Like any mechanical system, your air conditioner can fail in ways that are both apparent and more subtle. Some of these failures may leave your system more or less operational, even though they can reduce its efficiency or lead to substantial premature wear. Allowing hidden problems to go unaddressed is often a costly mistake that can leave you sweating over an excessive repair bill.
One of the best ways to avoid falling victim to lurking air conditioner trouble is by following a regular maintenance schedule. Tune-ups help your system to run as efficiently as possible while also giving technicians a chance to spot problems waiting in the wings. Here are just three potential trouble sources that a tune-up might uncover with your home's air conditioner.
1. Incorrect Refrigerant Pressure
Your air conditioner's heat transfer cycle relies on correct refrigerant pressure. When the system pressure is too low or too high, the compressor may perform inefficiently, or the refrigerant may not change from gas to liquid. Either situation can have potential long-term ramifications for the health of your air conditioner.
Unfortunately, the signs of these problems aren't always obvious. Your air conditioner may cycle too often or struggle to dehumidify the air, but these symptoms can sometimes be hard to notice. During a tune-up, the technician will check your refrigerant pressure, providing an opportunity to discover leaks, clogs, and other potential issues.
2. Failing Condenser Fan
Your air conditioner's condenser is the large, outdoor unit that dumps heat from your home back into the atmosphere. Unsurprisingly, this end of your system is sometimes known as the "hot side." The condenser coils must quickly extract energy from the warm refrigerant, so the condenser unit contains a fan to speed the process along.
A failing condenser fan reduces the efficiency of the heat rejection process, stressing system components and potentially reducing cooling capacity. If you don't spend much time watching your condenser, then you might not notice a dead or dying fan. Luckily, checking this fan is a normal part of any tune-up process, so your technician can alert you to trouble.
3. Blocked Evaporator Drains
Since moisture condenses on your evaporator coils, they must be able to drain this water to prevent rust and keep ice from forming. Drains can sometimes clog due to foreign debris, causing overflowing drain pans or other problems. In some cases, mold can grow on the evaporator or inside the air handler unit, potentially leading to air quality issues.
During routine maintenance, your technician will check for proper drain operation while inspecting and cleaning the evaporator coils. Catching potential clogs before they overflow can prevent water and mold damage, saving you from a much more frustrating problem. To learn more, check out this site, https://www.imsheatingandair.com, or similar sites regarding air conditioning.
Share29 June 2021
Last summer, I began to get extremely hot in my home. My air conditioning system couldn’t adequately keep my home cool anymore. Therefore, I contacted an experienced HVAC contractor. This individual visited my home and thoroughly inspected my unit. If your air conditioner isn’t working like it once did, your air ducts may be clogged up. Thankfully, an expert HVAC contractor can determine if faulty air ducts are the cause of the hot temperatures inside your home. On this blog, you will discover how an HVAC contractor can properly inspect your air ducts. Stay cool and comfortable during the hot summer months!