The ability to walk into a cool home after spending a hot day outdoors is a huge modern convenience. However, it’s important to know when to handle AC issues like changing filters and resetting a tripped breaker yourself and when to call in professionals.
A reliable service technician can help you identify minor problems and fix them quickly. This can prolong the lifespan of your system. Contact AC Repair Round Rock TX for professional help.
When your AC unit begins to make unusual noises, it’s important not to ignore them. These sounds can be early indicators of underlying mechanical or electrical issues that could cause significant damage if left unaddressed. The good news is that a little bit of routine maintenance can help prevent these problems before they start.
Rattling sounds are often caused by loose components. The vibrations of your air conditioning system can sometimes cause screws, bolts, and fan blades to become loose. This will create a rattling sound as they rub together during operation. A visual inspection of your unit and its components should reveal any signs of loose parts, which can then be tightened or realigned to resolve the issue. Other causes of rattling include a broken blower that struggles to circulate air, a refrigerant leak, or internal motor problems.
Clicking sounds are another common AC problem that can be caused by loose or worn-out fan belts, a faulty thermostat, or other electrical issues. A clicking noise when the unit starts or stops is normal, but a continuous clicking sound can indicate an electrical problem that needs to be addressed immediately.
Hissing and whistling sounds are also early warning signs that your air conditioner may need repair or replacement. These sounds can be a result of a number of issues, including a broken blower, a refrigerant leak, a bad compressor, or even an unbalanced fan blade. A professional inspection of your system will be able to identify the source of the noise and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements.
Buzzing noises are also a sign that your AC unit is in need of repair or replacement. This is usually a sign of a refrigerant leak, which can be very dangerous if left unaddressed. A professional can test the system for a refrigerant leak and replace any lost refrigerant.
If you hear any of these strange noises coming from your air conditioning unit, turn off the system and contact a professional for immediate service. It’s always better to catch AC problems early, rather than wait until they worsen or lead to a costly system replacement. With routine maintenance, you can avoid many common AC noises by cleaning condenser coils, lubricating moving parts, and replacing air filters regularly.
Your AC Won’t Turn On
After a long hot day outdoors, it’s a great feeling to walk into your home and feel the cool breeze flowing through the vents. But what if your AC won’t turn on at all? There are several common reasons your air conditioner may not start.
Check the Power Supply
If there’s no electricity running to your air conditioning unit, it will simply refuse to turn on. One of the first things you should do is check your circuit breaker or fuse box for a tripped switch or blown fuse. Resetting the breaker or replacing the fuse could fix your problem.
Make Sure the Thermostat is Set to “Cool”
A faulty thermostat can prevent your air conditioning system from starting at all. If your thermostat isn’t set to the Cool setting, or it has batteries that are dead, you’ll want to change them as soon as possible to ensure it’s ready to run when you need it.
Check the Drain Pan & Lines Aren’t Clogged
Your air conditioner creates condensation that exits your home via a drain line. If this drain line becomes full, it will trigger a safety mechanism that shuts off your air conditioner to prevent water damage. Luckily, this is usually a quick and easy DIY fix. You can use a wet/dry vac or pipe snake to remove any blockage from the drain line.
Make Sure the Refrigerant is Properly Deployed
Low refrigerant levels or a refrigerant leak can severely impair your air conditioner’s ability to cool your home. You’ll be able to detect this problem if you see an increase in your utility bills or notice that your air conditioner isn’t working as well.
Keeping your air conditioner properly maintained is the best way to avoid problems like these, but if you do encounter an issue, don’t hesitate to call Clarke & Rush for professional assistance. Our experienced team has the tools and knowledge to resolve your problem quickly so you can get back to cooling your home. We even offer emergency services to help you out when you need it most.
Your AC Isn’t Cooling
One of the most frustrating things to do in a hot summer is to crank up your AC to cool your home and find that it’s blowing warm air or doesn’t seem to be cooling at all. There are a few reasons your AC might not be working properly, including a dirty air filter, clogged evaporator coils, and more serious problems that need a professional to diagnose and repair.
Dirty Air Filters
The air filter in your system is an essential component of the cooling process; it helps prevent debris from entering the evaporator coil and blocking airflow. Air filters are relatively inexpensive, making them a great first step to cooling troubleshooting. If your filter is dirty, it will need to be replaced.
Faulty Thermostats
If your thermostat is set incorrectly, it may not kick in at the right temperature and can block airflow to the evaporator coil. It can also cause the system to short cycle, which isn’t good for your AC or your energy bills.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
If the evaporator coils are iced over, it can restrict airflow and cause the system to shut down completely. A professional technician will be able to thaw out the coils and restore your AC to full function.
Capacitor Problems
If you’re hearing odd sounds from your AC or it seems like it is running but not cooling, the capacitor in your system may be going bad. It’s a complex part that can be difficult to diagnose, but it could cause your unit to shut down at random times. A professional will be able to replace the damaged component and return your system to proper function.
Another common issue is that your AC is simply the wrong size for your house. Many factors affect the cooling capability of an air conditioner, including square footage, quality of insulation and construction, and the local climate. It’s important to have an experienced AC professional help you choose and install the right system for your home.
Your AC Isn’t Working
You rely on your AC to keep you cool, but what happens when it doesn’t work? If your system isn’t working, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try at home.
Make sure the thermostat is set to “cool” and has fresh batteries. Sometimes inadvertent changes to the settings can stop your AC from running. Check the circuit breaker: If it looks tripped, switch it back on to power up your AC. If it continues to trip, the issue may be more severe and require professional AC repair.
A clogged drain line is another common reason for AC issues. Pouring a cup of hot water down the drain pipe can help loosen up gunk that has built up and clogged the line. Alternatively, you can hire an experienced HVAC technician to do this for you.
Lastly, you can try to manually restart your AC unit by resetting the thermostat. If that doesn’t work, the problem could be something as simple as a dirty filter or low refrigerant. You can also check your air conditioner’s evaporator coils to ensure they are clean and free of debris, like grass clippings and leaves, as well as dirt.
The service valve on your AC unit is a safety mechanism that shuts off the system to prevent damage to your home in case of an overflow. It can become damaged by falling onto or slamming into it, which is why it’s important to keep it covered and protected when not in use.
The capacitor is what charges your system’s motor and fan motor. It can wear out over time, especially after a long winter followed by a surge of summer use. When it wears out, your system won’t start and may just hum. You can try to recharge it, but it’s best to call an AC repair specialist due to the high voltage and complex components. If you can’t fix it, your AC system may need to be replaced entirely.