As time passes, your air conditioner slowly loses its ability to cool your home. This happens because of wear and tear.
A technician at AC Repair Woodland Hills will typically look at the thermostat and check that the breaker isn’t continually tripped. They will also check the cooling fan to make sure it’s not clogged.
Thermostats are responsible for communicating with the air conditioner or furnace to help keep your home at a comfortable temperature. But when they aren’t working properly, it can cause major problems for your home and lead to a lot of wasted energy. Thankfully, many thermostat issues are easy to diagnose and fix.
One of the most common reasons a thermostat might stop working is due to dead batteries. It is important to change your thermostat’s batteries regularly. If you do this and your unit still doesn’t work, it may be a bigger problem, and it is time to call a professional.
Another common issue is that the thermostat sensor might be broken or damaged. The sensors help the thermostat read the ambient room temperature, so if one of them isn’t working correctly, it will not be able to reach your desired temperatures. If you suspect that this is the case, you can test it by comparing its readings with a thermometer in your home. If there is a big difference, you will need to contact an HVAC professional to replace the thermostat sensor.
Your thermostat may also be getting no power at all, which is a more serious problem that requires professional AC repair. This could be caused by a blown fuse, dead batteries, or a tripped circuit breaker. If the thermostat is plugged into an outlet, you can check the plug for dirt and debris, which may be blocking the unit. You can also remove the thermostat cover and look for corroded or disconnected wires.
Loose wiring is a common problem with thermostats, especially older ones. Over time, the aluminum parts can corrode, and the wires can come loose. If you have an old thermostat, you should carefully inspect the wires and make sure they aren’t corroded or detached. It may be a good idea to use a wire stripper to reveal the new section of the wire and then reinstall it. You can also use a screwdriver to tighten the terminal screws, which will help ensure the connections are secure.
Compressor Issues
The compressor is the heart of your AC system. Its operation is vital to the system’s cooling power, and the system can’t work properly without it. So, when the compressor has issues, it can bring the entire system down. This is why it’s important to watch out for signs of compressor problems and call a professional for a checkup.
A chattering sound from the compressor or a ticking noise when it starts up indicates that there are electrical problems that need to be addressed. These may include a bad relay switch or a broken module. If you’re able to fix these before they become more serious, then you can save the compressor.
If you find that your compressor takes longer and longer to build air pressure, there could be trapped air on the pistons in the cylinder head. You may need to drain the receiver, replace the compressor oil, or clean the cylinder head and discharge tube. You may also have to replace the compressor gasket if it has worn out.
Another sign that the compressor is going out is when it makes a loud banging noise when starting up. This indicates that there are internal electrical problems and that the compressor might fail soon if you don’t fix it.
The air intake filter in the compressor can become clogged with outdoor pollutants, dirt, and debris. You can try to clean it by removing the filter and washing it with water. Alternatively, you can try to move the unit to a location that has more ventilation.
Finally, the air pressure in the compressor tank can drop if there is an air leak somewhere in the system. You can check for this by applying soap to all of the connections and observing where bubbles form. You can then tighten or replace the coupler and inspect the pressure switch for wear and tear.
You should also be vigilant about tripping breakers on the compressor circuit. This is an indication that the compressor is overheating, and it can cause a fire hazard in your home. The problem may be a simple oversight, such as an unturned switch or a dirty air filter, but it could also be a sign that it’s time for a compressor replacement.
Fan Issues
Your AC fan is responsible for blowing cool air into your home from the condenser unit outside. However, if it doesn’t spin properly, it will prevent your AC from working efficiently and will make your home uncomfortable. If this happens, you’ll want to check the obvious things first before calling an AC repair technician.
Start by listening for a humming noise from the fan motor located in your compressor unit. If you hear nothing, you’ll need to turn off the power supply to your air conditioning unit using the disconnect switch or the circuit breaker box. Then go out to the air conditioner and listen again. If you still hear no sound, it’s time to call a professional to take a closer look at the problem.
If you can’t hear the hum of your AC fan, the problem could be as simple as a clogged air filter. Having the air filter too full will restrict airflow and put strain on the motor. This is a quick and easy fix that your trusted HVAC technician can do.
Another possibility is that the fan’s starter capacitor has stopped working. The function of the start capacitor is to provide a burst of electricity to turn the fan motor in the compressor unit. If the start capacitor stops working, the fan won’t spin, and the cool air movement in your Phoenix home will stop.
A contactor is an electrical switch that controls the flow of electricity to both the condenser fan and compressor. Over time, the contacts can stick in the “up” position or even burn out. If the contactor is stuck in the “up” position, it will restrict the flow of electricity to the fan, preventing it from spinning and producing cold air.
During an AC tune-up, your trusty SuperTech AC technicians will check all of the fans and the components that run them to ensure everything is in good shape and working properly. They also do a thorough check of the condenser unit to make sure there is no debris like sticks or leaves that may get caught inside of it, which could restrict airflow. This type of AC maintenance is a great way to keep your air conditioning running at its best and avoid expensive repairs down the road.
Electrical Issues
Electricity powers many things in your home, from lights and connectivity to heating and cooling. If your air conditioner is having electrical problems, you need to call a local HVAC repair professional right away. If you have tried troubleshooting the problem and still can’t figure out what is wrong, it could be a sign of more serious electrical issues within the unit.
If your AC is constantly tripping the circuit breaker or shutting itself off, it could be a sign that your system is using too much electricity. This may be due to old capacitors that are wearing out, or it could be caused by other technical issues like low refrigerant or a damaged condenser fan.
When your air conditioning runs more, it uses up more energy, which can cause your power bill to go up. You can check to see if you are using more electricity than usual by reading your utility bills and tracking changes over time. If you see a significant increase in your electric bill, you should consider calling a professional to come take a closer look at your AC electrical usage.
Another issue that often leads to electrical repairs for your air conditioner is when the wiring becomes damaged. This is an easy repair for HVAC technicians to perform, but it can be a safety issue for homeowners to try it on their own. This is because you should never touch live wires without first turning off your air conditioner and unplugging it from its power source.
There are many other electrical issues that can happen with your air conditioner, and most of them should be left to professionals. If you ever decide to try to fix any electrical problems with your air conditioner, you should always wear gloves and eye protection to avoid potential shocks and fires. If you have any questions, it’s best to call your local HVAC technician for professional assistance. They have the training and expertise to safely perform electrical AC repairs. They can also help you determine if the issue is more serious than an electrical one, and they can make sure your home is safe and comfortable.