AC Repair Encino is the process of troubleshooting, diagnosing and fixing issues with air conditioning units. This includes replacing or cleaning blower motors, evaporative coils and air filters.
It is important to determine the cause of the problem before deciding whether or not your unit is worth repairing. Here are a few common AC issues that you should be aware of:
The thermostat is one of the most crucial parts of any air conditioning system. However, it’s also the part that most often goes wrong. A faulty thermostat can lead to many problems, from inconsistent temperature regulation to higher energy bills.
Thermostats have a lifespan of about 10 years. They can fail due to normal wear and tear, or they can go bad for other reasons. Older thermostats are more likely to experience failure.
Most modern thermostats are programmable, which allows homeowners to set a schedule for their cooling and heating systems. This type of thermostat usually has a digital screen that displays the current room temperature. If this screen is dark, it’s a clear sign that the thermostat needs new batteries.
If the problem is not caused by the batteries, shut off the power to the thermostat and remove the cover. You’ll see wires running from the thermostat to the wall socket. If any of these wires are disconnected or corroded, it’s time to call an AC repair technician. It’s best to have a professional open the thermostat and check each wire separately. This is safer and more accurate than messing with the wires yourself.
Refrigerant Leak
A refrigerant leak is a common problem that can significantly impact your cooling system. Without the refrigerant, your AC will struggle to cool your home, and it could even start leaking water inside your house! Leaks are often caused by damaged parts or loose connections. This can be due to age or wear and tear, or it may happen due to improper installation.
Some of the most common signs of a refrigerant leak include puddles of liquid around your unit or a hissing sound during operation. If you notice these symptoms, contact a professional immediately for a diagnostic inspection. They will be able to find the source of the leak, fix it, and replenish more refrigerant if necessary.
The first step is to determine where the leak is coming from using specialized tools like UV dye or a refrigerant leak detector. Next, they will isolate the air conditioning unit to prevent further loss of refrigerant and determine the severity of the leak. They will repair the leak by soldering or epoxy mending any broken pipes, replacing O-rings on valves, and sealing evaporator coils. They will also check and clean the accumulator for any clogs or blockages that may be contributing to the leak.
Clogged Ductwork
The ductwork in your home is what moves heated or cooled air from the furnace to the vents throughout the house. If the ducts are clogged, your system will have to work harder to heat or cool the rooms in your home to maintain the temperature set on the thermostat. This causes premature wear on the system and a higher energy bill than usual.
Ducts can become clogged in several ways. The most common is that dust, dirt and other debris collects inside the ductwork over time. This can cause the ducts to become discolored and clogged. In addition, there can be openings in the ducts caused by disconnected seams and leaks from poor construction or DIY fixes. These issues can be difficult to spot, but an HVAC technician can use a flashlight to inspect the ducts and look for areas where airflow may be limited.
Another way that ducts can get clogged is by being physically blocked. This could be as simple as having a couch or other piece of furniture blocking the air vent. In more severe cases, it could be the result of an insect infestation or pests building nests in the ductwork. In this case, it’s best to have an HVAC technician clean the ducts and ensure that the ductwork is properly sealed and insulated.
Dirty Filters
A clean air filter is a vital part of your home’s HVAC system. It allows your system to operate efficiently while ensuring that your home is comfortable and free from airborne contaminants. However, many homeowners neglect to replace or even check their filters. Ultimately, this can lead to a variety of AC problems and may even result in a system breakdown.
Dirty filters allow dust, dander, pollen, mold spores and other harmful microorganisms to circulate throughout your home. These particles can cause respiratory issues for you and your family. Over time they can also accumulate in your ductwork and even lead to the development of mold.
Additionally, a dirty filter restricts airflow through your air conditioner and forces it to work harder on sweltering Nevada days. This extra strain can exacerbate minor mechanical issues or cause rapid wear and tear to your system components. Ultimately, it can result in a system breakdown and expensive AC repair. To prevent this, simply change your filter every four to six weeks. It is a simple task that can help you avoid the need for costly AC repairs and maintain a high level of indoor air quality.
Bad Compressor
The compressor is responsible for pressurizing the refrigerant that runs through an air conditioning unit. This chemical is what helps your AC turn warm air into cold air, so if the compressor has issues, it can lead to an ineffective cooling system.
The main sign that the compressor is bad is when it starts making a whining noise. This sound is typically caused by the clutch that connects the pulley to the compressor. When the clutch is working properly, it snaps in and out of connection with engine power to spin the compressor. But when it’s not, the clutch will make a loud screeching sound that indicates it needs to be replaced.
Another symptom of a bad compressor is when the unit won’t start up. This may be due to a variety of issues, but one possibility is that the compressor’s clutch has failed. If this is the case, you’ll need to call an HVAC professional for a compressor replacement.
A final symptom of a bad compressor is when it leaks refrigerant. If this occurs, you should turn off the air conditioner and contact a technician right away. This is because leaking refrigerant can create puddles on the ground that are toxic to children and pets.
Frozen Coils
The evaporator coil of your AC is the component that absorbs heat from the air before it blows throughout your home or office. When it freezes, the refrigerant that carries it isn’t able to transfer the heat and your system won’t cool down. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, and the best way to fix it is to call your local HVAC company.
Frozen coils can also indicate a problem with your compressor. This problem causes the compressor to work overtime, which can cause it to overheat and leak refrigerant. This can damage your AC unit significantly and result in a costly repair bill.
If your AC isn’t cooling and you notice ice or frost on the evaporator coil, turn it off to prevent further damage. You can also try to thaw the coils by switching your thermostat setting to fan-only and turning on the blower. This will push air over the coil, possibly melting it.
Frozen evaporator coils are one of the most common AC problems, but they’re usually easy to fix. With regular cleaning and preventative maintenance, you can keep them from freezing and avoid a costly repair bill.
Warm Air
When your AC system is blowing warm air, it means that something is keeping the compressor from working. This could be a simple thermostat setting that is off, or it could be a more serious problem like low refrigerant or dirty evaporator coils. Regardless, you should always call for AC repair before the problem gets worse.
Another common reason why an AC is blowing warm air is that the system’s drain lines are clogged. This happens when the drains become blocked by debris or dirt. The moisture that the AC removes from the air is supposed to be expelled through the drain line, but when it’s clogged it causes water to back up into the system and damage the interior.
It’s important to understand what can cause your AC to stop working properly, so you know whether the issue is a quick fix or one that requires the skills of an HVAC specialist. From a blown fuse to a bad compressor, it’s important that you get the help you need as quickly as possible to avoid further problems and costly repairs.