15 Most Common Air Conditioning Repairs

most common ac repairs15 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.

We’re ready to fix your HVAC System for you! Call 318-525-7923 or contact us today to schedule a repair.

Repair or Replace: Does it Make Sense to Replace My A/C Unit?

Repair or Replace: Does it Make Sense to Replace My A/C Unit?

Air Conditioner Service Shreveport

Air Conditioner is something that many, living in Shreveport, Louisiana, take for granted. However, if/when yours breaks, you will quickly realize how essential having a well maintained AC really is. The heat and humidity that we see in North Louisiana is especially high in late spring and during our long summers. If you have a broken AC, then you’ve come to the right place. Our experts can quickly assess a residential or commercial HVAC system using the following basic steps.

We can’t turn you into a qualified AC Tech, but this guide is written to help Shreveport, Bossier to make informed decisions about AC Repair. Air conditioners have many moving parts, have high voltage electricity and pressurized refrigerant that require knowledge and training. Once you know you’ve got a broken air conditioner, you can contact an Air Care professional to get it back up and running again. But first, you’ll have to ask yourself, is your air conditioner broken?

HVAC Leaking Problems

A common issue facing Shreveport HVAC systems is water leaking from the AC unit. Water leaks can lead to other problems, and should be dealt with as soon as possible. If you find that water is leaking from your central AC unit, you should call Air Care as soon as possible. Most water leaks aren’t major, but a leaking AC can lead to mold growth, wall damage, ceiling damage and insulation damage. A refrigerant leak is a more serious problem. It may be as simple the drain line being too loose. Unsealed ductwork or a condenser unit that isn’t functioning may also be to blame.

AC System Not Cooling

An air conditioning unit that’s no longer cooling is pretty much worthless during a Louisiana summer. If your air conditioning unit is still running but the air that is blowing out of the vents isn’t cool, then there is a need for expert help. Several different problems may be causing this issue. It could be a failed compressor, refrigerant (freon) could be leaking from corroded AC coils, or your thermostat may be out of calibration.

A “no-cool” is not always a disaster and may only need a simple ac repair, costing less than you’re expecting.

HVAC Making Loud Noises

A properly functioning air conditioner shouldn’t make loud noises since AC systems are designed to operate very quietly. If you hear clunking, squealing, grinding, whirring, or other sounds your AC doesn’t usually make, there’s some sort of problem. Loud noises are a sure sign of a broken air conditioner. Make sure you get your AC checked out if it doesn’t sound right. A belt may have slipped, or a part may need lubrication. Noises may indicate a minor AC issue, but you should not wait to call us. Running your AC Unit that makes loud noises can cause other parts to break down as the noises indicate a strain on the mechanics and components of your HVAC system.

Broken AC Thermostat

If your thermostat isn’t working, your AC may not be working. There’s always a chance that the issue is only with the thermostat itself, though, so it pays to investigate the problem further. Before assuming that the AC isn’t working, ensure the thermostat is working properly. If it is, you may have a problem with the AC. Your AC and thermostat should control the temperature of your home. If you’re experiencing temperature issues in your home, you may have a broken AC unit. If your thermostat is working fine, you may have one of the other issues listed in this article.

Higher Than Normal Electric Bills Caused by AC Running Too Long

If your energy bills seem to be through the roof, that may be a sign that your AC is using more power by being on longer. However, your bill may be high due to warmer weather or other changes. If you suspect that your AC could be the culprit, then give us a call to inspect your HVAC system. An air conditioner that isn’t functioning the way that it should can cause your monthly energy cost to rise. Letting issues linger means your AC has to work harder, which leads to more wear and tear and higher repair costs anyway. To keep energy bills as low as possible, perform proper maintenance must be performed on your AC unit. Maintenance can be done at any time, of course, but we recommend that you have your HVAC system inspected, cleaned and tuned each spring. Check out our Maintenance Agreement for more information on what we offer. During our maintenance visits, we inspect the unit and all electrical contacts, tune it and clean it. The technician will alert you to all of his/her assessments.

Strange Smells Coming from AC or Heater

Air Condition VentYou may have noticed strange smells throughout your house. If so, they may be coming from your AC system. Strong smells, like burning rubber, may mean you have a wiring problem. If the air smells musty, there may be mold in the system. You should look into both of these issues immediately. Mold can lead to health problems and wiring issues may result in a fire.

High Humidity

As part of the way it functions, your AC unit reduces humidity (moisture) in the air while it circulates through your home or business. With a normally operating AC System, you shouldn’t see condensation or other signs of moisture in your home. Condensation, like water collecting on glass and windows, signs of mold, or cold/clammy feeling air are all signs of high humidity.

Now that you know some of the warning signs of a broken AC System, is your air conditioner broken? We’d love to fix it for you! Contact us today to schedule a repair.