AC Repair Round Rock TX can be tricky. When your AC system breaks down, it’s often difficult to decide whether to repair or replace.
Some AC repairs can be handled on your own, but professional contractors offer a more comprehensive approach to maintaining an optimally performing system. Scheduling routine maintenance visits can prevent costly AC repair needs and improve energy efficiency.
A dirty filter is one of the most common AC repair issues. This seemingly minor problem is a major factor in reduced efficiency and comfort, and it can lead to premature wear and tear on the system, shortening its lifespan. Regularly changing the filter can minimize the need for repairs and improve air quality.
Dirty filters aren’t just ineffective, they can actually be dangerous to your health. A clogged filter traps air pollutants such as dust, dander, mold, germs, and more in the filter. These particles are then recirculated throughout the home, which can aggravate respiratory conditions and allergies in those with sensitivities.
An AC with a dirty filter also has to work harder to push cool air into the house, which uses more energy. This leads to higher utility bills and can even damage the system over time.
Another sign that it’s time to change the filter is if the AC unit begins short cycling. Short cycling means the system turns off and on repeatedly, reducing its ability to cool the house. This can be caused by a number of issues, but often is the result of a clogged air filter.
Changing the air filter regularly is a simple task, and it’s one of the best ways to protect your AC from expensive repairs and keep your family comfortable. To do so, simply shut off the system and gently remove the old filter. Replace the new filter, making sure it’s facing the correct direction and that the airflow arrows match. If you have a reusable filter, clean it using a vacuum cleaner or a brush, then rinse it with water. Let it dry completely before reinstalling it.
An easy way to ensure your filter stays clean is to make it a habit to change it once every month. It’s also important to schedule annual professional maintenance on your HVAC system, which helps reduce the need for repair and keep your family comfortable year-round.
Thermostat Issues
Your thermostat is like the brain of your home’s HVAC system. It tells the rest of your system what temperature to maintain and when. So, when it stops working properly, your home’s comfort will suffer. That’s why it’s important to recognize common thermostat issues and address them as soon as possible to avoid expensive AC repair.
Thermostat problems include issues with the display, unresponsiveness, and short cycling. These issues can have a big impact on your comfort and your HVAC system’s efficiency. Here are some tips to help you troubleshoot and resolve these issues before calling an HVAC professional.
A Blank Thermostat Display
If your thermostat’s display screen turns completely black, this could mean that there’s no power getting to the device. This can be a simple fix by checking that the battery is fresh and/or that the breaker hasn’t flipped in your home’s electrical panel. If these solutions don’t work, then it’s time to call a professional for a thermostat replacement or repair.
Inconsistent Temperature Readings
A faulty thermostat can cause your AC to turn on and off more frequently than it should. This can result in uneven cooling, higher energy bills, and excessive wear on your AC system. Often, these issues are caused by a misconfigured thermostat or wiring connections that need to be fixed.
When a thermostat becomes inoperable, it will no longer communicate with the other parts of your heating and cooling system. This can lead to a number of problems, including clogged air filters and damaged condensate lines. A faulty thermostat can also cause the blower to run continuously or to shut off prematurely. In this case, you’ll need to call an HVAC technician for a thermostat replacement or repair.
Thermostat placement is crucial for proper operation. It needs to be positioned in an area where it can read the average temperature of your home without external sources of heat or cold affecting it. This is why it’s not a good idea to place a thermostat in direct sunlight or right next to a door. Improper placement can cause the wires inside the thermostat to become loose or frayed. This can affect your system’s performance and lead to a wide range of other problems.
Water Leaks
If you notice water pooling around your air conditioning unit, a hissing noise during operation, or a drop in cooling performance, it’s time to call for AC repair. These are all early signs that your unit is leaking water, and should be addressed immediately to prevent damage to the system and your home and to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
AC leaks may be caused by a variety of issues, from simple problems like clogged air filters and drain lines to more serious threats, such as frozen evaporator coils. To investigate your AC leak, turn off the system and examine the drain pan for a buildup of water or any other sign of damage or disrepair. A clogged drain line can cause water to back up into the system, overflowing the pan and damaging the unit. If you have a ductless mini-split, consult your user manual to determine how to access the drainage system.
Another common issue that causes AC leaks is low refrigerant levels. When the refrigerant in your unit drops, it affects the system’s ability to cool and can cause a clogged drain line or frozen evaporator coils. Fortunately, low refrigerant levels are easy to catch during routine maintenance, and can often be corrected with a minor service visit.
Leaking water from your air conditioner is also an indicator of a disconnected drain line. The drain line funnels condensation from the air handler to the drip pan, where it’s drained away. A disconnect in the drain line can lead to water leaking into your home, and should be repaired right away to avoid water damage.
When an AC leak is caused by electrical issues, hardware malfunctions, or refrigerant leaks, it’s important to leave the diagnosis and repairs to a professional. HVAC technicians have the tools, experience, and knowledge to safely and effectively diagnose and repair complex problems, including AC leaks.
Mechanical Issues
If your AC isn’t cooling and you can’t figure out why, it could be a sign that the refrigerant level is low or there’s an electrical problem with the unit. Both of these issues require professional attention from a technician, as both can damage the unit and create costly repairs for your home.
Alternatively, mechanical problems like a dirty air filter or dirty coils may be to blame for your AC’s inability to cool. An obstructed air filter impedes airflow and forces the system to work harder, increasing energy costs and wear and tear. Similarly, dirty evaporator and condenser coils restrict the system’s ability to absorb heat and release it into your home. Regular maintenance from a professional will keep these mechanical issues to a minimum.
Other signs of a mechanical AC issue include low humidity levels and unusual noises or odors. Unusual sounds such as clicking, banging, or screeching indicate a problem with the fan or compressor, while a musty or foul smell suggests mold or mildew building up in your system and ductwork. Frequent cycling (the AC turning on and off frequently) is another common problem that can strain the system and lead to short-circuiting, compressor failure, or even total system failure.
Electrical problems in your AC can be complicated and time-consuming to diagnose and repair. While some AC electrical repairs, such as resetting a tripped circuit breaker, can be handled by homeowners, other issues, such as faulty wiring or thermostats, necessitate the help of a trained technician to prevent further damage and safety risks.
With the right knowledge and preventive measures, you can avoid common AC repair issues and ensure your system stays running at maximum efficiency this summer. A routine AC tune-up will help to identify small problems before they become major ones and may prevent costly emergency repairs, allowing you to save on your energy bills all season long.