The cost of air conditioner repair depends on the size and type of the unit. The fan, compressor, evaporator coils, and condenser unit are typically located outside and can be costly to replace or fix.
Performing your own AC maintenance can help keep costs down, but anything more than changing the filter should be left to professionals. This will also protect your warranty and ensure proper operation. Contact AC Repair Sherman Oaks for professional help.
Refrigerant leaks are a very common AC problem that can lead to high repair bills. They can also cause damage to the environment and your health if they are not dealt with immediately. These leaks often occur in the copper tubes that run throughout the air conditioner, especially if they are old or have been subjected to lots of wear and tear.
Refrigerant is a very dangerous chemical that needs to be handled by certified professionals only. This is why it is important to know the signs of a refrigerant leak so that you can call in a professional as soon as possible. Some common signs of a refrigerant leak include puddles on the ground, a musty smell in your home, and a reduction in cooling efficiency.
Leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, including pipe corrosion and normal wear and tear. They can also be caused by environmental factors, such as formaldehyde or formic acid that can corrode the copper pipes and cause them to leak. Another common cause of refrigerant leaks is old age, which can lead to a loss of pressure in the system.
The first step in addressing a refrigerant leak is to turn off the system. This will prevent any further damage and give you a chance to assess the situation. You should also evacuate the area so that you do not inhale any of the chemicals.
Once the leak has been detected, a technician will use a series of tools to find the source of the leak. They may use a dye that is compatible with the type of refrigerant in your system or a nitrogen method, which involves draining the Freon and pumping the pipes with nitrogen so they bubble when soapy water is added. They can then solder the pipes together, replace O-rings around valves, or seal evaporator coils depending on the size of the leak and the location.
Thermostat Issues
The thermostat is the brain of your AC unit and it’s vital that it’s working properly. A malfunctioning thermostat can cause a variety of problems that are expensive to fix. Taking simple steps like replacing batteries and checking for a tripped breaker can help you save money on costly repairs.
Often, thermostat issues are caused by dirty sensors that don’t accurately detect temperature. This is because dust and lint can find their way inside of the thermostat’s cover. If you’re having trouble with your thermostat’s readings, try cleaning it with canned air or a soft artist brush. You can also make sure that the thermostat is sitting evenly on the wall to avoid uneven temperature readings.
A faulty thermostat can also cause the air conditioner to short cycle and run continuously, which is not only annoying but can lead to overheating in your home. It also puts a lot of stress on the compressor, which can wear out faster than it normally would.
One of the most common signs that your thermostat is failing is if its display screen isn’t lit. A faulty thermostat may not be getting enough power, which can occur if it’s located in direct sunlight or is surrounded by other heat sources. Changing the location of your thermostat can fix this problem.
Other symptoms that your thermostat isn’t functioning properly include a slow response to changes in the climate, or a non-responsive display screen. If you notice that your thermostat isn’t responding to your commands, it’s time to call in a professional. This is because a broken thermostat can affect the entire HVAC system. In fact, if the problem is severe, it can even damage the compressor.
Dirty Air Filters
Air filters are one of those out of sight, out of mind home maintenance items that most people don’t think about. But an air filter that is full of dirt and pollutants can cause a host of problems that will eventually lead to AC repair or, in the worst-case scenario, your unit will break down entirely.
Dirty Air Filters
The reason that your air conditioner’s air filter becomes so dirty is because it traps a lot of different types of pollutants in it. Dead skin cells, dust tracked in from outside and fibers from upholstered furniture and carpet all can add up to a clogged filter. Then, when your air conditioning system runs, those pollutants are circulated back through the system into your home’s ductwork and then into the living spaces.
Keeping track of your air filter’s lifecycle and changing it regularly is the best way to avoid these kinds of problems. But if you do happen to notice that your air filter is clogged, it’s important to take action immediately. You can usually test how dirty your air filter is by performing the “white sheet” test, which involves hanging a white piece of cloth about five inches away from the vent. If it turns gray in color, then the air filter is clogged and needs to be replaced.
A dirty air filter will also strain your air conditioner by forcing it to work harder to maintain your desired temperature. This will cause it to overheat, leading to excessive wear and tear on its components. And, over time, that excess wear and tear will increase the likelihood of a complete breakdown when you need your air conditioning the most.
Cooling Issues
The cooling process depends on the chemical refrigerant, which flows through the indoor and outdoor coils of your AC system, changing from liquid to gas form as it cools the air. A leak in the refrigerant can lead to a host of problems, including your system running without producing cool air. This is one of the most common AC repair issues, and it can occur due to a variety of reasons.
An overheating AC can damage the compressor or blower fan, leading to expensive air conditioning repairs. Overheating also puts a strain on moving parts and electrical components, raising your energy bills. Fortunately, this problem is easy to diagnose and fix. Look for brightly colored stains near the unit or in your home, a burning smell, and a strange sound from the AC system.
If your air conditioner isn’t turning on at all, there’s a problem with the circuit breaker or wiring. This can happen due to a power surge, capacitor failure, low refrigerant levels, and dirty filters or coils. You should turn off your AC unit before you begin troubleshooting, and a professional can help you determine the cause of the issue.
When your air conditioner is producing cool air, but it’s not circulating the air through your ducts, there’s a problem with the system’s airflow. This can be caused by a dirty air filter, an obstructed evaporator coil, or a blower fan that’s not working properly. You can solve this by replacing the filter or cleaning the evaporator coil and blower fan. However, you should be careful not to touch the condenser coil with your bare hands, as this can result in frost.
Warm Air
Many homeowners are not aware of the signs that their AC is blowing warm air. This problem can occur in a variety of ways, and can be caused by a number of different issues. Some of these issues are easy to fix, while others may require professional AC repair.
One of the most common reasons that an AC system begins to blow warm air is because it has low refrigerant levels. Refrigerant is a crucial component of the cooling cycle, and without it your air conditioner will not cool properly. A professional AC technician will be able to determine if your refrigerant level is low, and they will be able to fix the issue.
Another reason that your AC might be blowing warm air is because it is unable to properly ventilate the house. This can be due to a number of things, including dirty air filters, or blocked return vents. If you suspect that your return vents are blocked, simply open them up and remove any furniture or other items that might be blocking them. This should restore proper air flow, and your AC will start to work again.
Another possible reason that your AC might be blowing warm is because it has a clogged condensation drain. The condensation drain is what gets rid of the water that is produced by the AC unit, and if it is clogged, then the cooling process will not be able to take place properly. A professional AC technician can clean out the condensation drain and restore proper function to your system. They will also be able to check that the condensate hose is not leaking, which can lead to major problems.