Air conditioning repairs can be a hassle, especially in the summer heat. But with regular maintenance and smart repair choices, you can keep your air conditioner working at peak performance. Ensure the power is off before removing the outdoor disconnect or accessing the condenser’s electrical panel. Check the contactor (relay switch) and the start/run capacitor for gunk buildup or failure.
The problem can also arise when the capillary tubes of your evaporator coils are damaged. When these tubes vibrate during system operation, they can rub against each other and create holes. This can lead to hissing noises and even puddles of refrigerant around the evaporator coils. Air Conditioning Repair can replace the capillary tubes and prevent these issues from arising in the future.
Over time, the evaporator coil becomes dirty as it collects dust and debris from the air that passes over it. This dirt reduces its efficiency and interferes with its ability to absorb heat from the air that moves over it. This means the air conditioner must run longer to achieve the same cooling effect as when the evaporator coil is clean. This results in higher utilities that can be expensive over the long term.
Dirty evaporator coils also limit the extraction of moisture from the air, and this can cause the refrigerant to become liquid instead of gaseous. This can cause serious damage to the compressor as it is not designed for liquids. In the worst cases, a dirty evaporator can cause the refrigerant to fail completely.
If you suspect that your evaporator coil is dirty, there are several things you can do to diagnose the problem. One way is to measure the current that is flowing through the supply fan. You can do this with a tool that is specifically designed for this purpose, or you can use a standard multimeter. A low current through the fans can indicate that the evaporator coil is dirty.
Another way to test the evaporator coil is to measure the pressure at the outlet of the air conditioning unit. This can tell you whether there is enough pressure to keep the evaporator coil clean. You can also prevent the evaporator coil from becoming dirty by cleaning the area around it regularly. This includes removing any debris that may have blown in and trimming foliage so that it doesn’t cover the coil.
You should also clean the evaporator coil in the same manner as you clean the condenser coil. This is an important part of the air conditioning system and should be cleaned in order to ensure that it works properly.
The condensation that drips off your AC’s evaporator coil is supposed to go into a drainage line. This line takes the water to a drip pan and then out of your home. If there is standing water in the drip pan, it usually means your drain line is clogged. A clogged drain line is bad news because it means the condensation won’t be properly removed from your system, which can lead to bigger problems down the road.
Clogged AC drain lines aren’t uncommon, and the problem is usually fairly easy to fix. The issue occurs when dirt, dust and other airborne debris finds its way into the drainage pipe as it’s dripping off your evaporator coil. As the debris builds up, the drainage line slowly becomes blocked until it’s completely clogged. This can cause the drip pan to fill up, which isn’t ideal for your AC unit.
If you notice any signs of a clogged drain line, it’s time to contact an AC repair service specialist. A skilled technician can quickly find the source of the clog, which may be as simple as some minor debris blocking the drainage port. Once the clog is cleared, your technician can take a few steps to prevent it from happening again in the future.
First, they’ll shut off your AC unit and look for the access point to the drain line. This is usually a PVC pipe about an inch long that’s either attached to the drip pan or goes down to a floor drain or your home’s exterior.
After finding the access point to the drain line, the technician will remove any standing water from the drip pan and clean it if necessary. They may also use a wet dry vac or shop vac to suction any debris from the drainage line opening. If this doesn’t work, they’ll probably use a garden hose to flush out the drain line with water in quick bursts.
This will clear any algae, mold and bacteria that could be growing in the line. Then, they’ll put the PVC cap back on the vent and test to see if water flows freely through the drain line. They’ll also advise you on ways to help prevent future clogs, including changing out the filter regularly.
Refrigerant leaks can be incredibly damaging to your air conditioning system’s function, your energy bills, and even your health. If your AC is leaking refrigerant, you need to call in professionals for air conditioning repair as soon as possible.
If your AC is leaking refrigerant, it’s likely because of a hole or crack in the line sets or coils. This can happen when the copper tubes in your AC unit deteriorate over time through formic acid corrosion. These deterioration of the copper can cause hissing sounds and small holes that leak refrigerant. Formic acid can come from a variety of sources, including cleaning products, air fresheners, hair spray, and other common household items.
A leaking AC can also cause your home to feel warmer and more humid than usual. This is because the leaking refrigerant makes it harder for your air conditioner to cool the air in your home. It takes more of the refrigerant to perform its job when there are leaks, so you need to find the source of the leak and have it repaired as soon as possible.
Another sign of a refrigerant leak is if your air conditioning bills are higher than they should be. Your refrigerant levels are dropping and the leaking air is making your system work harder to cool your home. This can cause your energy bills to skyrocket, and you will need to spend more on recharging the system.
Leaking refrigerant can be dangerous, as the chemical, often referred to as freon, can contaminate your indoor air and enter your respiratory system. Freon is also a flammable substance, which can present a fire hazard in your home.
Your AC unit works hard to keep your home cool and comfortable during the warm months. However, a frozen coil can be frustrating and cause you to seek out air conditioning repair. It’s important to understand why evaporator coils freeze up, how this can impact your system and what you can do to avoid it.
The evaporator coil is a copper or steel tubing that’s designed to remove humidity from your home’s air. It does so by absorbing heat from the indoor air and condensing it into water. The moisture then flows down the condensate line and is drained outside through the drain pipe. If the coil’s surface becomes dirty or clogged, it can inhibit heat transfer and lead to ice.
Dirty evaporator coils can also be the result of a lack of airflow. A dirty air filter can clog the evaporator coil and prevent it from receiving enough heat to melt the ice that builds up on its surface. It’s important to replace your air filter often and ensure that the fan motor is working properly to ensure good air circulation in your home.
Another possible reason for a frozen evaporator coil is that there is a problem in the compressor itself. A refrigerant leak is a dangerous and major issue that requires professional help to resolve. If you suspect you have a leak in your compressor, shut off your system and call your service provider immediately.
A final common cause of a frozen evaporator coil is a clogged condensate pan or drain line. If the coil’s surface becomes covered in gunk, it can inhibit air flow and cause the cooling system to become overworked, leading to a breakdown of its components. Regular cleaning of the evaporator coil is part of routine AC maintenance that your HVAC company provides.
If you’ve ruled out these problems and the coil is still frozen, turn off your air conditioner and switch it to the “fan-only” setting. This will force the fan to blow air over the coil and may thaw it. You should have a pan or bucket beneath the air handler to catch the water that drips out as it thaws. It may take up to 24 hours for the coil to thaw completely.
