AC Repair Round Rock involves more than just restoring an air conditioner. It’s about safeguarding the health of a home or office’s occupants by ensuring that their indoor environment is clean and free from allergens.
Technicians use tools and techniques to inspect a cooling system for issues such as refrigerant leaks, clogged sensors, and restricted airflow. During maintenance visits, technicians also lubricate moving parts to minimize friction.
Refrigerant is a vital part of your air conditioning system, helping to absorb heat and release it outside. When the refrigerant levels are low, it can take longer to cool your home and may lead to ice formation on the evaporator coil. It is important to catch leaks early on to avoid expensive AC replacement. A professional inspection can detect and confirm a refrigerant leak, allowing accurate repairs to be made.
A common sign of a refrigerant leak is a hissing sound, caused by the refrigerant escaping through cracks or holes in the evaporator coil line sets or condensate lines. In some cases, a technician may also notice ice forming on the evaporator coil, which is another indication that the refrigerant levels are low.
If left unchecked, a refrigerant leak can quickly become serious enough to damage the compressor or other components of your AC unit. In addition, a loss of refrigerant will cause the system to operate less efficiently and can result in higher energy bills.
A professional technician can perform a complete visual inspection to locate the source of the leak and determine the best course of action. This includes inspecting the service valves and caps, compressor seal, access fittings, and any other area where a rubber line is crimped to a metal line. The location and type of the leak will determine whether it is repairable or if your air conditioner needs to be replaced.
Air conditioners that are leaking refrigerant often require a full replacement of the compressor and other major components. This can be costly, especially if you have an older AC unit with a limited life expectancy. It is best to invest in a preventive maintenance plan, which will help to catch issues like this before they can turn into a problem that requires the cost of an AC replacement.
Refrigerants are a toxic substance, and if improperly handled can be dangerous for your health or the environment. It is best to let a professional handle refrigerant leaks and recharges to ensure your safety and compliance with local laws.
Thermostat Issues
The thermostat is the key component that tells your AC system what to do, and when. Thermostat issues can affect the overall operation of your HVAC system and impact indoor temperature control. These problems can result in inconsistent cooling, discomfort, and increased energy costs. By understanding the common thermostat problems that can occur, you can take proactive measures to maintain a comfortable home environment and keep your HVAC system running efficiently.
Thermostat Not Turning On
If your thermostat fails to start, it can indicate a problem with the power supply. This could be caused by a dead battery, tripped circuit breakers, or damaged wiring connections. If the problem is not resolved quickly, you may experience a complete failure of your thermostat and require replacement.
Incorrect Temperature Readings
If the thermostat is not calibrated properly or is located near heat sources, it can often fail to accurately read your home’s internal temperatures. This problem can be resolved by recalibrating the thermostat using the manufacturer’s instructions.
Frequent Cycling
If you notice that your air conditioner is constantly cycling on and off, it can indicate a problem with your thermostat. This can be caused by an incorrect setpoint, a faulty sensor, or improper thermostat placement. Incorrect sensor placement can lead to overcooling or undercooling, and can also exacerbate humidity and air quality issues in the home.
Incorrect Thermostat Display
If your thermostat is displaying an inaccurate temperature, you may need to replace the batteries or reset the unit. This can be a simple fix, and will usually resolve the issue. However, if the problem persists, you should contact an HVAC professional for repair or replacement services.
Thermostat issues are not uncommon in homes that don’t receive routine maintenance, but ignoring them can cause lasting damage to your HVAC system. A professional HVAC technician can inspect the thermostat, its sensors, and its wiring to ensure that it is functioning correctly. They can also conduct a tune-up service to help prolong the life of your system and reduce the need for AC repairs in the future. AHWA can conduct an assessment of your current thermostat to determine if it is working well, or if you’re considering upgrading to a newer, smart thermostat with programmable features you can operate from your phone.
Dirty Air Filters
A dirty air filter can strain your system to the point that it exacerbates minor mechanical issues or causes faster wear and tear on components. Over time, the extra stress on your system leads to early breakdown and expensive repair bills. Keeping on top of your air filter replacement schedule is the best way to prevent this from happening.
You can tell your air filter is dirty when it has a gray color that correlates with the amount of dust and other debris it has collected. The easiest way to check if your air filter is dirty is to gently remove it from the AC unit and examine it for a coating of dust or dirt.
Once the filter becomes completely clogged, it no longer filters out contaminants. This means that dander, germs, cleaning chemicals and other pollutants are all being recirculated into your home. These particles can trigger allergies, asthma and other respiratory problems in people who are sensitive to them.
Dirty filters also restrict airflow, making it harder for the HVAC system to distribute cool air throughout your house or office. This can lead to hot and cold spots and uncomfortable temperatures in different areas. A clogged filter can also cause the HVAC system to short cycle, which means it turns on and off repeatedly instead of keeping your home or business at a comfortable temperature.
Over time, a severely clogged filter can cause the evaporator coil to freeze. This can lead to costly repair bills if the problem isn’t addressed as quickly as possible.
Changing the air filter is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to improve your HVAC system’s performance and extend its lifespan. However, many homeowners forget to change their air filters regularly and end up with expensive repair bills that could have been avoided by keeping on top of this simple maintenance task.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Picture your air conditioning system like a classic Southern jam session. Just like the musicians in a jazz combo, each component needs to play its role. However, a missed solo can cause the whole ensemble to fall out of tune. Likewise, when the refrigerant levels aren’t optimal, the compressor has to work overtime to make up the difference. This extra strain can lead to overheating and eventual failure. Replacing the compressor is one of the most costly AC repairs, so it’s important to pay attention to the warning signs of low refrigerant and act quickly.
If you’re seeing any of the warning signs of low refrigerant, it’s time to call an expert. They’ll check your system for a leak and repair it before the situation worsens. In addition to lowering your cooling bills, a professional AC technician can help you avoid expensive AC replacement down the road.
The main reason for low refrigerant is that your air conditioner has a leak. Leaks are not repaired by simply adding more refrigerant. This will only cause the refrigerant to escape again, causing the same problems over and over. A technician should always find and fix the leak before recharging your system with more refrigerant.
Aside from a visible leak, you might also hear hissing noises or notice ice building up on the refrigerant lines. Hissing sounds are caused by the refrigerant changing from liquid to gas, which is a sign of a refrigerant leak. If you see ice building up on the refrigerant line, it’s a surefire sign that your AC is low on refrigerant.
In either case, these symptoms are a clear sign that your air conditioning system is in need of repair. Calling a trusted professional air conditioning technician can save you money, stress and discomfort in the long run. Regular maintenance and quick leak detection can ensure that your air conditioning system stays in top shape, keeping you cool for years to come.
