Air Conditioning in Arlington—What You Need to Know About Air Conditioner Repair
Can you imagine living without air conditioning in the Texas summer? Of course not! To make sure that your cooling system is running, you need to check regularly if there is any need for air conditioner repairs. In order to maintain efficiency, you need to make sure that there are no problems with the unit.
Common Problems with Air Conditioners
There are many cases in which you would need to get air conditioner repair services. Here are some of the most common problems that you should know of.
Improper Maintenance
If the filters of the air conditioning are not changed on a regular basis, and the coils are allowed to become dirty, the performance of the air conditioner will deteriorate, and if this continues, the compressor or the fans would fail. Proper cleaning and maintenance is important so that you don’t need to ask for air conditioner repairs more often than you need to.
Faulty Wiring
Problems in wiring are extremely common. Bad wiring is dangerous, as it can trip the circuit breaker, and reduce the performance of your air conditioning unit by preventing it from getting power. Make sure that your wiring is certified and in good condition. If not then get air conditioner repair service immediately.
Leaking of the Refrigerant
The heat transfer in an air conditioning system takes place through the refrigerant, as it absorbs and releases heat. In a new air conditioning system, a specific level of refrigerant is provided which is optimal for the transfer of heat. When leakage occurs, it causes improper cooling and may damage the coil due to the frost along it, along with causing damage to the compressor.
If you notice a leakage, adding the refrigerant is not the solution. Fixing the leak and adding the specific amount of refrigerant to maintain the level that was provided by the manufacturer is the solution. A licensed and trained air conditioner repair technician can fix the damage efficiently.
Problems in the Outdoor Unit
Contactor issues, lack of power, and faulty thermostats cause problems in the outdoor unit. However, the main problem arises when the outside fan stops working. When this happens, the heat transfer does not take place properly, which results in overheating of the compressor and tripping of the safety overload, and/or causing internal damage to the compressor.
Sensor Problem
This may seem like a small problem, but people who don’t know about this might get worried when their air conditioner starts to cycle constantly. They might call for air conditioner repair, finding to their dismay that there was no need. Thermostat sensor is placed behind the control panel in air conditioners, and it measures the temperature of the air. If it is knocked from its position, your air conditioner might start to behave unsteadily. You can simply check if the thermostat is positioned properly, and adjust it to its original position if not.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
Your evaporator coil can freeze up due to improper flow of air. This can be caused due to many reasons, some of which include:
- Dirty air filter
- Blocked air return grill
- Dirty evaporator
- Failed blower motor
- Low refrigerant
Keep in mind that if your evaporator coil freezes due to any of the aforementioned reasons, DO NOT attempt to operate the system until the ice has completely thawed out.
Blocked Condenser
Make sure that your condenser is not blocked by vegetation. There needs to be ample space around the condenser for proper flow of air, and if it is blocked, your air conditioner would not work properly, and can also cause internal damage.
Drainage Problems
Drainage problems may occur if the air conditioner is not mounted to level. To prevent this from happening, you need to make sure that the drain is not clogged in humid weather, and is draining properly.
Leaking Ducts
Leaking is a common problem with ducts, as they can separate occasionally, when the seals break. This will leak the conditioned air into the basement. In your annual inspection, make sure to get the seal of the ducts checked, and get them resealed if they are broken.
Should You Hire a Professional for Air Conditioner Repair?
The problem with DIY repairs is that there are many times that you can miss out on vital issues or incorrectly diagnose a problem. Trained and experienced professionals have handled many cases of repairs and they are the people you should trust with the matter of repairs of your air conditioning unit.
Benefits of Getting Regular Air Conditioner Repairs
By getting timely repairs, you can reap the benefits of:
- A longer lifespan of your air conditioning system: The typical lifespan of an air conditioner is between ten and twenty years, but if it receives proper and timely repairs, it may even last up to thirty years!
- Lower energy bills: A damaged air conditioning system uses more power than an efficient one, and in turn, you get elevated energy bills. Regular repairs ensure that your system is taking as much power as it needs to run, and you get lower energy bills.
- Peace of mind: With each repair service, you will know that your cooling system is in top shape and that you have prevented any possible and potentially heavy damages by letting the problem fester.
How to Keep Your Air Conditioner Efficient
Here is what you can do to maintain your air conditioner in its efficient state:
- Immediately call for air conditioner repair if you notice an increase in your energy bill without any explanation, uneven cooling in your house or workspace, leaks or weird noises.
- Change filters on a monthly basis to avoid clogging and damage. However, if you have pets, you may need to change them more frequently.
- Check your outdoor unit regularly. If you observe any damage, call your preferred air conditioner repair services in the area.