How Preventative Maintenance Can Save You Money on Air Conditioning Repair
The best way to avoid expensive Air Conditioning Repair Sherman Oaks are through preventative maintenance. During routine service appointments, an AC technician identifies potential issues and recommends repairs or replacement parts.
First, homeowners should check their thermostats. Make sure it is set to “cool.” Low coolant levels can indicate a refrigerant leak. A technician can recharge or replace the system’s coolant.
When your air conditioner has dirty evaporator coils, it can spell trouble for the entire system. The evaporator coil (inside the unit) is what cools the air in your home, transferring heat from your home’s air to refrigerant. It’s similar to how an automobile radiator works. However, your evaporator coil can get dirty from dust and debris, so it’s important to clean it regularly.
The evaporator coil is located inside the air conditioning unit, usually near the blower fan. It’s often difficult to access, which is why most homeowners don’t do the job themselves. A professional can help you locate the evaporator coil and then remove any panels or screws necessary to expose it. Once the coil is exposed, the technician can use a soft brush to gently scrub away any dirt or mold that has accumulated. They will also inspect and clean the evaporator coil to ensure it is free of any obstructions.
Dirty evaporator coils make your AC unit work harder to produce cool air. This extra strain is reflected in your energy bills. Additionally, if you don’t have clean evaporator coils, your air conditioner’s overall energy efficiency rating will suffer. This can negatively impact your home’s value, and it may also prevent you from receiving any tax reductions or other benefits associated with a high energy efficiency rating.
Another sign of a dirty evaporator coil is frost or ice buildup on the coil during operation. This occurs when the dirt and dust on the coil prevent it from absorbing heat, which causes the refrigerant to become too cold. As a result, water vapor condenses on the coil. If left unchecked, this can cause the evaporator coil to freeze, which can lead to serious damage to your air conditioning system.
Cleaning your evaporator coil can improve your AC’s performance and comfort level, so don’t neglect it! Keep up with routine maintenance, including changing your air filter and having the evaporator coil cleaned twice a year. These preventative measures can save you from expensive repairs in the future and can also help your home stay healthier, which is a win for everyone.
Dirty Compressor Coils
The condenser coil is located outside the air conditioner unit and has a significant impact on your system’s daily operation. Dirty coils force your AC to work harder than normal, which increases the strain on other parts of your system. The increased stress can lead to expensive repair bills in the future.
A dirty condenser coil can also reduce your energy efficiency rating. This can lower your home’s value and affect your tax credits and rebates. A high energy efficiency rating also helps keep your monthly utility bills low.
As with evaporator coils, the compressor coil must be cleaned regularly to prevent them from becoming clogged with dirt, dust and debris. Your local Carrier(r) HVAC dealer knows exactly how to clean the compressor coils properly to maintain your air conditioning system’s performance and longevity.
While you may be able to remove some of the dirt from your compressor coils with a garden hose and non-acid cleaner, you will need a professional service technician to thoroughly clean them. The service technician will also determine the best method for cleaning the coils based on their location, condition and size. This process may include removing the outer casing and top of your air conditioning unit and possibly straightening bent fins with a special tool.
The main job of the compressor coils is to remove heat from your home and replace it with cool air. This happens when the refrigerant passes from your home to the compressor coils and then back again to your home. If the coils are too dirty or blocked, the refrigerant cannot move through them properly and your air conditioner will not be able to cool your home effectively. Other signs of a dirty compressor coil include high electricity bills and the smell of warm air coming from your registers. It is important to call your local Carrier(r) HVAC dealer if you notice any of these signs. A professional will be able to quickly and efficiently diagnose the issue and recommend the proper solution. Your local dealer can also schedule an appointment for you with one of their skilled technicians to clean your AC coils and ensure that your home is cool and comfortable.
Low Coolant Levels
Coolant is one of the most vital parts of your car’s cooling system, and it plays a major role in keeping the engine at its optimal temperature. However, it’s not uncommon for your vehicle to start running low on coolant. Whether you’re driving in the summer or winter, it’s important to check your coolant levels on a regular basis.
If the coolant level is low, you should pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible. Once the engine is off, you can open the coolant tank and inspect the fluid level. The tank should be marked with a maximum and minimum coolant line, as well as a coolant sensor that will illuminate the warning light when the coolant level gets low. It’s important to note that you should never inspect the coolant tank or open the radiator cap when the engine is hot. This could lead to being scalded by the escaping coolant.
One of the most common causes of a low coolant level is a leak in the cooling system. The radiator, water pump and hoses are all susceptible to developing leaks. These leaks can be caused by physical damage, corrosion or worn-out seals and gaskets.
The good news is that external coolant leaks are generally easy to detect. They’re often visible on the ground under the vehicle, and can also be spotted when you look underneath your engine.
Whenever you notice a leak, it’s best to take your car to a professional garage immediately. Leaving your vehicle to run low on coolant for too long can cause serious damage, including the need for expensive engine repairs.
Fortunately, the service team at Tyson Motor Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram is here to help with all of your automotive needs. From routine maintenance to serious engine repair, we have you covered on Joliet and Shorewood’s roads. Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment with our team! We look forward to hearing from you.
Warm Air
A warm breeze coming out of your air conditioner vents can be a nightmare. It usually means that there is a problem with the refrigerant, and it won’t be cooling your home anymore. Thankfully, this doesn’t always mean that your AC is completely broken. It is common for parts of your system to experience problems in extreme temperatures, but they can still be repaired. The most common parts that can get damaged in high heat are the capacitors, which transfer voltage to the motors. They can start to fail in excessively high heat and cause clicking sounds as they shut down. In this case, you should call for repairs as soon as you notice any of these signs.
If you have the air conditioning repair company out to fix this issue, they will check your capacitors and replace them if needed. This will restore the cooling cycle and your vents will be blowing cold air again.
Another reason your AC may be blowing warm air is because the thermostat is set to ON instead of AUTO. This can cause the fan to run constantly, even when the system is not cooling. If this is the case, your thermostat will need to be changed so that it runs only during cooling cycles.
Your ductwork may be dirty or leaky. Air ducts need to be cleaned every one to five years depending on the number of people and pets in your home. Leaks can occur from damage during construction or due to rodents and insects. In this case, you will need to contact a HVAC maintenance specialist to repair these leaking ducts and clean them thoroughly.
A faulty outdoor unit fan can also be the culprit of your AC blowing warm air. The fan is responsible for transferring heat outside the home, and it can stop working if there are issues with the unit or the wires. It is important to ensure that there is at least two feet of clearance around the unit to prevent obstructions.
You can avoid the cost of air conditioning repair by choosing a service provider that has a good reputation and is licensed, insured and bonded. It is also a good idea to ask the company about monthly specials and maintenance programs, which can save you money on repairs in the long run.
