On the hottest of Alabama days, there’s nothing like the refreshing relief of an air conditioner. But what should you do when your AC malfunctions? And what exactly causes these glitches?
Below are several of the most common problems AC units face along with the repairs that could save the day.
Replacing the Capacitor
Your AC’s capacitor is shaped like a soda can, and it contains two conductive plates. Those plates are thin and rolled-up, and they’re made of aluminum or another material that can conduct electricity.
Basically, the capacitor regulates the power that flows all through the AC system. That is, it makes sure that each component starts up and gets the right amount of electricity to do its job.
However, capacitors can weaken as time goes on, and they must be replaced every so often. If a capacitor isn’t switched out in time, it’ll stop working altogether. And that could cause various AC-related issues, including shutdowns, overheating, burning odors, and higher energy bills.
Replacing the Coolant
Coolant is the fluid that travels along a loop throughout your AC system. Along the way, it turns from a liquid to a gas and then back to a liquid. Inside your AC unit is an expansion valve, which vaporizes the liquid coolant. From there, the gas flows into the evaporator coil, where it absorbs the heat from the air. It then releases that heat outside before condensing into a liquid once again.
However, coolant can leak out of an air conditioner (oftentimes through the compressor). And, if it isn’t replenished soon enough, the AC system will start to malfunction.
Replacing the Compressor
The compressor, for its part, takes the gaseous coolant and raises its temperature. It pressurizes that gas, too. Afterwards, the coolant is ready to enter the outdoor condenser coil and release the heat.
Because the compressor works so hard, though, it can easily wear down. When that happens, your AC will stop working effectively.
Other Common Issues
An AC could stop working for numerous other reasons. For example, you might need to replace one of the following items:
Air Filter
When one of the air filters gets clogged, air doesn’t flow as freely through the AC system. Therefore, the AC can’t cool air as successfully.
Thermostat
When a thermostat is broken, it can cause an entire AC system to overwork itself, leading to wasted electricity (and wasted money). And the air cooling process usually becomes uneven, causing some rooms to get uncomfortably hot.
Fuse
Fuses are important safety devices. If an electrical problem like an overload or a short circuit occurs, the fuses will stop the flow of electricity within your AC system. Therefore, they’ll prevent damage, and they might prevent a fire as well. But, when your fuses aren’t working, your AC won’t work well — if it works at all.
In short, air conditioning systems are highly complicated. If they’re to function efficiently, all of their parts must be working together in harmony. And every component must be well-maintained. Thus, the condensation pan should be empty. The coils must be clean and uncorroded. The drain line can’t be clogged. The list goes on and on.
Calling a Professional For Repairs
What should you do if, one day, you find that your AC unit isn’t working right? Well, unless you have experience and training in ACrepairs, you should call a professional at once.
A licensed professional will examine your AC system thoroughly, identify the specific problem, and fix it with the proper tools. That way, your AC could be up and running as soon as possible. And you can be sure that it’ll be energy-efficient and safe to use.Yes, your AC will comply with your warranty and with all local safety regulations. Just as important, you can enjoy peace of mind.
Birmingham One Hour: For All Your AC Repairs
If you live in or near Birmingham, Ala., we at Birmingham One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating could fix your AC at any time.
Our technicians are true AC experts, with years of success in their field. And our team will always be open and direct with you, communicating honestly what needs to be done and how much it will cost.
Plus, whether you require repairs, an upgrade, or a full replacement, we’ll provide you with first-rate parts and materials. We always guarantee quality, and we’ll guarantee your complete satisfaction as well.
Moreover, if you contact us for an emergency appointment, we’ll show up at your place within an hour (hence our name). And, whether or not it’s an emergency situation, we’re always punctual. In fact, our motto is “We’re on time or you don’t pay a dime.” We definitely mean it.
In the end, air conditioners don’t just cool air. They improve sleep, ease asthma and allergy-related ailments, prevent odors and mold growth, stave off dehydration, protect electronic devices, and keep harmful insects away, among other benefits. Indeed, when our AC units run smoothly, we can be at our happiest and healthiest.
