It’s always nerve-wracking to let a repairman into your home. Understanding what they’ll be doing can make things a little less stressful.

One of the first things your AC repair technician like AC Repair Van Nuys will check is the evaporator coil. If this has ice on it, you need to get it repaired immediately.

There’s nothing more frustrating than when your air conditioner stops working when you need it the most. A poorly functioning thermostat or AC system are at the root of many AC repair issues, and it’s important to understand what warning signs indicate that you should call an HVAC professional for repairs or replacement.

If your thermostat screen is dark or completely unresponsive, the first thing to check is whether it’s receiving power. You can do this by locating your circuit breaker box, identifying the breaker that controls your thermostat and switching it off and on. If the unit still isn’t responding, you may have a battery problem that can easily be fixed by replacing the batteries.

Other common thermostat problems include faulty sensors and malfunctioning display screens. If your home feels hot or cold in different rooms or corners despite setting the thermostat to the same temperature, it could be caused by dirty sensors that aren’t sending accurate information to your HVAC system. These can easily be cleaned with a clean cotton rag, but in severe cases, you’ll likely need to replace the sensors themselves.

You should also take the time to examine your thermostat and ensure it’s positioned in a location that’s away from direct sunlight, other heat sources or drafts. If you have a programmable thermostat, be sure to set it according to your schedule. Finally, you should regularly remove dust and debris from your thermostat to ensure it’s always working properly.

It’s worth noting that any attempts at DIY thermostat repair should be left to professionals as dealing with electrical components can pose safety risks. Additionally, attempting to make complex or costly repairs can void your warranty and lead to other parts of your system breaking down prematurely. This can cause high monthly operational costs, substandard efficiency and a lot of frustration. A qualified HVAC technician will have the tools and experience necessary to complete any needed repairs quickly and effectively. This will help you avoid expensive repair bills and potential safety hazards in the future.

Refrigerant Leaks

The refrigerant in your AC system cools your home and removes humidity. When there’s too little refrigerant in the system, it can cause your house to feel clammy and damp. Refrigerant leaks also decrease your air conditioning’s efficiency. In addition, leaking refrigerant can be harmful to the environment and your health. If you notice that your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant, call a technician immediately.

A hissing sound is one of the most common signs that your air conditioner has a refrigerant leak. Hissing is caused by refrigerant escaping from the system through small cracks or holes in the compressor, evaporator coil, and condensate drain line.

Other signs of a leak include low airflow from your vents, water or ice on the ground near the AC unit, and a puddle of liquid refrigerant on the floor. If you suspect your air conditioner has a refrigerant problem, call Lexington’s experts right away.

Leaks in the air conditioner are often caused by age, wear and tear, poor installation, and environmental factors. Erosion is a major factor, as the copper pipes in your system may corrode over time. Acid can eat through the metal, creating small holes in the lines where refrigerant can escape. Air pollutants can also corrode copper and create leaks.

In addition to erosion, leaks can result from mechanical damage and vibrations. When the air conditioning unit shakes, the pipes can bang against each other and break down or stress the welds. Vibrations can also stress the joints in the system, causing the seals to fail and leak.

A professional will usually drain the existing refrigerant, pressurize the empty pipes with nitrogen, then use a special tool to find and solder the leak. A more advanced method involves adding fluorescent dye to the system and scanning it with a black light, which can reveal even the smallest leaks. In either case, it’s important to fix the leak quickly before the system loses too much refrigerant. The technicians at Lexington will help you decide which repair method is best for your system. If you try to repair the leak yourself, remember that handling refrigerants is dangerous without proper training.

Faulty Compressor

The compressor is the heart of your AC unit. Its job is to compress the refrigerant gas into a high-pressure state that can flow through your cooling system’s evaporator coil, where it removes heat from your indoor air and delivers it back outside. Without a properly functioning compressor, your AC will not work. So if you notice any of the following signs that your compressor is not performing as it should, it’s time to call in an expert for an AC repair.

Rattling or clunking noises can indicate a problem with your compressor motor. The clunking sounds are caused by loose motor mounts that allow the compressor motor to shake and vibrate as it operates. The vibrations can cause internal damage to the compressor, and it is important to have these issues repaired promptly.

If the compressor clutch fails to engage when you activate your AC, this is another sign of a compressor problem. A faulty clutch can leave the system operating on an excessively large load, which will cause the compressor to overheat and potentially fail. A failing clutch can also be caused by a lack of refrigerant. Regular checkups and refills will help prevent the need for compressor repairs due to low refrigerant.

Dirty or contaminated suction lines can also lead to AC compressor problems. When these lines are dirty or clogged, the compressor can’t pull enough refrigerant from the system. This forces the compressor to overheat, and it can even damage the compressor itself.

Finally, if the suction line is the wrong size, this can also lead to AC compressor problems. The proper size suction line is essential for preventing overheating and building pressure in the compressor. An untrained or amateur technician may install the wrong size suction line, causing a build-up of pressure that can overheat and damage your compressor.

Keeping your air conditioning in good working condition is an important part of staying cool in the summer. The best way to do this is with regular AC preventative maintenance from a trusted local service company that offers MSCA or NATE certification for their technicians.

Faulty Fin

Those thin, wavy wires that are attached to the sides of your condenser may look delicate, but they can withstand quite a bit of force before they break. If a fin is broken, it can prevent refrigerant from flowing properly. This means that your AC won’t cool your home as well, and it will also raise your energy bills. If you notice that a fin is bent, try gently straightening it with a flathead screwdriver. It’s important not to use too much pressure, as this could cause further damage. You should also clear any debris that’s obstructing the fins.

If the fin is severely damaged or unfixable, the HVAC technician will need to replace it. This is often done during routine maintenance services. Your HVAC technician will likely remove the old one, clean out any debris in the unit, and install the new one before they turn it back on.

Another part that can suffer from wear and tear is the capacitor. It’s a small electrical component that works to turn on the fan inside your outdoor unit and the compressor within your indoor unit. If the capacitor blows, your AC won’t start when it’s asked to. A capacitor isn’t an expensive component, so it should be easy for a trained professional to replace it.

During a standard maintenance service, your HVAC technician should also check the air filter to make sure it’s clean, inspect the air condenser fan and coils for any debris that may be blocking them, confirm that the ducts are correctly sized for your home, and look at the wiring, electronics and safety controls. If any parts are faulty, the technician will explain what the problem is and how it can be repaired or replaced.

The best way to avoid any major AC repair issues is to keep up with routine maintenance services throughout the year. Contact your local HVAC company to schedule an appointment. You can also do some maintenance on your own by regularly changing the air filter, cleaning the evaporator coil and washing the condenser coil.