Air Conditioning Repair Orlando helps ensure proper air circulation and temperature control for your home. They include inspection, maintenance, and repairs of various equipment components.
During routine air conditioning maintenance, your service technician should check the air filter, make sure there is enough Freon in your system and look for other problems that may be causing your AC to not work properly.
The evaporator coil, which is located inside the air handler or attached to the furnace, absorbs heat from the air passing over it. The air is then cooled and dehumidified before being circulated back into living spaces. It is an essential part of the air conditioning system that keeps indoor temperatures cool and comfortable throughout your home.
Dirty evaporator coils cause your AC system to work harder and longer in order to achieve the desired temperature. In turn, this can lead to higher electricity bills and shorter unit lifespan. There are several signs that you may have a dirty evaporator coil that requires cleaning.
A dirty evaporator coil is one of the most common issues that leads to reduced cooling performance. The dirt that builds up on the evaporator coil acts as an insulator, preventing heat from being transferred effectively. This causes your system to run for longer in order to reach the desired temperature, causing the system to use more energy in the process.
Dust and debris buildup on the evaporator coil can also lead to mold or mildew growth. The blower fan then spreads these spores throughout the home, potentially triggering allergies or breathing issues in sensitive individuals. In addition, the spores can create a musty smell in the living spaces and can even penetrate upholstery, ceilings and flooring.
You can keep the evaporator coil clean by regularly changing the air filter and vacuuming the vents to remove any loose debris. You can also hire a professional to perform regular cleanings of the evaporator coil. These service calls are often much cheaper than major repairs and replacements, so it is well worth the investment. You can also prevent dirt from building up on the evaporator coil by replacing the coolant lines regularly. These lines are responsible for transferring refrigerant to the evaporator coil, so it is crucial that they be free of damage or wear. They are usually insulated, but this insulation can wear over time and decrease the efficiency of your air conditioning system. The best way to prevent this is by having your coolant lines checked and replaced as soon as they show signs of damage or wear.
Dirty Compressor Coils
The compressor coil serves a critical function in the air conditioning process by absorbing and rejecting heat. When this coil is dirty, it cannot do its job properly, which can cause a number of different problems.
If you suspect your compressor coil is dirty, there are a few things to check. First, notice whether your AC unit is taking longer to reach the desired indoor temperature. This may indicate the coil is clogged and needs to be cleaned. Second, listen for a humming sound. If you hear a deep humming or buzzing sound coming from the outside of your home, this could also indicate your compressor coil is dirty and needs to be cleaned.
To clean a condenser coil, your dealer will use a shop vac to remove any loose dirt or debris that is present. Then they will spray a cleaner that is specifically designed for air conditioning coils onto the surface of the coils. They will then rinse the coil with water, following the manufacturer’s instructions for application and contact time. Finally, they will use a tool to straighten any bent fins on the coil that have become crooked over time.
Dirty coils will increase your operating costs by requiring your air conditioner to work harder in order to achieve the same level of cooling performance. This increased stress can eventually lead to system breakdowns and expensive repair bills.
The best way to prevent your air conditioning coil from becoming dirty is to regularly perform a visual inspection. Ideally, you should do this in early spring so that the coil is ready for the summer heat when it is most needed.
Other things you can do to help prevent a dirty air conditioning coil include regularly cleaning the area around your outdoor unit. Be sure to keep it free of leaves, debris, and weeds that can block the coil and limit proper airflow. You should also trim bushes and shrubs away from the unit to allow for adequate airflow. Additionally, if the pad upon which your condenser unit sits starts to tilt over time, you should use rot-resistant shims to bring it back to a flat position.
Damaged Coolant Lines
A coolant line is the conduit for the refrigerant that flows between the compressor and the evaporator coil. This liquid, also known as Freon, is what makes your air conditioner cool. Without it, your system can’t function properly.
The air conditioning repair process may involve repairing or replacing damaged coolant lines, as well as refilling and pressurizing the refrigerant. A trained professional can handle this job with specialized tools and equipment. The technician will first verify that there are no additional issues causing the coolant to run low.
If the technician determines that the coolant is low, he or she will begin the trial and error process to figure out what caused it to run out. This involves examining all possible causes, from the most likely to the least. The service tech may also check the hose for damage and corrosion, as this can cause a coolant leak.
Coolant lines can also be weakened by electrochemical degradation (ECD). This happens when the different metals in the cooling system form an electrical charge that can weaken the hose. This can lead to small cracks or a blown hose that requires replacement. It is important to use the correct type of coolant that is recommended by the manufacturer for your vehicle.
Another common source of coolant leaks is thermal expansion and contraction. This occurs when the hoses expand and contract with every cycle that your system undergoes. Repeated cycles can lead to a lack of pressure or even a break in the line.
Leaks can also be caused by improper installation or repair. Loose clamps, solder joints and poorly fitting connections can all cause leaks. It is crucial to have these issues repaired quickly before they worsen and affect the performance of your air conditioner.
If you suspect that your air conditioning hose is leaking, it is best to pull over and turn off the engine. This will prevent further damage to your engine and allow you to safely drive to a repair shop or your destination. You can try to make a temporary fix by re-tightening the hose clamps or adding some extra coolant. However, this is only a short-term solution and should be left to a professional AC repair specialist.
Faulty Thermostat
Thermostats are the brains behind your home’s heating and cooling system. If you notice your thermostat acting up, it can have a significant impact on how well your air conditioning is running. A faulty thermostat can make your AC work harder, wear out more quickly, and even cause it to stop working completely.
The first thing you should do if your thermostat is acting up is check to see if it has power. If it is battery-powered, the problem could be as simple as replacing the batteries. If it is a wired device, you’ll want to go to your electrical panel and find the breaker that is supplying the thermostat with electricity. If the breaker is flipped off, simply flip it back on and this should fix the issue.
Another sign that your thermostat is broken is if the temperature displayed on the screen does not match the conditions in your home. This can be caused by the location of your thermostat, as it can often be affected by direct sunlight or heat from nearby appliances. A better way to check this is by using a thermometer to take a reading of the room and then comparing it to what your thermostat is showing.
Finally, if your thermostat is constantly running and not turning off, it may be time for an upgrade. Faulty thermostats often exhibit this symptom because they are unable to send the proper electrical signals to your HVAC unit to turn on and off. This is a common and inexpensive part to replace, so it’s worth taking the time to do it before your AC starts acting up or completely stops working.
Thermostats are easy to spot and can be replaced relatively easily, but it’s best to leave more complex AC repairs to a professional, especially if the problem involves electrical wiring. The good news is that if your thermostat is on the older side and is beginning to wear out, it’s a great time to upgrade to a newer model with smart features you can operate remotely. This will save you money in the long run, as it can help your home stay comfortable more efficiently and keep energy costs low all year round.