement hose that features electrochemical degradation (ECD) resistance, which decreases the rate at which the hose loses internal pressure. You can test for this by squeezing the hose ends near the connections and if the ends feel softer than the middle or have gaps or channels, your hose is at risk of ECD.
You may be tempted to repair or replace the coolant line yourself, but this isn’t an easy task. Not only will you need to get a Section 608 license, but you’ll need the proper tools to handle refrigerant safely. Your certified AC specialist can provide this service as well as perform the replacement and flushing required to remedy the problem.
Failed Contactor
A failed contactor is one of the most serious AC problems homeowners can face. This is because it affects all the other components of your air conditioning system. Therefore, identifying and resolving contactor issues should be a priority so that minor woes wouldn’t progress to bigger problems in the long run.
A contactor is a mechanical device that opens and closes the power supply lines running through your air conditioner. It is made up of a pair of latching electrical contacts that separate to let in electricity and cut off current to stop the appliance from operating. When it fails, all the components connected to the contactor will be starved of electricity.
The causes of contactor failure can be numerous. They can range from electrical overloading to general wear and tear. Over time, the contacts may develop weld marks that prevent them from opening or closing. In addition, electrical pitting and corrosion can cause the coils to heat up and burn out. High voltage surges can also damage the contactor. Other causes of contactor failure include age and improper maintenance. Dirt, insects, and rodents can chew on the wires, hindering proper functioning.
Common symptoms of a failing contactor include humming or buzzing noises, inability to turn the AC on and off, and ineffective cooling. The buzzing sound is caused by the metal coils and plunger of the contactor rubbing against each other as they move. This wear can cause the metal strips of the contactor to weld together, making them unable to separate.
Another sign of a faulty contactor is frequent circuit breaker trips. This is because the contactor fails to open and close the circuit when necessary, leading to an overflow of electric current. A failed contactor can also produce arcs, which can melt the contacts and other parts of your air conditioning unit. You can identify this problem by the presence of a burnt smell and charring on the contactor’s plastic box. An HVAC technician can replace the contactor to restore its normal function.