Air Conditioning Repair Round Rock TX services offer expert diagnostics to address a range of issues. A skilled technician can also conduct routine maintenance to help ensure optimal performance.
Ignoring a problem with your AC unit can lead to more serious problems that require replacement. A new unit is a significant investment and can increase the overall value of your home.
When warm air blows over the evaporator coil inside your indoor air conditioning unit, it cools by absorbing moisture in the form of condensation. That moisture drips down onto a drain pan, and then it’s routed outside or to an interior drain through a PVC line. This system works well under normal conditions, but there are a few things that can go wrong and cause your AC to leak water.
One of the most common causes of leaking air conditioners is a clogged condensate drain line. Over time, the line can become clogged with dirt, dust, algae, and other debris. When this happens, the line backs up and overflows the drain pan, causing water to seep into your home. Luckily, you can clear most clogs by turning off your AC unit and opening up the panel to expose the drain line. Then, you can use a long wire brush to clear out the clog or a wet/dry vac to suck it out.
In some cases, the drain line may become disconnected from the drainage pan. This can happen when someone working on the unit accidentally stresses or loosens the connection, or it can simply wear out over time. If you suspect that your drain line is disconnected, contact an HVAC technician as soon as possible to reconnect it.
Another common cause of leaking AC units is low refrigerant levels. When refrigerant is too low, it can cause the evaporator coil to freeze. This can also lead to a wet mess when it thaws. To avoid this, have a professional inspect and refill your refrigerant at the beginning of each season.
If you notice a leaking AC, shut it off right away to prevent further damage and protect your property. Then, contact a professional to diagnose the problem and perform any necessary repairs. A leaking air conditioning can cost you money in the long run by contributing to costly water damage and overworking your unit, which will drive up energy bills. With California’s skyrocketing electricity costs, every effort to reduce your bill should be made.
Unusual Noises
When your air conditioning unit starts making unusual noises, it’s important to pay attention and consult with a professional technician. Ignoring these sounds can lead to major problems that require the replacement of your entire unit.
A metallic grinding sound often indicates that the compressor’s pistons are beginning to wear out and need to be replaced. This issue can be expensive and needs to be addressed as soon as possible. A chirping sound can be caused by low refrigerant levels, and it’s important to check your system’s refrigerant level before attempting a DIY repair.
Clicking noises can indicate a variety of issues, including a failing compressor, a broken capacitor, or loose wiring. It may also be a sign of foreign objects or small animals stuck in the fan, or it could be a result of ductwork expansion and contraction with temperature changes.
High-pitched squealing can indicate that the belt connecting the blower motor to the motor has slipped, or it could be an indication that your AC unit’s bearings need to be replaced. Newer units do not use belts, but this issue can be a problem in older models.
Rattling noises often indicate that there are foreign objects or objects stuck in your unit’s vents or fans, or that the vent covers have become loose and need to be tightened. Occasionally, these issues can be resolved by simply moving items away from the vents or by tightening loose covers and screws. However, if these simple solutions don’t resolve the issue, it is best to contact a professional technician for a detailed inspection and diagnosis.
Humming noises can be a sign of a faulty contactor relay switch, a faulty capacitor, or a vibration within the compressor’s coils. It can also be a sign of a leak in your drainage line or an issue with your compressor’s oil level.
Faulty Thermostat
If you turn on your air conditioner during a heatwave, only to find that it’s blowing warm air in your face instead of cool, there are many possible reasons why. The most common may be that the thermostat is faulty and needs to be fixed or replaced. However, it could also be that a vent is closed or the unit is low on refrigerant. In any event, it’s best to call a local AC repair company to come take a look and figure out what the problem is.
A faulty thermostat can cause your cooling system to short-cycle or run continuously, even when the room is at the desired temperature setting. Other signs of a thermostat that’s failing include inaccurate readings and a sudden drop in energy efficiency.
If your thermostat is displaying a blank screen or not responding at all, it’s time to change the batteries. This is a simple fix that often fixes the problem right away. If this doesn’t work, you can try removing the cover and making sure the wires are all firmly attached to their respective mounting screw. Loose wires can shift over time and cause the thermostat to misread temperatures.
You can test this by comparing the thermostat’s reading to that of a nearby thermometer. If the discrepancy is more than one degree, you need to recalibrate the thermostat or replace it.
In addition to replacing or reprogramming the thermostat, you should consider moving it if it’s located in an area that receives too much sunlight or other heat sources. It’s also important to make sure the thermostat isn’t blocked by furniture or other items, as this can also affect its functionality.
A faulty thermostat can be a major headache. But identifying and addressing the issue early on can save you money and hassle down the road. By learning what to watch for, you can be prepared for the inevitable failure of your air conditioning system’s thermostat. This will help keep your cooling system running reliably throughout its lifespan. Hopefully, you’ll never have to deal with an AC failure that causes your home to be uncomfortably hot.
Mold Growth
Mold is a common issue that can impact indoor air quality. When spores become airborne, they can trigger allergies in many people. This can lead to a host of symptoms, including sneezing, watery eyes, congestion and headaches. For those with pre-existing conditions, such as asthma, this can worsen symptoms and even trigger attacks. Mold spores can also damage materials, making them more expensive to replace.
Mold growth in an air conditioning system is usually caused by excessive moisture. This moisture can result from leaks, condensation, and poor ventilation. Leaks can occur from a damaged AC unit or when the system is improperly sized. Condensation can also occur if the air conditioner isn’t properly cleaned and maintained. Poor ventilation can cause a buildup of dust and other debris that can block airflow, leading to an excess of humidity.
When an air conditioner is infested with mold, occupants will often notice a musty or earthy odor. This is because the fungus is emitting microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) into the air. Once the fungus becomes dormant, the musty or earthy odor will stop. However, the spores will still remain inside the air conditioning system until they are physically removed.
Fortunately, mold can be prevented from growing in an air conditioning system by regularly cleaning the drip pan and ductwork. In addition, high MERV filters, UV systems and routine professional maintenance can help to keep the system clean and healthy.
It’s important to contact an HVAC professional when you suspect a problem with your air conditioning system, especially if it’s located in hard-to-reach areas like in the ductwork or behind the wall unit. They have the experience and specialized tools needed to ensure that the problem is taken care of quickly and effectively, preventing further mold infestation. They can also determine the underlying issues contributing to the mold infestation and provide guidance on how to prevent future problems. This includes regularly cleaning the ducts, repairing any clogged drainage piping on the AC unit and ensuring that the drain pan is not full of sewage or other contaminants.