“How will I know if my AC needs an emergency repair?”
This has been one of the most frequently asked by unit owners so they can detect the problem and spare themselves from what they usually misconceived as an “expense” in hiring a professional AC specialist.
But did you know that calling for a repair as soon as possible is the best action step? It’s because the more precise and early the detection of the problem is on your AC unit, the less costly it will be, as it prevents the problem from advancing.
Today, we will go into greater detail about what scenarios warrant an emergency repair and whether you need a professional’s assistance.
Thus, if you notice the signs we will be mentioning down the line, don’t hesitate to call the Cool Guys Mechanical Air Conditioning specialists team to fix your AC unit as soon as possible.
Let’s get started!
What is an Emergency AC Repair?
An emergency AC repair is the kind of AC unit repair that needs immediate action. This can take many forms, which include poor cooling, electrical problems, or foul odors.
It is crucial not to disregard the signals that an air conditioner is malfunctioning since most signs are palpable before your AC system starts to break down.
Most Common AC Problems
To explain why your air conditioning unit is malfunctioning, below is the list we have compiled for you.
No power to your AC unit
Faulty wiring, tripped breaker, blown fuse, or overheating are common reasons your AC unit is not turning on.
Defective fan motor
A defective fan motor causes your air conditioning unit to stop circulating cool air in your room or throughout your home.
Refrigerant leakage
Whenever you hear a hissing sound, it could be that your refrigerant is leaking. When this happens, it tends to decrease your AC unit’s efficiency and cause environmental damage.
Clogged Condensate Drain
Over time, algae, dust, dirt, insects, nests, and other debris can clog your AC unit’s condensate drain, leading to water damage. To prevent clogs, it is recommended to flush the drain to remove the clogs and apply algaecide to prevent regrowth.
Worn-out fan belt
A squealing sound from your air conditioning unit indicates that our fan belt has worn out. Contacting an air conditioning specialist is crucial to perform an emergency repair immediately. Timely replacement of fan belts will prevent you from costly repairs.
Frozen evaporator coil
If you feel warm air coming from your air conditioning unit, it can be due to a frozen evaporator coil. It is commonly caused by poor circulation, uninterrupted and overnight use of your AC unit, and low refrigerant levels.
Causes of Emergency Air Conditioning Repair
There are times when an emergency air conditioning repair is inevitable; however, this can be avoided. Below are the typical causes of AC malfunctions:
Cause #1: Overuse
Tempting as it is to leave your air conditioner running all day while you’re not at home, there’s no reason to do so. To give off cool air, your air conditioner must utilize energy. It is not advisable to squander this energy as this could reduce your AC unit’s efficiency and lifespan.
Solution:
1. Use the ceiling fans. Using your ceiling fans helps to cool your home fast and maintain it. It also helps in equally distributing cool air if operated counterclockwise.
2. Don’t use the stove. Your stove produces much heat, primarily if used over an extended period.
3. Close the drapes. Use your curtains to shield the inside of your home from the scorching heat of the sun. This technique will help in efficiently cooling your home.
4. Open windows at night. Open your windows at night to let cool air into the house.
5. Limit the usage of your air conditioner. Use your air conditioner only on hot days and while you are at home.
Cause #2: Plants or things blocking the unit
Hot air from your home is absorbed and released through your air conditioner as it exits outside the building. It is crucial to leave plenty of room around this outlet so that the airflow is unhindered and adequate.
Meanwhile, if the airflow is restricted, the system won’t be able to cool your home and will work the unit too hard.
Solution:
Our outdoor air conditioner requires a lot of open air to perform its heat-removing function. For your AC system to operate effectively and efficiently, perform routine checks and ensure that you clear away any rubbish or vegetation from the area.
Cause #3: Inadequate Insulation in Your Attic
Insulation is vital for controlling your home’s temperature. It keeps your home warm in the winter and cools in the summer because of heat transmission through the roof and ceiling. Furthermore, insulation creates a barrier that stops heat from increasing or decreasing, keeping your home temperature comfortable.
Your home’s interior temperature will rise in the summer if your attic is improperly insulated, forcing you to utilize your air conditioner to keep your home cool. This can make your cooling system work too hard and shorten its lifespan.
Solution:
To address this issue, increase your attic’s insulation.
However, if your insulation has aged and is not insulating properly, removing and replacing it with new insulation is best.
Cause #4: Neglecting basic care
This is failing to do routine care and maintenance for your air conditioner. Below are some solutions or techniques to take care of your AC system.
Solution:
1. Change your filters regularly. Air filters prevent dust and debris from getting inside your AC unit. It also improves air quality and prevents wear and tear that may damage the unit.
2. Clean your coils. Dust and pollutants can still make their way into your AC unit and build up on coils, even with filters. It is crucial to regularly clean your coils during an AC maintenance service to reduce buildup, generate cool air, and extend the lifespan of your unit.
3. Straighten fins. Crooked fins lower the efficiency of your AC unit and may cause damage in the long run. It is recommended to straighten the fins to enable heat to escape from the outside of your air conditioner easily.
4. Monitor coolant levels. Low refrigerant levels may indicate leakage. Regularly monitoring your coolant levels will help you know if the refrigerant has leaked.
Cause #5: Improper usage of thermostat
Your home temperature and airflow balance impact your cooling system. If your thermostat is tampered with or does not function correctly, this will create an imbalance in the AC system. Your cooling system will then be taxed and expends more energy causing damage due to strain.
Solution:
Set your thermostat to 68 degrees during winter and 78 degrees during summer when you are at home.
Cause #6: Avoiding Annual Checkups
Foregoing annual AC checkups will render your system inefficient in the long run, leading to increased energy bills, frequent system breakdowns, premature system replacement, and shorter lifespan.
Solution:
You can avoid emergency repairs by diligently following annual checkups performed by the best air conditioning services provider. These checkups will help keep your air conditioner operating as efficiently as possible by detecting the early onset of unit problems before they become emergencies. Regular inspections by a qualified technician also keep your annual maintenance and repair costs minimal.
Cause #7: Not cleaning your AC system regularly
When the internal components of your AC system are not washed or cleaned regularly, those dirty filters will restrict the flow of cool air, which builds up in the AC unit—the final result: ice formation on the coils.
Solution:
One of the best techniques to avoid needing emergency air conditioner repairs is to ensure your cooling system is properly maintained and kept clean.
Final Thoughts
All in all, check your air conditioner’s filters to ensure they are clean if you hear unusual noises or if it does not give off cool air. Monitor if you have the right amount of refrigerant levels and if the coils are not frozen.
If you still cannot pinpoint what is happening in your system, call the pros at Cool Guys Mechanical.
Even if your air conditioner is working perfectly fine, we highly suggest that air conditioner specialists perform routine maintenance to avoid emergency repairs.
Book an appointment with us today and have our certified and highly experienced technicians check your AC system!
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