When an air conditioning system isn’t working properly, there could be various reasons. Regardless of the problem, HVAC Lexington can fix it.
Consistency is one of the key things to remember when making before and after photos. This includes consistent lighting, and keeping the distance between subjects similar is important.Your HVAC system relies on airflow to operate. This is why it’s important to check your vents regularly and make sure they’re not obstructed by anything like furniture or drapes. When you experience poor airflow, it can cause issues with your home’s indoor temperature and energy efficiency. Fortunately, airflow issues are relatively simple to diagnose and fix!
Problems with airflow typically present themselves as hot and cold spots in your living space or no air coming out of certain vents. If you leave them unaddressed, they can put unnecessary stress on your air conditioning system and ultimately lead to compressor failure.
One of the most common causes of HVAC airflow problems is clogged air filters. A dirty filter restricts airflow through your ductwork and can lead to reduced cooling efficiency, high energy consumption, and poor indoor air quality. It is important to clean or replace your air filters at least monthly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Another major issue that can impact airflow is a lack of refrigerant in your air conditioner. This is usually the result of a leak in the AC coil, holes or cracks in the ductwork, or corrosion from improper maintenance. Leaks should be repaired as soon as possible because a low level of refrigerant can lead to a host of problems.
The blower motor in your air handler is responsible for pushing the cold air into your ducts and throughout your home. If it’s covered with grime or has a malfunctioning blower motor, this can significantly reduce your AC’s airflow. To check your blower, turn off your AC and open the air handler, then use a brush or old rag to wipe away any grime that has accumulated. Be careful not to touch the blower blades, as this can be dangerous.
When a thermostat is acting up, it can be a huge hassle to deal with. However, before you start calling every ac repair company in town, there are a few things you can try on your own. First, make sure the thermostat is turned on and plugged in properly. It may also help to change the batteries. Additionally, you should clean your thermostat once a year to get rid of dust, dirt, and debris that can cause it to malfunction.
Another common problem is when the thermostat isn’t communicating with the heater or air conditioner. This can happen if the high voltage wire is broken or disconnected, which means the thermostat can’t send signals to turn on or off the HVAC system. It’s important to replace the old battery and to check all of the wire connections to make sure they are tight and secure.
Lastly, it could be that the thermostat isn’t positioned in the right area of your home. It should be away from direct sunlight, drafts, and other heat sources. Also, it should be in a place that is easy to access. This will ensure that you can easily see the screen and change the settings as needed.
Finally, it is important to remember that a thermostat only has about a 10-year lifespan. If it’s older than that, then you may be at the end of its useful life and will need to consider replacing it. A licensed professional will be able to provide you with more information about your specific thermostat problems and offer technical solutions for them. This way, you can stay cool and comfortable all summer long.
Refrigerant, commonly known as Freon, is the cooling agent that changes between gaseous and liquid forms to cool your air. Your system is a closed loop, so if the refrigerant level decreases, your AC will not cool as well. A refrigerant leak can cause your system to fail completely and may be a sign of other issues.
If you notice hissing sounds or find puddles near your system, these are signs of a refrigerant leak. You might also notice your electricity bill increasing, even if you haven’t increased your air conditioning use. It’s important to call in an expert as soon as possible, because a small leak can quickly become a major problem that causes your system to fail.
A technician will diagnose the problem and determine where the leak is. Refrigerant leaks occur mainly in the evaporator coil, where copper lines are susceptible to corrosion from formic acid in the condensate drain line and from environmental factors like sun exposure. Leaks can also happen at the connections and welds, where stress can cause them to crack.
A professional can test the air conditioning unit to see if it’s low on refrigerant and then remove the existing refrigerant before refilling it. This process will often include evacuating the system, which takes time. Many homeowners try to handle this issue on their own, but it’s best left to the professionals. DIY methods such as using a sealant are usually ineffective and could actually do more harm than good. In addition, handling refrigerants without a license is illegal. So, while you can buy a refrigerant leak repair kit at your local home improvement store, it’s always better to call in an experienced professional.
The compressor plays a critical role in the air conditioning system by compressing refrigerant gas to high pressure, enabling cool air circulation. Malfunctioning compressors can reduce cooling efficiency and cause discomfort. Several signs of a bad compressor include: insufficient cooling; unusual noises coming from the unit; oil stains around the compressor; and higher than normal energy bills. In addition, the compressor may emit an unpleasant smell. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to get a professional AC repair service right away.
A faulty compressor can also lead to a lack of cooling, as the system is unable to pump refrigerant throughout the air conditioning system. Often, this is caused by a refrigerant leak or an electrical problem. In other cases, the compressor may start to fail over time, causing the system to lose its cooling capabilities.
Another sign of a bad compressor is if the unit blows warm air. This is a good indication that the system is not getting power to the compressor and could be due to a variety of issues, including an insufficient air filter, low refrigerant levels, or damaged wiring.
A tripped circuit breaker is another sign that the compressor is not getting power and needs a repair. It is important to never attempt to make any electrical repairs yourself, as this can be dangerous and result in a fire or serious injury. If the circuit breaker is tripped, find the one for your AC unit in the panel and switch it to the on position. Also, check for a buzzing sound from the compressor, as it might need to have its start capacitor replaced. These capacitors store a very high amount of electricity and should only be handled by a professional, as they can cause severe injury or death.
Each of your AC unit’s fans has its own motor, and it is this motor that turns the fan blades. Like other electrical components within your system, the fan motor can fail due to burnout, overheating or internal wiring issues. Often, this can be easily fixed by replacing the motor.
However, there are a number of things that could also be causing this problem. For instance, the breaker might have flipped, or there may be a loose wire somewhere. If this is the case, you will need to get a professional to come out and take a look at it.
Another possibility is that the capacitor for your fan might be failing. This is a cylindrical component that transfers voltage into the two fan motors to get them started and keep them running. Capacitors can wear out over time, and if this is the case, you will need to call in a technician to replace them.
You can test the capacitor by putting something long and straight through the fan grate to “kick-start” it. If the fan starts spinning, it is likely the capacitor that is causing the issue, and you will need to have technicians replace it in order to ensure your air conditioning continues to work properly.
You can also try turning on the fan and then listening for a humming noise. If you hear a humming noise, it means that the fan is functioning properly. If you do not hear a humming sound, then it is possible that the fan is either out of balance or has burnt out completely and needs to be replaced. An expert can help you determine what is causing the issue and will carry out the necessary repairs.
