Consider investing in a new system if your AC is old and you constantly call for repairs. Many installers offer favorable financing terms compared to personal loans and credit cards.
Before scheduling Air Conditioning Repair Sherman Oaks check the air conditioner’s circuit breaker. If it flips off, disconnect unused equipment to prevent a power surge that could damage the unit.
The thermostat is the brains of your AC system. It reads the temperature inside your home, determines what kind of air to produce and sends that information to the outdoor unit where the compressor and fan are located.
It is a small device that serves an extremely important function. If you find that your HVAC isn’t producing cool air, it could be due to a broken thermostat. Here are a few steps to take before calling an AC repair service:
Check that the thermostat is actually getting power. It may seem obvious, but it can be overlooked. Make sure that the circuit breaker or fuse that provides power to the thermostat is not tripped. It is also a good idea to check that the batteries in the thermostat are fresh.
Ensure that the air vents are clear of obstructions. Furniture, toys, drapes and other objects can get into the air vents and prevent them from delivering a steady flow of cool air. It is also a good idea to remove debris from around the outdoor AC unit.
A thermostat that is faulty can cause your cooling system to work in overdrive, trying to reach the set temperature. If this is the case, it is likely time to call a technician to replace your old thermostat with an upgraded model.
The evaporator coils on your air conditioning system can freeze up, which inhibits airflow and causes your system to struggle to cool your home. Frozen coils are often the result of poor air flow, a dirty air filter or blocked return ducts. An HVAC technician can perform a simple freon recharge to fix this issue.
Your HVAC should be a central component of your home. It is responsible for making your house a comfortable and safe place to live. Regular maintenance and service can keep it working properly and help you avoid expensive repair bills in the future. If you haven’t had your AC serviced this year, it is a good idea to do so before the summer heat sets in. Keeping up with AC service will prevent many problems that can be costly to repair, and it will extend the life of your unit.
Ductwork is a crucial part of your air conditioning system. It distributes conditioned air to different rooms in your home or office. But like all components of an AC unit, it can experience problems that affect its performance. This is why you should have your ducts cleaned regularly. This can prevent them from becoming loaded with contaminants that may affect the air quality in your home or office.
Typically, ductwork is made from galvanized steel or aluminium preinsulated panels. These are cut to size and bent if needed, welded together and then wrapped in insulation. Afterwards, the duct is glued and sealed to the flanges. These ducts are usually run through walls or attics, but they can also be hidden in the basement or garage.
The ducts should be inspected for leaks, loose connections and signs of wear. These can be repaired using various methods that depend on the specific issues with the duct. In some cases, it is necessary to replace certain sections of the ductwork. In this case, the ductwork repair technician will need to inspect the areas in question before making any repairs or replacing them.
In addition to leaks, air ducts can become dirty over time due to dust and other debris. Dirty ducts can cause your air conditioner to work harder than it should and this will increase your energy bills. Fortunately, this can be prevented by having your ducts inspected and cleaned by an AC repair specialist.
If you notice that your air conditioner is running more often than usual or has a strange smell, it could be an issue with the blower motor. The blower motor is responsible for moving air into your ductwork, so it’s important that it is properly maintained. If you notice a burning or grinding sound coming from your vents, it is likely that the blower motor is starting to go bad and needs replacement.
In addition to regular maintenance, you should also have your air ducts cleaned every two years. Air ducts that are dirty can make your air conditioner work overtime and can lead to health issues in the home.
Air filters are a vital component of an HVAC system. They filter out airborne impurities like dust, smoke, and illness-causing bacteria and viruses to keep the air in your home clean. They’re also responsible for improving air quality, which can lead to healthier lungs and overall better health.
It’s important to change your air filter every month, especially if you or someone in your home suffers from asthma or allergies. A dirty or clogged filter can obstruct airflow, forcing the AC to work harder than it should to circulate air. This can cause the unit to overheat and reduce energy efficiency. By changing your air filter regularly, you can keep your system running at its optimal condition and maintain energy efficiency.
If you have a highly efficient air conditioning system or you live in an extremely dusty area, consider getting a high-performance air filter with a MERV rating between 10-20. These are often used in hospitals and laboratories, and can remove airborne contaminants at a much higher level than a standard filter.
A dirty or old air filter can trap impurities inside the ductwork and blower fans, causing them to recirculate throughout your home. This can make the air feel stuffy, and you may notice yourself sneezing or wheezing. The accumulated dirt can even cause mold to grow, which poses a serious health hazard for you and your family.
Dirty air filters can also restrict the flow of cool air, which can damage your HVAC system over time. If you notice your electric bills going up, strange odors in the house, or weird noises coming from the vents, these could be signs that it’s time to change your filter.
You can change your air filter by yourself, or you can hire an expert to do it for you. Whether you choose a disposable or washable filter, it’s best to change them regularly so that they don’t become overly clogged. A professional can do this for you as part of a routine maintenance check or Preventive Maintenance Agreement. This ensures that your filter is always working properly and doesn’t lead to expensive repair bills in the future.
Often referred to as the heart of your air conditioning system, the compressor is responsible for turning liquid refrigerant into vapor so that it can cool your home. Compressor problems are some of the most common reasons for AC unit failure. If your AC unit is making strange noises, not cooling or exhibiting any other symptoms that indicate a problem with the compressor it’s important to contact a professional right away.
Compressor noises may include a banging sound, clicking, clanking or humming. Any of these noises is indicative of a problem with the compressor. A clicking sound usually indicates that there is an electrical problem with the compressor. A hissing sound typically means that there is a problem with the compressor seal or a refrigerant leak. Leaks are very dangerous as the liquid can get into your ductwork and can cause damage to other parts of the system.
A failing compressor can also produce ice on the evaporator coil. This will not allow the refrigerant to transfer heat from your home to the evaporator coil, which could eventually damage the compressor. In addition, if the evaporator coil becomes dirty, it will prevent the evaporator from being able to turn the hot refrigerant into cold air.
Another sign of a failing compressor is when the AC unit short-cycles. Short-cycling is when the AC unit cycles on and off repeatedly. This puts extra strain on the compressor motor and wastes a lot of energy.
Since the compressor is encased in an airtight container, it is impossible for HVAC technicians to open the compressor and repair it. Instead, the compressor will need to be replaced if there is any damage or wear and tear to the components inside. Having regular maintenance performed by a professional will help extend the life of your compressor. An experienced professional will perform routine checks on the compressor, including cleaning the evaporator coil and replacing the compressor oil. This can extend the life of your compressor and give you peace of mind that your HVAC unit is safe to use.