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It is the hottest day of summer; the last thing you want is to be stuck in a room with a busted AC unit. On those hot summer days, the air conditioning unit installed in your office or your home becomes a crucial part of your household. When the AC unit suddenly and unexpectedly breaks down, you will be running around looking for an AC repair expert before your house turns into a furnace.
Learning to spot signs of a faulty AC unit before it breaks down can come in handy. While you might not be in a position to diagnose the exact problem, you can leave it to experts to handle the technical parts. The technicians have had years of training, and they are better equipped to handle heating and AC repair. Below are a few signs that can help you spot a faulty AC unit before it breaks down.
Short Cycling
The air conditioning unit will go through cycles to maintain a preset temperature. It will turn on and run till it reaches the desired temperature, after which it will turn off. If your AC is turning on and off within a short interval before cooling the room to the desired temperature, it means that it is short cycling. The AC cycle lasts about twenty minutes; anything below that means it is short cycling, and you should call a heating and AC repair expert in Mansfield, TX.
Short cycling can be caused by;
- Low refrigerant level. When the refrigerant level is running low, it can stress other components of the system. The other parts have to work harder, and it can cause the AC to turn on and off at irregular intervals.
- Oversized air conditioner. If the air conditioner is larger than the size of the house it is cooling, it will reach the set temperature quickly and then turn off. The short cycling can lead to uneven cooling in the home and higher electricity bills. It is essential to involve professional heating and AC repair experts when installing your AC unit to avoid installing a larger system than required.
- Dirty evaporator coil. The evaporator coil in the AC unit is responsible for removing hot air from the AC unit. When the coil is covered in dirt, it does not work effectively, which could in turn cause it to overheat and shut off.
- A clogged air filter. It is crucial to replace the air filter regularly to avoid build up of dust and dirt. When the air filter is clogged, the air conditioner works harder to compensate for the lost airflow stressing other components of the unit. The AC unit will overheat, causing the system to short cycle.
Inefficient Air Flow
Airflow problems are among the most common HVAC issues professional heating and AC repair professionals in Mansfield, TX, have to deal with. Have you noticed certain spots in the house are hot while others are cold, or is the AC unit blowing warm air? You could have an airflow problem. If you ignore the problem for too long, it could lead to compressor failure.
Here are a few causes of AC airflow problems;
- An obstructed condensing unit. For most outdoor units, the condensing unit is on the outside, and it can get blocked by debris accumulating around it. It is the most manageable problem to solve because cleaning the area around the duct will solve the problem.
- Fan problems. Every air conditioning unit has a fan that blows air from the room over the evaporator coils to remove the heat. There is another fan that blows air from the outside over the condenser coils. If either of the two fans is faulty, you will experience airflow problems. Heating and AC repair expert will assist diagnose the problem and change the fan motor.
- Inadequate ventilation. If you change your air conditioning unit or rearrange your space, you should update ventilation as well. If the vents are not updated, they may be too small to handle the volume of air pushed through them by the new air conditioning unit. Poorly designed ductwork can also mean they do not efficiently carry cold air into the space. Heating and AC repair expert can help update your vents as well.
Strange Sounds
New generation air conditioners are quieter than ever. If they start making unusual noises, it is a sign that the AC unit needs servicing by a heating and AC repair professional. Most AC units have sound dampening technology that ensures the system runs smoothly. If the noise is ignored for too long, it could turn minor issues into significant expenses in the future.
Below are a few sounds to look out for and what could be causing them;
- Banging. Banging noise from the AC unit could mean that there is a loose or broken part inside the conditioning compressor. The sound could mean that the compressor needs replacement.
- Clanking sounds. A clanking sound could be made by a loose part that needs to be replaced by a professional. If the issue is not handled immediately, it could lead to more significant problems in the future.
- Rattling noises are a sign that the system is deteriorating. It could be a sign that parts within the system are loosening. A heating and AC expert will start by checking for loose screws or a loose fan that could be rattling.
- High pitched whistling is caused by a refrigerant leak, which does not only damage the air conditioning unit but can also create a health threat to your entire family. The high pitched noise could mean there is high internal pressure within the compressor, which can be dangerous. When this happens, you should switch off the air conditioner and call a heating and AC repair technician immediately.
Who Will You Call?
Minuteman Heating and Air is the company that you should call. The technicians are skilled and have years of experience handling any problems related to heating and AC repair.