15 Most Common Air Conditioning Repairs. It can help you to make a better decision if you understand some HVAC basics.
15. Strange Smells If the air coming from your HVAC System smells odd, then it’s likely a sign of an issue. Mold & mildew can create musty smells in your system, or an electrical issue can cause a burning or chemical-like odor.
14. Uneven Cooling Uneven cooling is when some rooms are chilly while others are warmer. Your system air may be unbalanced, and a simple damper adjustment may solve the problem. Another cause can be low or leaking refrigerant. A mis-matched system can also cause uneven cooling to happen.
13. Ducts HVAC Ductwork, located in an attic, under the floors or in a furdown, is often constructed from insulated metal or flexible plastic tubing. Ducts can become leaky over time and insulation can become damaged. Leaky or damaged ductwork should be professionally replaced, or re-sealed & re-insulated.
12. Fan Motor Inside of your system’s air handler is where the blower motor is located. When a fan motor breaks down, the system can no longer force air through your system and ductwork.
11. Contactors Contactors are switches which make an electrical connection that starts HVAC motors and compressors. Contactors can become worn or corroded over time, and it becomes difficult for electric current to start the motors.
10. Fuses Electrical Fuses are important, because they prevent damage & fires due to overloads. Whenever a fuse is damaged, it can prevent proper electrical flow to your AC & Heating Systems. Fuses most often fail due to either a powerful electrical surge (lightning), or normal wear and tear (exposure to elements, age).
9. Air Filter A dirty HVAC filter can restrict the flow of air within an HVAC System. Dirty HVAC filters may not seem like much, however, the restriction of airflow causes several problems. Less cool air is produced by a system with clogged air filters. Having clogged filters, over time causes the system to work harder to cool the air & increases wear and tear. In many cases, dirty filtration will cause ice to form on the refrigerant lines & coils of AC & Heat Pump systems.
8. Thermostat Having the correct thermostat will provide the ideal amount of airflow to achieve a desirable temperature & humidity level. When a thermostat is faulty, the home or building remains uncomfortable. Upgrading to modern programmable or Smart Thermostats can help increase comfort & efficiency. Especially when paired with a High Efficiency System rated 18 SEER or higher.
7. Defrost Control A properly functioning defrost control prevents frost build up on an air conditioner unit. Ice can form, especially in extremely hot climates, if this device does not function properly.
6. Condensation Drain Condensation is moisture formed by a decrease in humidity. When cool air meets warm air, condensation happens. Inside of your HVAC system’s air handler, located in an attic or closet, is the primary location where condensation is formed. Condensation generally drips into a collection pan and then drains out through pipes. Condensation drain lines can become clogged by debris or algae, and will cause water leakage. In addition, an emergency “float switch” may be installed. Float Switches are designed to totally disable an AC System with a condensation drain issue, protecting from interior water damage.
5. Condenser Fan A condenser fan is located in an exterior condensing unit or heat pump. An activated condenser fan draws air into the unit and moves air past the condenser coils. Since this fan is exposed to the elements, it is a common fail-point in HVAC Systems. Once the condenser fan starts to fail, it should be quickly replaced, in order to protect the compressor.
4. Compressor The compressor, located in the outdoor unit, is one of the most important parts of an HVAC System. The compressor is essentially a pump, that moves the refrigerant through the rest system, using pressure. Compressor failure is often caused by mechanical wear & tear, exposure to the elements or failure of other HVAC components.
3. Coil Cleaning Condenser & Evaporator Coils require cleaning as part of preventive maintenance. Dirt collects on HVAC Coils from dust & pollutants in the air. This dirt buildup on coils causes corrosion, which results in leaking refrigerant. When refrigerant begins leaking from an HVAC System, most often it is time to replace parts or all of the system.
2. Capacitors Capacitors help various motors in your air conditioner system to start and run. A faulty capacitor can cause these motors to run hot and/or completely fail.
1. Refrigerant Leaks Refrigerant (freon) is the life-blood of an HVAC System, and pressurization of refrigerant is what produces the cool air in your system. Refrigerant Leaks can be caused by damage or normal wear and tear. In many cases, refrigerant leaks can be repaired. However, it can be wiser to replace the entire system, rather than paying for failure after failure in an aging HVAC System.
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