Air conditioning units need regular maintenance to function properly. Repairing a malfunctioning AC unit can be costly. There are several factors that influence the total cost of a repair.
First, homeowners should try to troubleshoot at home before contacting a professional. Some AC Repair issues can be easily resolved with at-home solutions, such as changing or cleaning the air filter.
Air filters are one of those out-of-sight, out-of-mind home maintenance tasks that you may not give much thought to unless something goes wrong. But changing an air filter regularly can improve indoor air quality, extend the life of your AC unit, and prevent unnecessary strain on your system.
Essentially, an air filter is designed to trap dust, debris, and other contaminants before they can reach the inside of your HVAC system. This is important because contaminants like mold spores and dust can cause a number of problems that affect both the efficiency and lifespan of your equipment.
Dirty filters can also reduce indoor air quality, which isn’t good for anyone’s health. Worse air quality can exacerbate respiratory issues and even trigger asthma attacks. And a dirty filter will force your system to work harder to cool the building, which will increase energy usage and eventually raise your utility bills.
Depending on the filter type and your living situation, you should clean or replace your air filter once every three to six months. When replacing the filter, make sure you place it correctly. Carefully insert the new filter into its housing, ensuring that it is facing in the direction of airflow as indicated by an arrow printed on the filter. It’s also a good idea to consider upgrading the filter type, as there are options on the market that can work more effectively than your standard model.
Ultimately, a dirty air filter is one of the most common causes of AC failure. Not only does it cause the system to work harder than it should, but it can exacerbate minor mechanical issues and cause the system to break down entirely. In some cases, this can even lead to low refrigerant levels, which will require a professional AC repair or replacement. So be sure to check and change your air filter at least once a month, and don’t forget to invest in a high-efficiency model if possible. This will save you money and prevent unnecessary stress on your AC unit.
Condenser Coil
The condenser coil is an essential component of the air conditioning process. It is located in the outside unit and is responsible for releasing heat absorbed by refrigerant during its cycle of cooling your home. The coil releases the heat by converting it back to its liquid form and releasing it outdoors. This allows the refrigerant to complete its cycle of cooling your home.
A dirty condenser coil can reduce the efficiency of your AC system by up to 30 percent. As a result, it can cause your energy bills to spike and can lead to a premature breakdown of the AC system. Regularly cleaning your air conditioner coils can prevent this from happening and will help your system to operate at its best.
If you’re looking to do a DIY AC coil cleaning, turn off the power to the unit and remove any debris from the surrounding area. Then, spray a non-toxic AC cleaner onto the coil surface and scrub it using a soft-bristled brush. After scrubbing, rinse the coil with clean water. If you notice any signs of heavy dirt buildup, call an HVAC professional. A professional has the right tools and equipment to thoroughly clean your coil without damaging it in the process.
Another way to prevent a dirty condenser coil is to make sure the unit has adequate clearance. Maintain a distance of at least 2-3 feet from bushes, shrubs, vines, or any other plants that may interfere with airflow around the coil. This will help to prevent plant debris, stray baseballs, or soccer balls from blocking the fins and restricting airflow.
Finally, be sure to schedule regular AC maintenance to clean the coil and ensure that it drains correctly. A professional will have the knowledge and equipment to perform a thorough cleaning, including flushing the system’s refrigerant. This will help to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the system.
Blower
The blower motor is responsible for pushing heated or cooled air through your dashboard vents based on the settings you choose on your climate system. It is a mechanical and electrical device, meaning it is prone to all sorts of faults that can impact cabin comfort. If you notice any signs that your blower motor is going bad, it’s a good idea to have professional HVAC service come out to assess the situation.
Strange noises, like squealing or screeching sounds coming from your blower fan may indicate problems with the motor belt or bearings that can be easily addressed by a service team. On the other hand, a burning smell is likely indicative of an overheating motor, a problem that needs immediate attention to prevent further damage and inefficiency. A blower fan that works harder than it should due to a motor issue will consume more energy and will increase your utility bills.
If the blower motor fails, your entire climate system will stop working. If this is the case, turn off your system and look for any fuses in your electrical panel to make sure they have not been tripped. Then, check that the power switch for the blower motor is on and that it is receiving the right voltage. If it still does not start, it is time to call in a professional HVAC technician to replace the blower motor.
In many cases, the blower motor is not completely dead, but only requires replacement parts to work properly. For example, if the blower motor resistor or fan are not functioning correctly, the blower motor will not be able to respond to a demand for more or less air. This can lead to overheating and premature failure of the unit. Fortunately, replacing these parts is relatively simple for a professional technician to do and can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in potential repair costs and energy expenses. In addition, if your system is under warranty coverage, you’ll only pay for the cost of labor to install the new blower motor.
Control Board
The control board is an integral part of the air conditioning system, ensuring that all components function together seamlessly and efficiently. It sends signals to the other components in the system, regulating indoor temperatures and directing the operation of the compressor unit. If the control board is faulty, it can lead to inconsistent cooling or even overheating. It can also cause erratic behavior such as sudden power surges or shut-downs. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to identify and address problems with the circuit board before they become more serious.
First and foremost, make sure to turn off all power sources at the main breaker box before you begin working. This will prevent any accidental electrical shocks or injuries. It’s also important to have adequate lighting and a clean workspace to avoid introducing any dust or debris into the system. If possible, use a multimeter to test each of the connections on the PCB for proper voltage levels. Also, be sure to check capacitors for swelling or leaks; these are common signs of faulty wiring. If the connections on the PCB look dark or discolored, they may need reflow soldering.
A faulty control board can also interfere with the fan speed setting on the evaporator and condenser fans, causing them to run at inefficient speeds or even stop running altogether. This is because the control board has been sending out inconsistent PWM signals to these fans. This can be resolved by removing the faulty power resistors from the circuit board and replacing them with new ones.
As an added bonus, repairing the circuit board is usually much cheaper than replacing the entire AC. Moreover, it also helps reduce electronic waste and promotes more sustainable energy management. Therefore, opting for repair is a smart choice if your HVAC system is relatively new and the problem is minor. If you’re debating between repair and replacement, understanding when repair is the best option can help you make a more informed decision.
