Your air conditioner keeps your home or business cool. Like other appliances in your home, it needs regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly.
Several common AC problems are easy to fix yourself. You can check out the breaker box and clean drain ports and other parts of the system. Contact Air Conditioning Repair Round Rock TX for professional help.
1. Capacitors
Capacitors play a vital role in the smooth operation of your air conditioning system. They provide the electrical pulse needed to trigger other air conditioning components, such as the fan motor and compressor. Unfortunately, a capacitor can go bad. In the event that this occurs, you should contact your local HVAC repair specialist to diagnose and replace the capacitor.
A capacitor consists of two conductive plates separated by a dielectric material such as glass, ceramic, or paper. The surface area of the plates and the distance between them determines the capacitance. The greater the surface area and the closer the plates are together, the higher the capacitance. The dielectric material also impacts the capacitance as different materials have different permittivity values.
While a capacitor can last for up to ten years, over time and under heavy electrical loads, they will begin to wear down. Various factors may contribute to this, including environmental factors such as humidity, dust, and corrosive chemicals. Additionally, manufacturing defects or incorrect installation may result in premature failure.
One of the most common signs that a capacitor is going bad is warm air blowing from your vents, though not all AC units experience this symptom. Other symptoms of a failing capacitor include clicking and humming sounds that may come from the access panel.
Ideally, you should turn off the power to your capacitor at the circuit breaker and visually inspect it. Check for swelling or leaking, which are clear indications that the capacitor is nearing the end of its lifespan.
You should also test the capacitor with a multimeter, which will allow you to see if the capacitance value is significantly lower than the rated value printed on its label. Inspecting the outside of the capacitor for dirt buildup or misalignment is important as well. Loose connections and corrosion may require tightening or replacement to reduce the likelihood of failure.
Despite their small size, a capacitor can contain up to 600 volts of electricity. This makes it dangerous to handle without the proper training and equipment. Your local HVAC technician has the specialized skills and tools necessary to safely remove, install, and test a capacitor.
2. Contactor
A contactor is like a switch in that it can turn power on or off but instead of being mechanically operated it uses an electromagnet (or in some cases compressed air) to make and break the connection. It’s usually built of better materials than a relay to handle the high power load. A common problem with them is contact arcing between the copper alloys that coat the contacts (typically referred to as A1 and A2). This can be caused by excessive inrush currents, unstable control voltages or too low transition times between high peak currents. It can also be the result of normal wear and tear or the results of dirt, dust or moisture ingress into the air gap around the electromagnetic coil.
Each time your compressor starts, the contact points snap together through magnetic action and pull several times the normal running current of your unit. This creates a small amount of electric arcing between the points every time they do it and over time the points can become pitted. This prevents the full surface of the contact points from making contact and they can no longer supply electricity to your compressor and other components.
3. Blower Motor
A working blower motor is essential to your AC system because it’s the one responsible for pushing cooled air through your vents. If the blower motor starts to malfunction, it can cause other components in your system to overwork and break down. This can increase your energy bills and shorten the lifespan of your air conditioning unit. Fortunately, you can prevent blower motor issues by staying on top of your HVAC maintenance routine.
The most common signs that your blower motor isn’t working properly include strange noises, weak or no airflow from your vents, and a failure to cycle. Unusual sounds can hint at physical damage to the motor or fan, and some noises (like rattling) indicate specific problems like a broken belt. Other sounds may point to an electrical problem, such as a failing ground connection that disrupts electricity flow and causes overheating.
Modern blower motors have electronics that prevent them from overheating, so they shut down to avoid self-inflicted damage. However, if you have an older model, overheating can lead to the motor burning out. If your blower motor burns out, it’ll have to be replaced.
In some cases, your technician may be able to repair your blower motor rather than replace it entirely. A few quick fixes can often be a more cost-effective option, such as replacing the blower motor belt or lubricating the bearings. If the blower motor is beyond repair, your technician will replace it with a high-quality part and test the system to ensure proper airflow and cooling performance.
Keeping up with your regular HVAC maintenance will help you keep your blower motor running smoothly throughout the summer. Your technician can perform a variety of maintenance tasks, including inspecting the blower motor and cleaning it as needed. They can also look for other signs of trouble, such as a hot or burning smell, which could indicate an electrical fire and require immediate attention. They can even help you optimize your airflow with duct sealing and replacement of the air filter. For a more thorough and preventive inspection, contact Alvarez Plumbing and AC to discuss your air conditioner maintenance needs.
4. Thermostat
A thermostat is one of the most important parts of your home’s HVAC system. It controls the heating and cooling systems, which use up the most energy in a house and have the biggest impact on comfort. So, if your thermostat isn’t working correctly, it could be causing expensive energy bills and an uncomfortable indoor environment.
Thermostats continuously monitor indoor temperatures and signal the HVAC air conditioning system to activate or deactivate based on your settings. They do this using a variety of sensors and internal components. Different types of thermostats have slightly different mechanisms, but they all achieve the same outcome: accurate temperature regulation.
If your thermostat isn’t working properly, it can cause the air conditioner to run constantly. This can cause the HVAC system to wear out quickly and increase your energy bill. It can also cause an uncomfortable indoor environment for you and your family.
In some cases, your thermostat may need to be replaced. A new thermostat will provide you with many benefits, including programmable settings and wifi capabilities that allow you to control your thermostat from anywhere. In addition, it will save you money on your energy bill.
Some signs that your thermostat needs to be replaced include a display that isn’t working, a lack of power, or frequent cycling between the on and off positions. It can also be difficult to maintain a specific setting or it may suddenly change the temperature settings with no explanation.
While some people try to fix their thermostats on their own, it is important to understand how the device works and the risks involved before trying to replace it on your own. There are some simple things you can do, such as replacing the batteries, to test your thermostat’s functionality.