When your air conditioner has celebrated its 10th “installation day,” minor AC repairs are not uncommon—even well-maintained AC units will need repairs eventually. However, there are few surprises when it comes to AC repairs since the mechanical components are very similar in every air conditioner. Most serious repairs need to be made by a trained technician but knowing the cause of minor repairs might save you an expensive service call. Here is a list of some of the most common repair calls for AC units and common solutions to the problem.
If the AC was working yesterday but is not working today, try these steps before you call the technician. First, check the circuit breaker marked “AC” in the electrical service panel. If the circuit tripped, move the switch completely off, then back on. If the breaker will not stay in the “on” position, call a technician.
Next, check the thermostat batteries; they should be replaced once per year. Turn the thermostat to the “off” position before changing the batteries. If the batteries are not the problem, call a technician.
Both motors in your HVAC system are controlled by an electrical component called a capacitor. A capacitor turns a motor on and controls the speed of the motor to prevent overheating. An old capacitor can become unstable and allow the motor to run hot, reducing the useful life of the motor. When a capacitor fails completely, know that it has been putting stress on other components.
The compressor motor is the KEY COMPONENT in the exchange of heat that makes air conditioning possible. When this component fails, the compressor will need to be replaced before it will cool again. The most common cause of compressor failure is overheating stress caused by capacitor failure.
If the blower motor is working but the air is not cool, try these steps to solve the issue. First, check the thermostat to make sure it is in the “Cool” position and the setting is 50 cooler than room temperature. Second, check the air filter. An extremely dirty air filter might reduce the airflow through the evaporator chamber enough to prevent heat exchange. If the filter is dirty, wait a few minutes to see if the air begins to cool. Third, find the two copper tubes connected to the indoor AC unit.
One should be cool and moist, the other warm and dry. If neither tube is cool, this indicates low coolant. The refrigerant gases used in air conditioners are highly regulated and only trained professionals will have access. Call your HVAC company to check, repair, and recharge the coolant level.
While the air conditioner is cooling the air, it also removes the humidity from the air; the AC unit may remove several gallons of water from the indoor air each day. Under the evaporator coil is a drain pan to collect the water with a drain line that carries it to a floor drain (or outdoors).
If something debris or algae growth clogs the drain line, the water will overflow the drain pan and spill onto the floor. Whether you try to clear the blockage yourself or not might depend upon access to the drain line. This is a common repair, so a technician will have the tools and equipment to clear the line.
The normal sound your air conditioner makes is the background noise of your home, not unlike the hum of electrical appliances that surround you. However, when you notice an unusual noise or a noise louder than usual, it is an indication of a change that needs to be addressed. Screeching, squealing, and rattling noises should be addressed by a technician. Locating and diagnosing the problems can get very complicated.
Make sure that an AC repair professional services your AC unit annually. Many of the problems that lead to repairs can be addressed early and perhaps avoided. It is the best method of prolonging the serviceable life of your air conditioner.
For more information about R.M. Mullinix and AC Repair, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC Duct Cleaning information page.