6 AC Repairs to Leave in the Hands of a Professional
In an attempt to quickly fix an AC problem and get the system working again, some Prospect, Kentucky, homeowners might want to perform the repair without the help of an HVAC technician. Performing AC repairs can lead to more harm than good. You may end up hurting yourself, not to mention damaging the AC. Tasks such as repairing refrigerant leaks, clogged drain lines, and broken compressors are all AC repairs to leave in the hands of a professional.
Refrigerant Leaks
As coolant leaks inside of the AC, this will eventually compromise the unit’s functionality. As a result, you may notice that the AC has a hard time accommodating your temperature preference. This can greatly hinder your indoor comfort and make you want to fix the issue as quickly as possible. Instead of repairing the leak yourself, you should let a professional handle it for you.
The location of the leak will determine how extensive and costly the repair will be. A professional technician can perform a quick inspection to identify the source of the leak and fix the problem correctly the first time around. In doing so, this will help you save on energy costs.
Clogged Drainage Line
Over time, it’s not uncommon for AC drainage lines to become clogged with dirt, dust, and other debris. As the drainage line gets backed up, this will cause the drain pan to fill up with water. It’s especially important to have a technician inspect the source of the problem. The longer you go without permanently fixing the issue, the higher the likelihood of there being water damage to the AC and the area around it.
Tripped Breakers and Blown Fuses
The breakers and fuses connected to the AC play a crucial role in protecting the unit’s motor and compressor from getting too hot. Sometimes, something as simple as a blown fuse or tripped breaker can remedy the problem. Other times, it requires much more extensive electrical work to fix the issue with your AC. If you attempt to perform electrical work on your own, you run a high risk of harming yourself. You also risk catching the entire breaker box or cooling unit on fire.
Failed Capacitor
The capacitor on the cooling unit ensures that the motor has power to run the compressor and fans. When the capacitor can’t send a jolt of electricity to the AC motor, this can keep the entire cooling system from working. Because the capacitor connects to many important parts of the AC, this is another repair you should leave to the professionals.
Frozen or Dirty Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil absorbs heat from the air and then sends it into your home as cold air. If the coil has corrosion, this can cause major problems. There’s also a possibility that the evaporator coil will freeze if it endures restricted airflow from problems such as a clogged air filter. Because the evaporator coil plays such an important role in producing cold air, it’s important to have it repaired by a professional.
If the problem lies in a corroded coil, a technician may be able to simply clean the corrosion off. If the coil appears frozen, the technician will have to inspect why it’s freezing and fix the problem accordingly. In some instances, an AC upgrade may be recommended.
Worn Contactors
The condenser fan motor along with the compressor and blower motor on the AC all have contactors. These components create an electrical connection to ensure the motor and compressor have power to cycle on and off. When arcing or pitting occurs on any of these contactors, it then becomes nearly impossible for the pertinent parts of the AC to receive the electrical connection they need to power on. To address this problem, you should consult an HVAC technician immediately.
Contact Birkhead Co. at (502) 443-9545 to learn more about AC repairs that require a professional inspection. You can also speak with us about scheduling your next HVAC repair or maintenance session.
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