A properly functioning air conditioning system cools your home and makes you more comfortable. Keeping up with maintenance tasks is one way to ensure that happens.
This includes replacing filters, lubricating fan motors, cleaning the coils and checking for refrigerant leaks. This preventative service helps catch small problems before they become bigger ones. Contact Round Rock AC Repair for professional help.
An air filter is a very important part of your home’s AC system. It’s designed to help improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants, allergens, and other debris that can be found in the air. It is important to change your air filters as often as needed. If you notice that the filter is dirty, it is likely time to replace it.
A dirty filter can impact your home’s ventilation by causing air to move through the AC more quickly, which can lead to overheating and even damage the evaporator coil. It can also impact the amount of energy that is used to cool your home. In addition, a dirty filter can also cause the fan to make a squealing noise.
In most cases, you can change your own filter with the help of a few simple tools. First, turn off the unit and unplug it. Then, locate the filter and remove it. You will need to open the filter access panel, which may require a screwdriver or wrench. Once you have removed the old filter, slide in a new one, taking care to note its position for reinstalling it. Ensure that the new filter matches your unit’s specifications, including MERV rating and size. After replacing the filter, close the panel or door securely.
Another sign that your filter needs to be replaced is excessive dust buildup. You can clean your AC filter by removing the dirt and dust from it with a vacuum cleaner. Make sure that you use a brush attachment to avoid damaging the filter frame or fibers. If you are finding that your air filter needs to be cleaned more often than it should, you should consider signing up for a service that will deliver new filters directly to your home at intervals that you choose, such as every three months.
In addition to routine maintenance and repairs, you should schedule a professional inspection of your AC system at least once per year. This will ensure that your air conditioner is in good working condition and can keep you and your family comfortable this summer.
Check the Thermostat Settings
One of the most common issues that lead homeowners to seek AC repair is a malfunctioning thermostat. It’s a frustrating problem, especially when the sweltering Texas summer heat strikes. Suddenly, the AC system fails to turn on, leading to a home that feels hot or cold and wasted energy bills. Fortunately, there are many simple fixes for thermostat problems that don’t require professional assistance.
If you notice that the thermostat is acting strangely, the first step is to consult its manual to identify any available troubleshooting and diagnostic tips. It’s also a good idea to check for any dust or debris that may be causing problems with the thermostat, which can interfere with its ability to accurately read the air temperature in your home.
Thermostat settings can affect your AC system’s performance, and they’re easy to overlook. For example, if your thermostat is set to a different temperature than the room, or if it’s set to cooling mode but the AC isn’t coming on, a simple reset could be the solution. Additionally, a power outage or tripped circuit breaker could prevent your AC system from turning on, so it’s important to double-check the status of these components.
Similarly, a display screen that’s no longer functioning can be an indicator of a more serious issue with your thermostat or HVAC system. If the thermostat can no longer show you the current temperature, for example, it’s probably time for a new battery.
Finally, if you notice unpleasant smells coming from the thermostat or AC unit itself, it’s a good idea to seek professional help. Unpleasant odors often indicate the presence of mold, which can damage your HVAC system and ductwork, and can contribute to other symptoms like low or uneven airflow.
Performing routine maintenance tasks can prevent many problems with your HVAC system, ensuring that it serves you effectively for years to come. But, if you encounter any of the above problems, it’s best to call an experienced technician for professional AC repair. They can diagnose and resolve the issue quickly, preventing long-term damage and reducing the likelihood of future AC repairs.
Check the Electrical Connections
Homeowners with a bit of electrical knowledge can perform basic troubleshooting steps to assess AC electrical wiring issues. A structured troubleshooting process can help homeowners avoid expensive and potentially dangerous professional repair services. By inspecting circuit breakers and fuses, checking thermostat functionality and testing capacitors, home owners can confirm their HVAC system is receiving adequate power to function properly.
First, make sure your AC is plugged in and switched on. It’s not uncommon for a simple connection issue to cause an air conditioner to shut off and refuse to turn back on. It’s a quick and inexpensive step to take, and it can quickly narrow down the problem to a component not getting power or a broken wire.
Next, check the breaker switch on your air conditioning unit to see if it has been tripped or flipped to the off position. If it is, flip the breaker to the on position and try turning your AC on again. If the breaker switches back to the off position or continues to trip, it’s time for a professional – this indicates there is an underlying electrical problem that only a trained electrician can fix.
Lastly, check the capacitor on your outside AC unit. This is a small electrical component that supplies the charge that the compressor and fan motors need to run, so it’s crucial to have this functioning. A failing capacitor may start using more electricity to compensate for a malfunctioning part, which can spike your energy bill until it burns out. If this is the case, you can usually tell because there will be a noticeable increase in your power bills.
You can test the capacitor with a multimeter. It’s a cheap tool for any DIYer to own, and it can help you quickly determine if your capacitor is the source of the problem (the cost of a new one is very low). You will need to open the disconnect box on your AC unit and carefully pull out the disconnect to get access to the fuses. Put the meter’s leads on the load wire lugs and look for voltage readings of 220 and 240 Volts. If you do not see a reading, the fuse is most likely blown.
Check the Condensate Drain
If your air conditioner’s drain line becomes clogged, the moisture that your system removes from the air won’t have anywhere to go. This moisture could overflow the drain pan, leak through the ceiling, or drip on electrical wires, causing damage and potentially shorting them out. This problem is easy to prevent with regular AC maintenance.
You can easily check the condition of your condensate drain line. It’s usually located outside your home, near the outdoor air handler, and connects to a small vertical vent extension called a “vent tree” inside your attic. During an AC tuneup, your HVAC technician will clean the vent tree and inspect the condensate drain line to ensure they are free of clogs. The best way to avoid clogs in the first place, though, is to have your drain line insulated.
Unplug your air conditioner before you attempt to check the drain line. This will help reduce the risk of electrical accidents while you’re working in your attic or around your outdoor air handler. If you notice water pooling around your air conditioner, this is a good indication that the drain line is clogged.
When you open the vent tree, look for a white tube that resembles a small U-shaped section with a small plug at the end. Remove the plug, then pour a cup of vinegar down the drain line to loosen and kill any mold or mildew that may be clogging it. After the vinegar, flush the line with fresh water.
Some people also use a product called the “Drain Pipe Treatment” to help control algae in the drain line. These products contain chemicals that inhibit algae growth and are typically available at most hardware stores. However, they aren’t a substitute for regular air conditioning maintenance.
If your drain line becomes completely clogged, you should call in a professional to handle it. An experienced AC technician has the tools and knowledge necessary to clear stubborn clogs. In addition, they’ll have the right equipment for the job, such as portable air compressors and tanks and wet-dry vacs. They can even make use of specialized tools from the plumbing side of the industry, such as snake tools.
