With the summer heat dragging on well into August, there is no sign of these heat waves letting up any time soon. This year seems to be different with triple-digit temperatures registering on a daily basis. In fact, Austin has seen a number of heat advisories and warnings in place. This means that temps can feel anywhere between 110 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. As the heat takes a toll on everyone’s daily lives, you can bet that your air conditioners are also feeling the effects. The ongoing heat could cause a variety of issues, including unexpected mechanical failures. In this article, we’ll go over some of the essential AC repair Austin services you could need in the summer if you live within the Austin area and other nearby communities.
Air conditioners cool a home by transferring the indoor heat to the outside. The compressor uses refrigerant gas by pressurizing it and sending it to the unit’s condenser coil outside. Hot and humid days can make your cooling system work harder. In particular, older units will have a difficult time cooling your home in the middle of a hot day. If you haven’t kept up with the regular maintenance routine, your air conditioner is bound to fail sooner or later. Anytime the outside temperatures reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit and above, the AC unit consumes more energy, which could eventually lead to a malfunction somewhere in the system. If you maintain your system regularly, you shouldn’t have to worry. On the other hand, air conditioners that are older and dirty could see frequent breakdowns in the summer and could need HVAC services Austin experts. One of the first things to keep an eye on are the condenser coils.
It can be a distressing feeling when your air conditioning unit fails. One preventative measure that every homeowner should consider is to regularly maintain the cooling system, such as replacing your air filters on a monthly basis. It is also ideal to have a qualified HVAC technician go out to your home and inspect the unit at least once a year. At times, air conditioners fail or malfunction even if you do everything right. When your AC breaks down, one of the first things you should do is call your local Austin HVAC or AC technician. Some offer 24/7 emergency services, which means you can have your AC fixed within just a few hours and on the same day.
What causes an air conditioner to fail? Wear and tear are the main causes of a failing air conditioning unit. Coupled together with dirty condenser coils and the overbearing heat, you can put additional stress on the cooling system. While the AC unit may work for a while, you could begin to notice signs that your air conditioner is malfunctioning, such as warm air coming out of the vents. This is the first sign of dirty condenser coils that may need cleaning and even a much-needed repair. A clogged condensate drainage line could also lead to dirty coils. The coils will begin to freeze over causing the system to overload. Once the coils freeze, you may notice water dripping from the indoor unit as the ice begins to melt.
Another reason air conditioners could begin to malfunction is due to a leak somewhere in the refrigerant line. This is one essential repair that you need to keep in mind this summer. Warm or stale coming out of the vents usually means your system is low on refrigerants. According to the EPA guidelines, these types of chemicals can be harmful if used incorrectly and need to be handled by trained professionals who are licensed.
Loud or popping noises can sometimes indicate an issue within the air conditioning system. One of the most common and essential AC repair in Austin is the blower motor. This device is responsible for keeping the air moving smoothly inside your home. Now, because this motor is usually tucked away, it can go unnoticed for years. With time, the motor’s capacitors could wear out as a result of wear and tear. The job of an AC technician is to properly lubricate the motor and its bearings for smooth operation. It’s also a good idea to keep the blower motor clean by removing gunk, debris and dirt. Of course, if you notice any banging coming from the ducts or smell something burning, always contact a professional technician.
When it comes to the compressor, electrical issues are usually the root of the problem. Low airflow in the system is one of the first signs to look out for when you suspect something is wrong with the blower fan or compressor. Another thing is grinding or screeching noises coming from the condenser fan. If you hear one but not the other, it could point to a faulty blower fan or a bad compressor. Motors will fail in a few ways, including being shorted to the ground, open winding, bad bearings or bad valves. If any of these issues come up all of a sudden, an emergency ac repair Austin technician will be able to repair the problem.
If it’s a bad compressor, the AC repair tech will sometimes recommend a replacement if it is more cost-effective. Another thing that could come up is the age of the air conditioner. Any AC unit that is between 10 – 15 years old should be replaced. This is mainly because the system will not run at an efficient level, which could lead to frequent repairs. However, if the system is fairly new, repairs are the ideal choice for any AC malfunctions. By repairing your air conditioning units, you are sure to stay cool and comfortable as the summer months come to a close. If you have any questions on this topic, you can always reach out to Grande Air Solutions for great suggestions.
