Performing regular AC maintenance can prevent common problems, keeping your home cool and comfortable. There are a few easy, DIY fixes that you can do to avoid calling for professional AC Repair Round Rock.
First, make sure your thermostat is set to “Cool.” Then check the batteries. If they are dead, they need to be replaced.
The thermostat is the brain of your heating and cooling system, letting you control your indoor environment. When something goes wrong at the thermostat, it could affect your indoor comfort levels and lead to energy bills that are much higher than they should be. A broken thermostat can be caused by a number of different issues, but most can be fixed with some simple troubleshooting. The first step is to check the breaker box and make sure that no circuits have been tripped. After that, you can look at the thermostat itself to see if it is functioning properly. Some common signs of a broken thermostat include:
Thermostats are often battery-operated, so the most obvious sign that one is dead is that the display is blank. Changing the batteries is a simple task that you can do yourself and it should solve most problems with your thermostat. You can also clean the device to get rid of dust, nicotine, and other debris that may be affecting its performance. If you have a line-voltage thermostat, it is important to remove the cover and make sure that all wires are firmly connected to their terminals.
Another problem that you should look at is whether the temperature displayed on the thermostat does not match the temperature in your home. This could be caused by a number of things, including a lack of insulation, a poor location of the thermostat, and other issues. If you notice this issue, contact a professional to diagnose the problem.
Finally, if the thermostat is constantly running, it is probably because the fan setting is set to “auto.” This setting will cause the blower to run continuously and waste energy. If you want to save money on your energy bill, you should set this setting to “on” instead of auto.
If the above tips do not help you fix your thermostat, it may be time to call an HVAC technician. However, before you do this, it’s always a good idea to try some troubleshooting first. This can help you avoid expensive repairs in the future and keep your home comfortable.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Air conditioners cool homes by absorbing heat from the air and then returning it to the environment through the return vents. The evaporator coil in your system is the component responsible for this process. Like the other parts in your cooling system, the evaporator coil can freeze for any number of reasons. Frozen coils may be due to poor airflow, low refrigerant levels, or other problems that require professional attention from a licensed HVAC technician.
If the evaporator coil in your air conditioning system becomes frozen, you should first turn off the system completely. This will prevent damage to the system during any troubleshooting or inspections. Once the system is turned off, wait for a few hours for the coil to thaw naturally.
Frozen coils are a common problem that can lead to cooling problems for Tulsa homeowners. The good news is that they can often be unfrozen with a little bit of effort and a few household items.
Check The Blower Fan:
During an AC maintenance service, an HVAC professional can clean the blower fan and motor to ensure that adequate airflow is provided. This can help to prevent a buildup of dust and debris that restricts the flow of air over the evaporator coil and leads to freezing.
Inspect the Return Vents:
It’s possible that your AC’s evaporator coil becomes frozen because of poor airflow, such as when a return vent is blocked by furniture or another item in the home. A qualified HVAC technician can help to clear the return vents to allow proper airflow and keep the evaporator coil from freezing.
Check for Faulty Thermostats:
The thermostat in your cooling system is responsible for directing the refrigerant through the evaporator coil to absorb heat and change it to a cool temperature. If the thermostat is malfunctioning, it may not send the correct signals to the evaporator coil, which can cause the coil to freeze.
Low Refrigerant Levels:
Dirty Air Filter
Your air filter is a key component to maintaining your AC system’s optimal performance. It catches dust, dirt, pollen, and other airborne contaminants and prevents them from circulating throughout your home and causing problems like poor indoor air quality or even an AC breakdown. However, just like any other component in your cooling unit, an air filter will eventually clog, and it’s important to replace it regularly.
Clogged filters restrict airflow, which can cause your air conditioner to overheat. The excessive strain caused by restricted airflow can damage internal components and lead to costly repairs or even a full system breakdown. If you notice your energy bills skyrocketing without a reason, this could be a sign that your air filter is dirty.
An air filter can be as simple as a disposable plastic mesh that collects debris. Some homeowners choose to clean their filters by tapping them gently on a solid surface or blowing off the loose particles. However, this is a temporary solution and it’s best to use a vacuum cleaner or compressed air to get the job done right.
Alternatively, you can remove the filter and soak it in warm water or wash it using a mild detergent. Be sure to rinse it completely and dry thoroughly before reinstalling the filter. If you’re unsure of how to clean your filter, contact an HVAC professional for help.
You can also notice a difference in your allergy symptoms with a new, clean filter. Clogged filters won’t catch all the pollutants and allergens that circulate in your home, so you’ll see a dramatic decrease in your sneezing and itchy eyes.
It’s important to check and change your air filter regularly, especially during the winter season. It’s also a good idea to call in an HVAC professional for routine maintenance and inspections. During these services, your technician can inspect the air filter and other parts of your system for problems like refrigerant leaks and faulty internal components. By identifying and addressing these issues, your technician can ensure that your cooling system is ready to keep you cool all summer long.
Clogged Condensate Drain
A clogged drain line prevents the water your air conditioner wrings from the air from being drained away properly. Moisture trapped in the tubing will eventually overflow the drain pan, and this can damage the unit and cause serious water damage in your home.
In most cases, you can clear the clog by first shutting down your air conditioning. Find the breaker that controls your AC unit and switch it to “off.” Next, you’ll need to locate the clogged drain line. This is a PVC pipe that connects your indoor air conditioning unit to the drainage pan. It’s usually located in the basement, garage or near the outdoor unit of your house. Before you begin, put on some rubber gloves and remove any standing water from the drainage pan.
Use a long thin object like a pipe cleaner or wire hanger to try and dislodge the clog. If this doesn’t work, you can try using a wet/dry vacuum to suck out the debris.
If you’re still unable to clear the clog, your best bet is to contact a professional AC repair technician. An experienced pro will have all the tools and know-how to get your drain line unclogged and working properly again.
A clogged drain line can also make your home feel warmer and muggy because the air conditioner won’t be able to channel humidity away from the house. If you see puddles of water around the indoor air conditioning unit or outside near it, or if you notice a musty smell, this is another sign that the drainage system isn’t working properly.
A regular cleaning of your AC drain line can help prevent a clog from occurring. Pouring a cup of vinegar into the drain line can kill any mold, mildew and algae growth that could be causing the clog, and this simple maintenance should be repeated monthly to keep your drain lines clean. Performing other regular maintenance like changing your air filters and scheduling routine professional maintenance can also help to prevent clogs from forming in the first place. A technician will be able to clean your drain line and perform other vital AC checks that can help prevent problems in the future.
