How to Tell If You Need Air Conditioner Repair

Air Conditioner Repair

No one wants to wake up in the middle of a steamy summer night and realize their air conditioning isn’t working. The good news is that regular maintenance minimizes the number of times an AC repair technician has to visit your home and saves you money on repairs when things go wrong. Even with routine maintenance, some parts will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. Getting air conditioning service twice a year is usually enough to keep your cooling system functioning at peak performance and protect you from unexpected breakdowns.

It’s hard to know when you need an ac repair, but you can be on the lookout for any of the following problems that might signal it’s time to call in a professional:

The system isn’t producing cool air.

One of the most common reasons an air conditioner isn’t producing cool air is a low refrigerant level. This happens when the coil is dirty and is preventing the flow of cold refrigerant throughout the system. If you suspect this is the case, turn off the air conditioner and call a repair technician.

Dirty evaporator coils.

The evaporator coils inside your home’s vents often get covered with dirt, dust, and debris that block the flow of cold air. You can help by cleaning the coils and keeping the surrounding area clean. Remove debris from the outside unit, trim any bushes or vines that are touching the coil, and run a brush or shop vac over the aluminum fins. You can also buy a tool called a “fin comb” at most air conditioning wholesalers to straighten bent fins.

Breaker or fuse tripped.

There are many reasons your Air Conditioner Repair might stop working, but if the breaker or fuse is tripped it’s important to contact an HVAC repair professional as soon as possible. A power surge or short circuit can cause a breaker or fuse to trip. Flipping the breaker or replacing a fuse could solve the problem, but if it keeps happening you may have a more serious electrical issue that requires professional repair.

Fan motor is wearing out.

The fan motor that draws air across the condenser coil can wear out over time, especially if it’s subjected to extreme heat or has low refrigerant. A trained ac repair technician can inspect and replace the fan motor for you.

Refrigerant leaks.

The hissing sound of a refrigerant leak is a sure sign that your cooling system needs a recharge. Low levels reduce efficiency and are dangerous for the environment. A technician will recharge your system with the correct amount of refrigerant and install tubing to prevent leaking in the future.

Regular maintenance helps your air conditioner last longer and stay more efficient. You can do your part by changing the filter, minimizing debris around the unit, and cleaning the evaporator coil. It’s a good idea to take note of the nameplate on your outdoor unit and write down the make, model, and serial number, so you can find the right replacement parts when it’s time to upgrade.