Air Conditioning Repair – Why You Shouldn’t Buy a New AC

Many homeowners find themselves at a crossroads when their air conditioning unit begins to experience problems. They must decide between having it repaired or investing in a new air conditioner.

Choosing to repair your unit as soon as you notice the signs of trouble can save you on high replacement costs in the future. Here are the most common Air Conditioning Repair Round Rock TX that technicians perform:

The evaporator coil is like the magic wand of your air conditioning system: when warm air passes over it, it absorbs the heat and cools down before being circulated back into your home. But a dirty evaporator coil can hamper this process. It can make your AC work harder and even break down if it becomes severely clogged.

Over time, dust can settle on your evaporator coil and create an insulating layer that prevents the coil from absorbing heat efficiently. Your AC will overwork itself trying to compensate, and this leads to premature wear and tear of your system’s other components.

A malfunctioning blower fan can also cause issues with your evaporator coil by failing to move enough warm air across the coil. This reduces heat absorption and makes the coil vulnerable to ice formation. A clogged air filter can also prevent the coil from absorbing heat by restricting air flow.

Your AC needs a certain amount of refrigerant to function properly, and the evaporator coil is where this gas is absorbed from your house’s air. If you’ve run out of refrigerant, your system may not be able to absorb any more heat from your air. It will turn to water vapor instead, which causes the coil to frost or freeze up.

Cleaning your evaporator coil regularly is the best way to keep it from clogging. You can use a mixture of mild detergent and water to dissolve dirt and grime, then rinse each coil until clean. If you’re hesitant to tackle this task on your own, contact a professional to help.

Other factors that can lead to a frozen evaporator coil include a faulty drain line or a poorly installed AC unit. A faulty drain line can make it difficult for your coil to thaw out once it gets cold, which leads to a clog. An improperly installed AC unit can also put strain on the evaporator coil, making it more susceptible to damage from debris or algae.

There are several steps you can take to prevent your evaporator coil from freezing, including keeping your air filters clean, keeping supply vents open, and scheduling regular HVAC maintenance. A technician can inspect your evaporator coil and clean it, as well as ensure that the airflow through the system is optimal.

Failed Contactor

A failed contactor can cause your AC to stop cooling, and it’s a common problem that affects many homes. A contactor is an electromechanical component that controls the flow of electrical current through an air conditioning system’s compressor and fan motor. It’s comprised of stationary and movable contacts, a coil, and a control circuit. When the contactor is energized, the contacts close, allowing electricity to flow, and when it’s de-energized, the contacts separate to break the circuit.

Like any other electrical component, the contactor can wear out and fail over time. The primary causes of this include excessive electrical current, environmental conditions, and wear and tear. When the contactor is subjected to excessive electrical current, it will experience heat generation and damage its coil or contacts. This often results in a burned out coil, which means the contactor will no longer be able to close properly.

Faulty electrical connections also contribute to contactor failure. This is due to the fact that every time the contactor opens and closes, it creates an arc of electricity between its movable contacts. This repeated arcing can eventually erode the contacts, leaving them pitted and rough. If the contacts become pitted and rough, they can no longer provide a solid connection to the compressor and fan motor, making the contactor ineffective.

Another common sign of a failing contactor is intermittent cooling. This can be caused by poor contact closure or inconsistent power supply to the compressor and fan motor. In some cases, the contactor may even be stuck, preventing it from disengaging when the thermostat signals to shut off the unit.

A failed contactor can be a major headache for homeowners, especially during hot summers. Fortunately, there are several preventive measures that can help reduce the risk of AC contactor failure. By scheduling routine maintenance, installing surge protectors, and sealing potential points of entry, homeowners can extend the lifespan of their contactors and avoid costly repair bills in the future. If you suspect that your AC contactor is failing, don’t hesitate to call a professional. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and recommend an appropriate repair.

Failed Compressor

The compressor is a vital part of your AC system. It is responsible for compressing refrigerant, a cooling substance that flows in your air conditioner to remove heat (or cold air in reversible systems). Compressors last a long time – up to 15 years if they are properly cared for. But a failed compressor can lead to extensive HVAC repair or even replacement costs.

Some signs of a failing compressor include clogged evaporator coils, low refrigerant levels, and a lack of cool air coming from your vents. A failed compressor may also indicate a Freon leak or electrical problems.

A common cause of AC compressor failure is a lack of regular maintenance and cleaning. Over time, dirt, debris, and contaminants build up on the compressor and evaporator coils. This reduces the effectiveness of lubrication and can make the compressor overheat and wear out prematurely. A dirty evaporator coil can allow refrigerant to escape, which also leads to overheating and early wear and tear.

Other potential signs of a failing compressor include a rattling noise, which is typically a result of a loose motor mount. This problem is usually easy for a technician to fix, but it requires immediate attention. Other noises like whistling, screeching, or squealing are often caused by excessive pressure in the compressor.

An electrical problem, like a blown fuse or circuit breaker, can lead to a failed compressor. Over time, acid and oxidation build up in the compressor and damage it. A professional can sometimes detect these issues by testing the system for oxidation and acid.

In many cases, a compressor can be repaired instead of replaced if it is not too old and does not use obsolete R-22 refrigerant. If it is very old or uses R-22, replacing it will probably cost more than repairing the compressor and outdoor unit. The best way to prevent a costly compressor failure is to schedule a routine AC service with a reputable HVAC company. Keeping your air conditioning system well-maintained will not only extend the life of your compressor, but it will also help you save money on your energy bills.

Failed Blower Motor

If you notice your air conditioning system making unusual noises, a failed blower motor may be to blame. Unusual sounds like rattling or screeching indicate that the motor is wearing out, which could lead to an overheating problem in your HVAC system. The motor can also fail if it’s blocked by dust and debris, so it’s important to regularly clean your blower fan and filters.

A failing blower motor can cause insufficient airflow through your home’s ductwork. If this is the case, your AC technician can replace your blower motor and restore proper airflow through your home’s ductwork. Inconsistent temperatures throughout your home are another common sign of a failing blower motor. A failed blower motor can also reduce the energy efficiency of your AC system, leading to higher electricity bills.

When the blower motor fails, it will no longer be able to spin your fan blades. As a result, your airflow will be restricted and the air inside your house will be warmer. In some cases, you’ll even notice a burning smell coming from your vents, which is a serious safety hazard that needs to be addressed immediately.

To determine whether or not the blower motor is bad, you can start by inspecting it for signs of wear and tear. A good blower motor should be able to spin at all speeds, so if it only works at some, this is a clear indication that the blower motor has failed. You can also test the capacitor by disconnecting it from the motor and using a multi-meter to measure its capacitance.

If the capacitor is faulty, this will cause the blower motor to malfunction. To prevent this from happening, you can try replacing the blower resistor. You can do this by disconnecting the blower motor and taking off the electrical connector. Once the electrical connector has been disconnected, you can use a jumper wire to bypass the speed control module and connect the power and grounding terminals directly to the motor. If the motor still doesn’t run, then the speed control module is likely to be the culprit.