If your air conditioning shuts off suddenly, go to your electrical panel and flip the breaker that powers your AC to the on position. If it immediately flips back to the off position, call an HVAC technician for immediate HVAC care.
AC repairs address specific malfunctions or breakdowns, restoring your system’s functionality. AC maintenance, on the other hand, focuses on preventive care, optimizing efficiency, and reducing the risk of future breakdowns. Contact Ausco Air Heating & Air Conditioning for professional help.
Refrigerant leaks can significantly impact your AC system’s performance and lifespan. Leaks typically occur due to corrosion along copper refrigerant lines (which is common in older systems) or loose connections. Copper corrodes quickly when exposed to air and moisture, creating small cracks and holes where the refrigerant escapes.
The first sign of a refrigerant leak is reduced cooling; low refrigerant levels prevent the AC from producing cool air, resulting in lukewarm or warm air coming out of the vents. Another sign is an increase in energy bills; the system has to work harder and longer to reach your thermostat setting with a reduced capacity, driving up your utility bills.
Low refrigerant levels can also cause ice to form on the coils and refrigerant lines. This blocks airflow and may require the evaporator coil to be defrosted before your system can cool properly again.
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact a professional HVAC technician immediately for AC repair. In addition to locating the source of the leak, technicians can recharge your system with the correct amount of refrigerant, restoring its functionality and efficiency.
A professional can use electronic detectors to locate the source of the leak, and UV dye testing to find any hidden spots where the refrigerant has escaped. They can then repair or replace the affected area of the line, recharging your system to proper levels.
Refrigerant leaks aren’t just an inconvenience; they can also be a major safety hazard. The leaking refrigerant can create dangerous chemical fumes and pose health risks if inhaled or ingested. Avoid exposure by opening windows and doors to improve ventilation, and clearing out any flammable materials in the vicinity.
The best way to prevent leaks is with routine maintenance services, which include annual inspections and cleaning of your system. This can spot problems like loose connections or corrosion early, preventing them from developing into a serious problem that requires a costly AC replacement. Keeping your system clean and free of obstructions also reduces strain on components, helping it to last longer and perform more efficiently.
Damaged Condenser Fin
The condenser coil is the heart of your air conditioner. It’s where heat and humidity are transferred out of your home, making room for fresh cold air to be pushed through the ducts. Without a properly functioning coil, this process could suffer. If your cooling system feels like it is working harder than usual, or if you have an energy bill that is increasing even though temperatures and usage patterns remain the same, a damaged condenser fin might be to blame.
The best way to prevent damage to the condenser coil is by keeping it clear of obstructions. Overgrown plants, fences, or walls that are placed too close to the outdoor unit can restrict airflow and cause it to overheat. During routine maintenance, licensed technicians will check the area around the unit to ensure that it has sufficient clearance for optimal performance.
When the aluminum fins are damaged by hail, ice, or debris, they can lose their elasticity and become bent. This may require the use of a fin comb to straighten them out, but it’s usually not a problem that requires professional repair. However, if they’re brittle from corrosion or rust and the damage is extensive, replacing them might be necessary.
Bent coil fins can also affect the airflow through your AC system. If they are too curved to direct air into the coil, the coolant must circulate around the coil twice to reach the same temperature as the warm air entering. This can cause the system to overheat, leading to expensive repairs.
Fortunately, straightening the fins is fairly easy to do. First, you must disconnect the power to the unit and then remove the access panel. After that, you can spray the fins with a hose and clean them with a soft brush. Be sure to rinse gently with low pressure, as too much force can flatten or bend them. You can also lubricate them with a solution of water and diluted dish soap to keep them smooth and free from corrosion. However, this is a job that’s better left to an experienced technician.
Failed Blower Motor
The blower motor is one of the cardinal parts of your air conditioner that allows it to circulate cool and comfortable air throughout your home. It’s not uncommon for this part to start wearing down over time, leading to problems with your cooling system that can require ac repair.
Strange sounds from your HVAC system are often the first sign of a failing blower motor, including squealing or screeching noises. These sounds can indicate that the motor is experiencing belt or bearing issues, which can be addressed by replacing or lubricating these components.
Another common symptom of a bad blower motor is intermittent fan operation or failure to turn on altogether. This may be caused by dirt build-up, a lack of lubrication, or advanced age. In some cases, the problem can be solved by cleaning the motor or removing debris from the ductwork.
Unusual energy bills are also a sign that your AC blower motor is failing. A dirty and aging blower motor creates more systematic resistance, resulting in higher electricity usage than normal. These high electrical costs can cause other AC components to wear out prematurely, ballooning your repair bill and causing inconsistent temperatures throughout your home.
A faulty blower motor switch or resistor can also be a significant issue with your system. The blower motor switch controls the fan speed settings, but it can become disabled if any of its electrical contacts are worn out or broken. A blower motor resistor can also malfunction if it heats up due to constant operation, causing it to fail.
Finally, if you notice any burning smells from your ac unit, it could be a sign that the blower motor is overheating. This is a serious and dangerous issue that should never be ignored, as it can lead to the complete failure of the entire system. If the odor is coming from the blower motor itself, you should shut off your system immediately and contact a professional to inspect it. A professional technician can determine whether a blower replacement or a simple cleaning is the best solution for your AC system.
Failed Contactor
Your AC’s contactor is like a switch, engaging and disengaging the electrical connection with your system based on input from your thermostat. It connects and cuts power supply lines running to your air conditioning unit, so it’s essential that this component works properly. Failing to do so results in a host of performance problems, including cooling issues and higher energy bills than usual.
If you suspect your air conditioner’s contactor is failing, shut off the system at your home’s circuit breaker and disconnect all wires from the unit to prevent any accidental shocks. With the power off, visually inspect the device to see if there are any signs of damage or wear that indicate failure. Look for pitting and burns that are a result of repeated opening and closing, as well as any electrical components inside that aren’t functioning correctly. If there are any signs of overheating, such as a burnt smell and melted casing, this is another clear indication that the contactor is failing and needs replacement.
You can also use a multimeter to check the continuity of the contactor coil, which is critical for its proper operation. A multimeter can be purchased for under $20, so this is an affordable test to perform at home. Place the tip of your multimeter into the coil terminals and observe the reading on the screen, which should read between 5 and 20 volts. A reading of less than five or none at all indicates that the contactor is failing and is in need of repair.
If your contactor is still faulty after replacing or resetting the coil and ensuring that all electrical connections are secure, you may need to replace the entire device. A failed contactor is often the result of electrical arcs that occur between its latching contacts, and it’s important to ensure this problem is fixed before it leads to further electrical damage to your AC unit.