Your air conditioner may be unable to run at all or perhaps even stop working altogether. There are several reasons why this may happen, and we’ll discuss each of these in detail.
Refrigerant leaks
Refrigerant is an important component of your air conditioning system, so it’s important to know how to recognise and prevent refrigerant leaks. When refrigerant leaks happen, the capacity of your system to cool your home will be significantly reduced, and this can result in a number of unpleasant consequences. Click here for more information from the EPA about refrigerant leaks.
Leaks can occur in a variety of areas, including metal components, such as the copper tube walls inside the indoor coil. When these metal components are corroded, refrigerant can seep out through the weakened connections.
A small puncture hole in the refrigerant line or a crack in the coils are all potential causes of refrigerant leaks. While they’re relatively inexpensive to fix, they can lead to costly repairs and even require an entire new air conditioning unit. Fortunately, these issues can be detected early enough to prevent expensive remedies or even replacement. Getting in touch with a professional in these areas is a smart move.
Leaks in the condensate drain line are a common problem in air conditioning systems. These leaks can make your unit less efficient, increase your energy bill and cause your unit to short cycle. As you can see, refrigerant leaks are frustrating and expensive, and they should be addressed as soon as possible.
Most leaks can be resolved with a simple valve repair or replacing a fitting. However, if the leak is extensive or requires a system replacement, you’ll need to contact an expert in air conditioning repair. Click the link: https://www.airconditioningone.com/ for more information. It may take several hours for the repair technician to identify the leak and replace the valve.
Leaks in the unit can be detected by the appearance of ice on the evaporator coil. Other signs include unusual sounds or a low level of refrigerant. In severe cases, the leak may lead to a frozen evaporator coil or total system failure.
Condenser
Before tackling any condenser repair project, be sure to thoroughly inspect the cooling system. This part can reduce the efficiency of the system. If you notice that the insulation is damaged, you should replace it with new pieces. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for installation.
The condenser has two parts: a fan and a compressor. The latter is what transfers the heat from the outside to the interior. When one component of the AC system is faulty, the whole unit is compromised.
The most common cause of failure is a leak in the condenser’s tubes or seals. After prolonged use, the condenser’s tubes and seals become brittle and prone to puncture. Impact is another cause for failure of condenser parts. Most of the time, these parts fail due to normal wear & tear.
A faulty condenser can result in a leaking air conditioner or a damaged fan. In the worst case scenario, your air conditioner may need to be replaced. The deteriorated motor may fail or the coils may be damaged. In addition to damage, the run capacitor, which powers the fan motors, can malfunction or fail completely. If you experience any of these issues, make sure you contact a professional as soon as possible.
Compressor
Another key to proper AC maintenance is cleaning the coils. Dirty coils reduce heat transfer and force the compressor to work harder which can lead to lower efficiency and mechanical failure. Clean your coils by following the directions on the container.
Apply coil cleaner and allow it to remain for the time recommended in the instructions. Then, rinse it off. If the coils are still dirty, contact a professional who specialises in AC maintenance.
Outdoor air, pollutants and dirt can clog the condenser coils, making it difficult for the compressor to perform at its optimal level. Moreover, the air will dispel the refrigerant from the condenser, causing it to overheat. Overheating will eventually lead to a malfunctioning compressor. Likewise, a poorly-tuned compressor will only lead to costly repairs, service interruptions and replacement.