A Guide To Professional Air Conditioning Repair: Common Air Conditioning Unit Problems | Frisco, TX

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If you are a Texan, you know that hot and humid summers tend to be extreme, just like the winter. When it is hot, you want to ensure you stay cool throughout—and that starts with installing a fully functional air conditioning system. ¾ of all American homes have air conditioning units installed.

However, there is a high likelihood that these homeowners will face issues with their HVAC units and seek the services of an air conditioning repair expert at some point later. As a homeowner with no technical clue or knowledge about AC units, diagnosing such systems effectively and implementing effective solutions is hard.

Below is an extensive guide of air conditioning systems, including signs that you need air conditioning repair and choosing between replacement or repair in Frisco, TX.

Types of Air Conditioners

Before you call an air conditioning repair guy, do you know what AC unit you are running? It might help to have a clue on the different types. That way, you also know what you are dealing with and what repair services to expect from the AC repair experts. Here is a short guide on the air conditioner types and common problems they are likely to face.

1. Central Air Conditioners

Central air conditioning is the most common cooling method in American homes. The central air conditioning system includes an exterior condenser unit installed outside the building and expels heat. The system also includes an evaporator coil placed above the furnace and cools the atmosphere within the home.

Additionally, the furnace/air handle works with the air conditioner to blow the cool air through the ductwork. Since the central AC is integrated with the furnace system, it may take advantage of the furnace filter and any extra air purification method you have installed. This helps to ensure clean and comfortable air throughout.

Common Problems that Central Air Conditioning Units Face

Are you using a central AC in your home? Below are some common problems that an air conditioning repair expert may find in your unit:

• The central AC is not blowing cold air. A typical central AC doesn’t blow cold air if a dirty air filter blocks clean airflow. A dirty filter freezes up the condenser unit, thus limiting the AC’s cooling power

• The central AC is not turning on. This could mean a problem with your thermostat. Check your thermostat settings to determine whether the AC is cooling to your desired temperature. However, if the thermostat is working yet the AC is not turning on, you probably have a faulty circuit breaker. The AC typically refuses to turn on if a circuit breaker is tripped. Regardless, consult an air conditioning repair expert in Frisco, TX immediately to determine the cause

• Refrigerant leaks. As soon as the coolant in your AC starts to leak, the unit starts to malfunction, and temperatures fluctuate. Refrigerant leaks can lead to damaged compressors, uneven cooling, coil freezing, high power consumption, and low efficiency. In addition, the leak’s location determines the cost of the air conditioning repair. Therefore, ensure you also schedule regular inspections for refrigerant leaks

• Frozen or Corroded Evaporator coil. The coil absorbs heat in the air and returns it to the house as cold air via ducts. These coils can get corroded easily. However, regular maintenance should help reduce the chances. In addition, these coils may freeze when the AC does not receive adequate air necessary for operation. Frozen evaporator coils can make the AC freeze and cease function

• Electric control failure. Fan controls and compressors tend to wear out the more you turn on and off your central AC unit. The compressor, condenser fan motor, and blower motor create an electric connection to power up the conditioner. If there is a connection problem, the compressor and motor won’t turn on.

Regardless of the problem your central air conditioning unit faces, consult an air conditioning repair expert to diagnose the issue and offer an appropriate remedy.

2. Ductless Air Conditioners

As the name suggests, ductless AC systems do not use ducts(ductwork) to distribute cool air throughout your home). Unfortunately, some old Texan homes lack the ductwork necessary for contemporary ducted air conditioners. This is where the ductless AC unit comes in to help.

Ductless split-ductless systems have several heads or indoor units cooling your air. The units are mounted either on the ceiling, wall, or floor. Each head cools individual rooms (where installed), allowing you to set varying temperatures for each room/unit.

The refrigerant tubing, condensate drain, and power cables move between the outdoor and indoor heads. A small space or hole is needed in the external wall to run the conduit between the outdoor and indoor units.

Common Problems that Ductless AC Units Face

While we recommend installing ductless AC units reasonably often here at your local air conditioning repair service, One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas, no AC unit is without its fair share of challenges. Here are a few things to expect with your ductless air conditioning unit:

• Air Handler Problems. Each air handler has a series of connections routed via a hole behind it—a condensate line, power line, or refrigerant line. Possible air handler problems include broken air handlers. A broken air handler may be a result of a failed motor

• Condensate leaks. There is a high chance you have an improperly configured condensate drain potentially leading to leaks on the wall. Consequently, your air handler may come crashing down the floor

• Condensate drain clog. A drain clog can happen, potentially forcing condensate water back up in your system. This may minimize your AC’s efficiency and potentially lead to leaks

• Blower fan. A blower fan is present in each air handler and blows cool air into your home. Expect to pay more attention to more fans as you would with ducts in the conventional central air conditioners. Watch out for faulty blower fans which require immediate air conditioning repair

• Refrigerant leaks. The more air handler units, the more refrigerant and potentially more refrigerant leaks. Unfortunately, ductless air conditioners are commonly prone to refrigerant leaks

• Wrong installation. How many times have you had an improperly installed appliance or electrical fixture malfunction? A majority of problems with ductless AC include poor unit installation, most likely by underqualified air conditioning repair professionals. For instance, a ductless AC unit functions with refrigerant lines to pump hot air out of your house. If an installation team installs the AC with low charge (less refrigerant), the unit may overwork to maintain the desired indoor air temperature. The long-term effect is unexpected unit breakdowns.

Call an air conditioning repair Frisco, TX expert to diagnose your ductless air conditioners professionally.

3. Heat Pump

Some ACs come in a variation of a conventional system known as a heat pump. However, while an AC can only move heat in one direction (outwards), heat pumps can be reversed and pump hot air in either direction. A heat pump works as a heater and air conditioner, making it ideal for the changing Texas weather. This means it operates like a traditional AC during hot summer months and reverses the process during winter months.

Common Problems that Heat Pump Units Face

Problems to expect from your heat pump include:

• The heat pump is not turning on. This is likely to be caused by either of these problems—thermostat failure, power loss, broken start capacitor, or broken reversing valve
• The heat pump isn’t running constantly. This problem is likely to be caused by unusually cold weather, broken compressor contractor, or thermostat problems
• The heat pump isn’t heating your home sufficiently. The three typical causes include low refrigerant charge, dirty air filters, and blocked units.

Troubleshooting heat pump issues can be slightly challenging. If you are experiencing repeated issues, call our air conditioning repair experts for emergency repair services.

4. Portable Air Conditioners

Also known as a windowless AC, the portable air conditioner can be moved from one room to another, as the name implies. However, it often requires venting to eliminate the hot air and water that the unit generates. Portable air conditioners are typically placed inside a room where the heat is typically discharged via a window vent kit accompanying the unit.

Most users find portable air conditioners noisier than other AC unit types. This is because the evaporator is constantly working to evaporate the condensed water that the unit collects. Besides taking up plenty of your floor space and lacking any visual appeal, portable air conditioners have their fair share of problems.

Common Problems That Portable Air Conditioner Units Face

If you are running a portable air conditioner, expect either of the following issues:

• The Portable AC is not starting. This could be a result of low or lack of voltage. If there is no problem with either the socket, cable, or circuit breaker, then the problem could be a blown internal fuse

• The portable AC has stopped working. It may shut down if there has been an active timer. If you restart it and it stops again without the active timer, there is a much bigger problem

• Airflow shortage coming from the AC. A dirty or clogged filter can cause this. Reduced airflow can also be caused by frost buildup, an overheated compressor, or depleting refrigerant

• A musty smell in the air conditioning. A foul odor may indicate mildew or mold growth. However, this may be an easily solvable problem requiring you to remove the water it is retaining.

Regardless, contact an expert air conditioning repair guy to assist in any way they can.

5. Window Air Conditioners

The window air conditioner fits into open window frames in your house. It is used to cool mainly the room in which they are installed. It then drips condensed moisture onto the ground below outside the house. The unit pulls warm air from the interior, cools it by passing it over an evaporator coil, then blows it back into the atmosphere. The unit’s evaporator coil then absorbs heat, which is transferred to the condenser coil and expelled externally.

Common Problems Window Air Conditioner Units Face

Some of the common problems include:

• Water dripping from the front of the unit
• Ice formation on the unit
• Low cooling performance
• The unit is not starting
• The compressor switches off too early without cooling.

An air conditioning repair Frisco, TX expert can help diagnose every possible air conditioning unit problem and repair them accordingly.

Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioning Unit?

Either of these options is viable in different situations. To avoid confusion when choosing whether to repair or replace your AC, here is a short guide.

The general rule of thumb is to replace your air conditioner if it has passed its lifespan. Most air conditioners nowadays last between 15-20 years. Therefore, if your AC is any older than that, consider replacing it. If you are running the older model that is over ten years old, chances are it has passed its lifespan and won’t serve you effectively.

Moreover, if the air conditioner has frequent damages and repairs, chances are it is beyond repair. If you are constantly repairing your AC, that means the unit is solely dependent on repairs, and without any repair, it ceases functionality. However, experts recommend replacing the unit if the repairs are too often and too costly.

With both these factors combined, your AC is likely to be inefficient. An inefficient and less energy-efficient AC is a cause for alarm and should be replaced immediately.

In a nutshell, we recommend air conditioning repair only when it is necessary. Moreover, if your AC is relatively new and malfunctions, chances are that a simple repair is what you need.

Signs That You Need Air Conditioning Repair

Here are warning signs that you should hire an air conditioning repair expert as soon as possible:

• Your energy bills have increased unreasonably
• Your AC unit is making too much noise
• Fluctuating temperatures/uneven cooling
• The AC is leaking
• You notice low airflow
• The AC coil is frozen.

Hire an Air Conditioning Repair Frisco, TX Professional

Are you having air conditioner trouble in your Frisco, TX home? We are a leading heating and air conditioning service provider serving clients in thousands of homes across the state. Call us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas today to schedule expert air conditioning repair services.