Simple Air Conditioning Repair Problems That Could Spell Big Trouble | Frisco, TX
Your air conditioning system is crucial for your Frisco, TX home. An integral part of your HVAC unit, your air conditioner may experience problems from time to time as any mechanical or electrical system might. Unfortunately, many large problems are actually caused by seemingly small issues. A dirty air filter, for example, can cause major problems that result in big expenses. One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas can tackle any air conditioning repair, and while you might not expect minor repair issues to require service, they often do if you want to ward off more serious problems. Protect your air conditioning unit by choosing our licensed and insured HVAC maintenance company when you need service in Frisco, TX.
Dirty AC Filter
A dirty air conditioning filter is often a cause for air conditioning repair. Although it seems unlikely that a dirty filter can wreak havoc with your air conditioning unit, it can. The air filter is an important part of your AC system. The air around your AC unit is filled with particulates. If these particulates get into your system and begin to coat important system components with debris, the system will suffer. If the dirty filter is left unchanged, the problem can get worse and cause all sorts of serious issues that can spell serious damage for your AC system–damage that necessitates air conditioning repair.
Freezing Coils
A dirty air filter can cause your AC system’s coils to freeze. If you have frozen coils, you can call One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas for our air conditioning repair service, but a simple filter change very likely could have warded off this problem. A clean air conditioning filter allows the free flow of air through the system. A dirty filter prevents cold air from flowing freely. The trapped cold air can build up and cause the coils to freeze and the AC unit to stop working.
Short Cycling
Short cycling is another common reason for air conditioning repair. This problem, like frozen coils, can also be caused by a dirty air filter. Short cycling can reduce the longevity of your AC unit. Throughout a given day, your AC unit, when turned on, will cycle periodically throughout the day as needed. A dirty filter causes the cycles to run short. As a consequence, your AC unit will work overtime, running more cycles than would have been needed otherwise. The issue can cause breakdowns that demand immediate service from One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas.
Reduced Energy Efficiency
Although reduced energy efficiency might not require air conditioning repair for your Frisco, TX, AC unit, it can leave you paying more costly energy bills during the warm season. An efficient air conditioning unit will work without gobbling up more energy than is needed to optimally cool your home. If you’re concerned that your AC unit isn’t operating as efficiently as it used to, the problem could be a dirty air filter.
Uneven Cooling
Uneven cooling can leave your house feeling uncomfortably warm in places. The issue can be caused by a dirty AC filter. If you experience uneven cooling in your home, you should check your air filter. If it’s dirty, it needs to be changed. If the air filter has been changed recently, another issue could be at play. You can contact One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas to visit your Frisco, TX home to assess the problem. In such cases, you may require an air conditioning repair.
Reduced Air Quality
If the air filter of your AC system is dirty, it’s not able to do its job of capturing particulates like allergens. These particulates can coat the components of your AC system and also reduce the quality of your indoor air. Do you find yourself sneezing more often? Increased allergens in the air can trigger asthmatic symptoms or irritate someone’s respiratory system.
Debris Near Your Outdoor Unit
Did you know that it’s important to leave three feet of space open around your outdoor air conditioning system? If not, you may find that you need an unexpected air conditioning repair. When the unit is covered by debris like branches downed by a recent storm or surrounded by lawn chairs or other patio items, its airflow becomes blocked. That blocked airflow can cause the unit’s compressor to overheat. When that occurs, your AC unit can suffer a breakdown.
Of course, if your compressor overheats, you can call on One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas for air conditioning repair. However, you can often head off a serious repair problem like this by maintaining the unit’s airflow needs.
Dirty Condensate Drain
Another common problem that affects AC systems is a dirty condensate drain. Cleaning the condensate drain is easy, but it’s just as easy to forget about this maintenance task until there’s a problem. A dirty condensate drain can cause a water leak, and water leaks can cause serious mold problems at your Frisco, TX home. If your condensate line is leaking, it’s necessary to clear the clog. If you are unsure of how to perform this maintenance, you can rely on your air conditioning repair tech from One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas.
Dirty Thermostat
You might think you need an air conditioning repair when the issue at hand is caused by little more than a dirty thermostat. If your thermostat becomes dusty or dirty, it can malfunction. A simple loose wire or screw can also impede its function. If your AC unit isn’t turning on as it should, your thermostat batteries may need to be changed. If you change the batteries and clean the thermostat but your AC system is still not functioning properly, you may need an air conditioning repair.
Other Common Problems That Require an AC Service Call
While a dirty air filter and corroded thermostat are simple enough issues that can cause major problems, there are many commonplace issues that routine maintenance may ward off. It’s essential to schedule annual AC system maintenance in order to catch signs of wearing parts before they can cause damage to your AC unit. The following common problems are among issues that often show up in a routine maintenance check.
Refrigerant Leaks
A refrigerant leak is terrible for the environment, but it will also reduce the comfort of your home. Your AC unit will not be able to cool your Frisco, TX home optimally without the proper amount of refrigerant. A refrigerant leak can develop for seemingly no reason. As your AC system ages, parts deteriorate. A refrigerant leak can cause many different problems, including coil freezing, reduced efficiency, uneven cooling, and a damaged compressor.
Fortunately, your air conditioning repair technician will check refrigerant levels during routine maintenance and inspections. If the refrigerant level is low, the tech will naturally look for evidence of a leak. A refrigerant leak needs to be repaired. One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas can make this repair for you.
Dirty Condenser Coils
If your AC unit’s condenser coils become dirty, a simple cleaning off with the garden hose may not be enough. Dirty condenser coils lead to less effective cooling. Your home may seem noticeably warmer. During routine maintenance and tuneup appointments, our air conditioning repair tech will check the coils for signs of caked-on dirt and debris. When simple cleaning measures aren’t enough, our tech may need to perform a chemical cleaning to remedy the problem.
Leaking Air Ducts
If your HVAC system’s air ducts are leaking, you’ll find that your home won’t feel as cool. The issue can cause uneven cooling in your home. Leaking ducts can make your AC unit work overtime, and that can cause your energy bills to skyrocket. Our air conditioning repair pro can check your ducts during a maintenance inspection to ensure there are no leaks or clogs.
What Happens During AC Maintenance and Inspections?
When was the last time you had your AC unit professional inspected and treated to important maintenance tasks. Many of the problems discussed above can be addressed during maintenance checkups–before they can cause a breakdown and AC damage. What will happen during routine air conditioning system maintenance?
When you contact us to schedule your maintenance appointment, our air conditioning repair and maintenance tech will bring everything needed to service your AC unit. What will we do? We work from a maintenance checklist, but we also provide custom care that’s tailored to your AC system’s needs. During our maintenance and inspection appointment, we will perform the following:
Lubrication of Moving Parts
Lubricating the components of your AC unit is another seemingly small but crucial maintenance step. Proper lubrication of parts keeps them working properly and reduces undue friction. When parts aren’t lubricated, they have an increased tendency to break down.
Tighten Electrical Connections
With routine use, the electrical connections of your AC system can loosen. Tightening these connections supports increased safety. By tightening these connections, you may be able to ward off a serious air conditioning repair call.
System Controls
Expect our maintenance technician to check the controls of your AC system. This aspect of maintenance targets the system’s cycling mechanisms. Is your AC system cycling properly? That’s what we’ll be checking when we evaluate your system’s controls.
Condensate Drain
Our technician will flush the condensate drain and provide an anti-algae treatment if needed.
Other Maintenance Tasks:
- Ensure blower motor is working properly
- Calibrate and ensure that the blower motor is functioning properly
- Check refrigerant levels
- Inspect ducts for potential energy loss
- Test capacitors
- Inspect service valves
- Monitor compressor
Are there Maintenance Tasks that Property Owners Can Perform?
Although you can rely on your air conditioning repair and maintenance technician to perform all maintenance tasks, you may want to perform some yourself that do not, necessarily, require a professional service tech. Some tasks you may wish to perform include:
- Changing the AC air filter
- Clearing debris around the outdoor unit (be sure not clutter is left within three feet of the unit)
- Clean the condenser fan
- Straighten the air conditioner fins
- Clean the evaporator drain
- Clean evaporator coils
Benefits of Annual Air Conditioning Maintenance
The chief benefit of performing routine maintenance for your AC unit is to support its efficient operation and longevity. As you learned, small issues like a dirty air filter can cause severe system damage. By contacting us for service, you can enjoy advantages such as:
Fewer Repair Bills
When your AC unit is properly maintained, you can generally expect fewer repair bills. That’s because maintenance tasks can uncover small problems before they cause breakdowns.
Prevent Total Breakdowns
Many problems caught during routine inspections could have caused a total AC breakdown. Wearing parts can be replaced before they cause extensive damage to your air conditioning system.
Support Unit’s Longevity
Careful care of your air conditioning system can support its longevity, protecting your investment and allowing you to get more value from your air conditioner.
Improved Energy Usage
When your AC system is expertly maintained, it is apt to function better and with improved energy efficiency. A more efficient AC system can result in decreased energy bills.
Safe Operation
Finally, routine maintenance helps you ensure that your air conditioner is functioning safely. You can enjoy its use with more peace of mind.
If you need air conditioning repair and maintenance for your AC system in Frisco, TX, contact One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas. We have a reputation for outstanding service. Remember that the best time to schedule annual AC maintenance is in the spring, before the beginning of the hot season. Our technician can help you get your AC system ready to keep you cool all summer long. Contact us to learn more about our HVAC solutions or to schedule a service appointment.