Your air conditioner relies on regular maintenance to keep working well. This is the only way to minimize Round Rock AC Repair costs in the future.
You can also try some at-home fixes. These include adjusting the thermostat, cleaning filters and ensuring all vents are open and not blocked by furniture.
When your AC is working properly, it should only produce low, steady hums and the sound of the fan whirring. Any other noises indicate that something is wrong and it’s time to call for air conditioning repair.
Rattling sounds like metal on metal can indicate that your compressor is having trouble. This can cause the internal components to work harder than they should, leading to higher energy consumption and expensive utility bills. Additionally, it can lead to extensive damage to the compressor or other internal parts. A licensed HVAC professional will be able to diagnose the problem and fix it before it worsens.
Clicking sounds can also be an indication that there’s an electrical issue with your AC. This could include a faulty relay switch, motor or capacitor. If you hear this sound, turn off your system and contact a professional immediately.
Squealing sounds are often a sign of a leaking refrigerant or a bad expansion valve. They can also be a result of a clogged condensate drain line trap. If you hear this sound, shut off your AC and contact a professional to determine the source of the problem.
Clanking sounds can also be a sign of loose parts, including the compressor itself. This can lead to expensive repairs if you continue to run your system while it’s not working correctly.
Squealing noises can sometimes mean that there’s a small object stuck in the blower fan. It’s important to check and remove any objects that are obstructing the fan. This will prevent the sound from continuing and allow your system to operate normally.
Faulty Compressor
When an AC compressor starts to go bad, it can cause a number of strange noises and other symptoms. It’s usually the most expensive part of an air conditioning unit to replace, so it’s important to understand what to look for.
One of the most common signs of a faulty compressor is an unusual rattling sound. This can happen when the internal compressor bearings are starting to wear out. This means that the unit is working harder to cool your home, using more energy and resulting in higher electricity bills.
A squealing noise can also indicate a problem with the compressor. This is typically caused by a lack of lubrication, which can lead to metal-on-metal contact and damage the compressor. Another common cause of a squeal is an overheated compressor that can be caused by low refrigerant levels, air in the system, or clogged suction lines.
Another sign of a faulty compressor is a chattering or ticking noise when the unit is turned on. This occurs when the compressor is trying to start up but is struggling to do so. This can cause damage to the internal components if left unattended, so it’s important to call an HVAC professional for assistance.
Many of the problems that lead to AC compressor failure can be prevented with regular preventive maintenance. By having the system cleaned and inspected by an experienced technician, you can extend the life of your compressor and ensure it is operating at peak efficiency.
Faulty Condenser
The main function of your AC condenser is to remove heat from the air. If the unit isn’t doing this job, you’ll notice it by a number of different symptoms. If you notice lukewarm air coming from the vents, that’s a clear sign that the unit isn’t expelling heat. A faulty fan motor can also prevent the unit from working properly. If you hear banging, rattling or grinding noises, this could indicate the fan motor is dying. It’s best to call in professional technicians who can handle all the problems that may arise with your AC condenser.
Other signs that the unit isn’t doing its job are higher electricity bills and a clogged condenser coil. The latter can be caused by a buildup of dirt, dust or bugs that haven’t been cleared away. The dirt can also cause the refrigerant to leak.
It’s important to have the air conditioner condenser cleaned and inspected each spring. During the tune-up, the technicians can straighten out the fins, clean the coils and test the unit for proper cooling and airflow.
A leaking refrigerant is something you need to address as quickly as possible. Using specialized tools, the professionals will locate the source of the leak and fix it to ensure the system doesn’t lose more refrigerant. Then, they’ll recharge the system to bring it back up to full capacity.
Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat is a small, important part of your HVAC system. It’s one of the first things that can go wrong, and it can lead to bigger issues if not fixed quickly. Thermostats typically last about 10 years. If yours is near or past that point, it may be time to replace it.
A faulty thermostat can have a variety of causes. One common problem is that the thermostat becomes dirty. Over time, dust, soot and cigarette smoke can build up on the mechanical and electrical parts of the thermostat. To clean the thermostat, shut off the power to it and open up the cover. Then, use canned compressed air or a brush to clear out any dirt and debris. After cleaning, be sure to replace the cover and flip the power back on.
Another common sign of a bad thermostat is when the display screen is no longer working. This could be caused by a simple issue like the thermostat’s batteries needing to be changed, or it may be because of a wire problem that’s stopping electrical signals from reaching your AC unit.
If you aren’t comfortable working around electrical components, it’s best to have a professional check the thermostat for problems. They can test the red power supply wire and green fan wire to make sure they are connected correctly. Then, they can fix or replace the control board if necessary. This will likely take less than an hour to complete and will save you a lot of money in energy costs. In addition, a professional can help you make sure your new thermostat is compatible with your HVAC system. If it isn’t, you may need to replace the entire system.
Faulty Wiring
The air conditioning system is built with a network of wiring to control which components receive power, how much power flows to each component, and when. If the wires become exposed or are damaged, it can affect how your AC operates. The electrical wiring of an AC is prone to problems caused by aging, moisture exposure, rodents chewing on wires, and more. During an AC repair, electrical contractors will inspect the wires to make sure that they aren’t exposed or damaged. They may also replace damaged or broken wires to ensure that your AC operates properly and safely.
Another sign of a potential problem with the electrical wiring in an AC unit is a breaker that constantly trips. While resetting a tripped breaker is relatively simple, it may be a sign of an underlying issue that requires professional attention. In the case of an air conditioner, frequent breaker trips may mean that your unit is pulling too much electricity from your home’s electrical system, which can cause other issues within your electrical system and potentially pose a fire hazard.
While there are some general signs to watch for that can indicate a problem with your AC’s electrical system, the best way to identify a wiring problem is to open up your access panel and take a look at your unit’s wiring. Using a flashlight, carefully examine each wire, turning them and tugging at them to ensure that they are secure and not showing any signs of damage like broken casings or frayed connections. If you see any exposed or damaged wires, contact a technician right away for an electrical troubleshooting session. They will be able to determine the source of the problem and provide a solution.
