Round Rock AC Repair technician will diagnose any issues that prevent your home from cooling properly. They may check the air filter for clogging, make sure the thermostat is set correctly, or look at other problems such as a frozen coil.
An AC Service involves repairing and restoring the system to its original working condition. This can include fixing refrigerant leaks, replacing broken parts and other repairs to restore air flow and cool your home.
The evaporator coil is the part of your AC system that cools the air that blows through your house. It carries refrigerant that absorbs heat, then passes the cooler air to the rest of your home. When the evaporator coil freezes, your system becomes less effective and may stop working altogether.
There are a number of reasons why the evaporator coil might freeze. Some of the most common include poor airflow, low refrigerant levels, and a dirty or clogged air filter.
Airflow problems often lead to ice buildup on the evaporator coil, which restricts the flow of cool air over the coil. This problem can be easily fixed by changing or replacing your air filter. However, it can also be a sign of more serious issues with your air conditioning unit.
The first step to taking care of a frozen evaporator coil is turning off your system at the thermostat. This will prevent the coil from becoming damaged even further and allows you to schedule an AC repair appointment.
Next, activate your system’s fan setting. While the air conditioner won’t be running, the fan will force warm air over the evaporator coil, which can thaw it out. This might take a few hours, but it’s important to give the coil enough time to thaw before switching back on your air conditioner.
Once the ice on the evaporator coil melts, it will drain out through the condensate line. However, if there is too much water buildup, it could cause the line to overflow, which can damage your house or make mold and mildew more likely. If this happens, be sure to spread towels around the area to catch any puddles of water that might form.
When the ice on your evaporator coil is completely melted, it’s safe to turn your AC system back on. However, you should still wait a few hours before attempting to run your AC again so the coil can dry out and prevent more ice from building up in the future.
Be sure to contact a professional HVAC technician for any additional repairs or maintenance on your air conditioning system. A trained technician will be able to fix the issue and help you keep your family comfortable during summertime.
Bad Smells
When an air conditioning unit produces condensation, it should flow away through the condensate drain. This helps ensure the coils aren’t clogged with dirty water, which can impact airflow. If moisture backs up into the unit, it can lead to a host of problems, including mold growth and bacterial infections. A professional can clean the condensate drain and repair any clogs.
If you notice bad smells coming from your air conditioner, it may be a sign that your compressor or capacitor are in need of replacement. These parts are responsible for starting and running the motor, but they can overheat if not properly maintained. If you notice any of these signs, contact a technician immediately.
The outdoor unit is home to a fan, compressor and condenser coils that work together to release heat from your home. The fan, when functioning correctly, helps ensure this process is completed quickly. If the fan is broken, the compressor can overheat, which triggers the system’s safety controls and shuts the unit off. A trained HVAC technician can inspect the unit and replace the faulty fan to ensure the cooling process isn’t disrupted.
Strange noises aren’t a good sign, especially when they come from your air conditioner. Grinding, buzzing, rattling or banging sounds indicate that something is wrong with the unit and needs to be addressed right away. This can include problems with the compressor, fan or blower.
Cooling your home unevenly is another sign that your AC unit has a problem. This could be as simple as a dirty air filter, or it could be a deeper issue, like low refrigerant.
If you think your system is low on refrigerant, try these troubleshooting steps before calling for an AC repair:
First, change your air filter to ensure it’s not clogged. Then check your electrical panel to make sure the circuit breaker that sends power to your air conditioner isn’t flipped off. Finally, survey the outside of your home and surrounding area for any damage, debris or dirt that shouldn’t be there.
If you’ve ruled out any issues that could be making your air conditioner overheat, and you still can’t get it to turn on, call Sam’s Air Control for immediate AC repair. Our technicians can perform a variety of air conditioning services, including recharging your unit.
Broken Thermostat
The thermostat is the control center for your HVAC system. It sends signals to turn the air conditioning and heating on or off, so when it stops working properly, you’re left with an uncomfortable home. Fortunately, you can often repair your thermostat yourself before calling an AC professional. Some common thermostat issues include a display that’s dark or blank, short-cycling, and an inability to communicate with your furnace and air conditioner.
Changing out the batteries in your thermostat is one of the easiest things you can do to fix it. Make this a regular practice to ensure your thermostat has the power it needs to operate as designed.
Older electromechanical thermostats can sometimes start to malfunction due to dust buildup. Remove the cover and gently brush or wipe it down with a clean cloth, or use a can of compressed air. The small metal contacts on these older thermostats can also get dirty. Try sliding a piece of paper between them to help keep them clean.
If your thermostat displays a completely black or blank screen, it’s likely a sign that the thermostat is out of power. This can be caused by a tripped circuit breaker, low or dead batteries, or even a blown fuse. Make sure your furnace switch is on and your thermostat’s breaker is set to “on.”
In some cases, the thermostat may simply need a reset. This can be done by consulting the manual for your smart or programmable thermostat to find out how to do it.
If you can’t find anything wrong with the thermostat or your breaker box, it’s possible that the thermostat itself has become miscalibrated or the wiring is damaged. You can test the thermostat’s transformer by using a multimeter to see if it’s supplying current. If not, the thermostat’s transformer may be faulty and will need to be replaced. If you’re comfortable opening up the thermostat, then you can test each wire to determine which is faulty. However, since messing with electrical wires is dangerous, we recommend contacting a professional before trying to do this.
Clogged Condensate Drain
As warm air blows over the evaporator coils, condensation forms on them. It’s supposed to drain into the air conditioning system’s drain pan, but when that line becomes clogged, the moisture can overflow and pool around your unit. Water leaks from a clogged AC unit can damage your home and cause mold and mildew. The smells associated with these microbial growths can be hard to get rid of and can affect your family’s health.
Fortunately, there are several ways to clear a clogged condensate line. First, you’ll need to shut off power to your HVAC unit. This is typically done by finding and turning off the breaker in your electrical panel labeled “AC.” You can also find the air conditioner’s drain line by looking for a PVC pipe or hose leading outside, usually with a cap on it. Next, locate an access point on the drain line. This is typically a T-shaped vent with a cap that you can open.
A thin wire brush or a wire hanger can be used to dislodge debris that is clogging the drain line. If that doesn’t work, a wet/dry vacuum can be used to suck up the obstruction. In most cases, simply rinsing the drain line can clear out a clog and make your AC system run normally again.
The best way to prevent a clogged drain line is through regular AC maintenance. During an annual tune-up, your technician will inspect the system and clean it, including the drain line. They’ll also check coolant levels, thermostat function, and ductwork for leaks.
As a homeowner, you can do some preventive maintenance by flushing your drain line at the beginning of cooling season. Pour a cup of bleach or white distilled vinegar down the drain line access opening to kill mildew and algae before it has a chance to grow inside your air conditioner. This is a simple and effective way to avoid clogs and keep your home healthy throughout the cooling season. You can also try using a degreaser or chemical cleaner to eliminate more stubborn clogs.
