Can i fix my ac unit?
No matter the size of the room you want to regulate, ductless HVAC systems provide the flexibility and energy efficiency to get the job done. These compact air conditioning units fit almost anywhere and don't require a duct or window. Consisting of an indoor air handling unit and a slim-line outdoor condenser unit, they can be installed in tight spaces or recessed or suspended from the ceiling.
The most common problems associated with your AC Unit are the following:
- Faulty wiring- Haphazard or uncertified AC wiring is risky and a possible fire hazard. Bad wiring can prevent the system from getting power or can trip the circuit breaker. This is why hiring the best HVAC contractors is so important.
- Low refrigerant- Refrigerant is the chemical that cools the air within your air conditioning system. Reduced levels of refrigerant could imply a leak or problem with the refrigerant system. If your air conditioning system needs to be recharged with refrigerant, 90% of the time that suggests there is a leak. All refrigerant leaks should be located and repaired. To read about the phase out of R-22 refrigerant in the United States, we highly recommend you to visit the U.S. EPA website.
- Outside fan is not working- The outside fan is responsible for conveying the heat from your your city home to the outside air. If the fan on the outside unit doesn’t perform correctly, proper heat transfer cannot take place and the air conditioning compressor may overheat and trip the safety overload. Worse yet, it may cause internal damage to the compressor.
- Outside unit not functional- This usually indicates a lack of power, contractor problems or even a faulty thermostat.
- The coil is frozen- A frozen coil often indicates an issue with the airflow, such as restrictions caused by dirty air filters or obstructed return air duct work. Frozen indoor coils could also be the result of low refrigerant.
Most problems associated with your HVAC unit need to be fixed by a professional HVAC contractor. However, there are a number of steps you can take in order to prevent your AC unit from breaking:
With a strong stream from a garden hose, spray through the fins from the inside out to blast any built up dirt or debris from between them. Never use a pressure washer, since the pressure can damage the fins. If the fins are particularly dirty, use a commercially available fin cleaning spray.
With a strong stream from a garden hose, spray through the fins from the inside out to blast any built up dirt or debris from between them. Never use a pressure washer, since the pressure can damage the fins. If the fins are particularly dirty, use a commercially available fin cleaning spray.
On the exterior condenser/compressor, remove the fan cage. Using a screwdriver or wrench, remove the fasteners and lift the cage or fan grill away from the top of the unit. By hand, or with a wet/dry vacuum, clean leaves and other debris from the interior.
The filter in your HVAC system should be changed at least twice a year – once just before the heating season begins and once before the cooling season begins. If you live in a particularly dusty area, you may want to change it more often. Always replace the filter with a new filter that has the same airflow rating.
The filter in your HVAC system should be changed at least twice a year – once just before the heating season begins and once before the cooling season begins. If you live in a particularly dusty area, you may want to change it more often. Always replace the filter with a new filter that has the same airflow rating.
If you’re not comfortable performing these steps on your own or if your air conditioner could use a tune-up before summer starts, schedule a professional inspection and maintenance. An air conditioning technician can do a thorough inspection of your unit and make sure that it’s in good condition for the season. This includes checking for signs of potential problems and fixing them before they become bigger ones. Professional maintenance also includes checking the coolant lines for leaks, ensuring that the unit is clean and free of debris and checking wiring for loose connections or other problems.