If you regularly use your air conditioning unit, you need to take extra care to ensure its proper functioning. Broken air conditioners are standard during the summer. Therefore, you should schedule annual maintenance contracts or have your unit regularly serviced with ac repair services Massachusetts. Here are some common problems and the recommended repair procedures.
Refrigerant leaks
If you have a leaky AC unit, you might have to call a professional right away. This is because refrigerants can leak from various points, including the air conditioning system. Luckily, there are several ways to diagnose a leak..
The most common locations where refrigerant leaks occur are near evaporator coils, valve cores, copper tubing, shipping valves, and filter canisters. HVAC specialists use electronic leak detectors to pinpoint the exact location of leaks. These tools offer high precision and are widely available for various tasks, including air conditioning repair. While checking for a leak in your AC system, wear protective gloves to prevent your hands from becoming stained or cut by sharp items.
Clogged pipes
The first step in performing AC repair work for clogged pipes is to identify the cause of the blockage. The drain pipe is typically a T-shaped vent covered by a cap. Remove the cap and inspect the drain pipe for visible debris. If the obstruction is not a blockage, you can attempt to clear the drain manually using a drainage snake. Be careful not to push the block down the pipe. A mild cleaning solution mixed with soap and water can be used to remove the clog. Pour the solution slowly into the pipe and stop it when it is full.
Another common symptom of a clogged drain line is standing water around the AC unit. This is due to a clogged condensate pan. This means that the water cannot drain from the unit and may even start to build up inside. This causes water damage throughout the home, including a buildup of mold and algae on walls and other surfaces. During AC repairs, it’s essential to identify the cause of the blockage to avoid further damage to your home.
Frozen evaporator coils
A frozen evaporator coil can lead to several problems. It can cause condensation on the evaporator coil or form around the outdoor refrigerant line. Another common problem is an overflowing or clogged condensate drain pan. While a professional HVAC technician should be called in to repair frozen evaporator coils, there are things you can do yourself before the professional arrives. Before a technician arrives, turn off the AC system and adjust the fan switch to “fan only.” This will blow warm air over the coils and allow them to dry completely.
The most common cause of a frozen evaporator coil is insufficient airflow. This can be caused by clogged air filters, backed-up drains, a clogged air register, or a malfunctioning air handler. Dirty air filters can also cause dirty evaporator coils.
Leaking ducts
Fortunately, leaking ducts are usually fairly easy to detect and fix. First, mark where the air is escaping with a grease pencil. Once you’ve identified where the leak is, seal it. Airborne debris can collect in ductwork, preventing free airflow. Therefore, it’s essential to locate any leaks immediately and repair them as soon as possible. Then, to prevent further damage, seal the ducts with a permanent seal.
When a duct leak, toxic fumes can seep into the home and make residents sick. This happens because the conditioned air is drawn from a basement or outside. Because basements often contain chemicals, this air can combine with them. If you smell a foul odor coming from your conditioned air, you should consider this problem immediately. You may not even know that the air coming from the basement is leaking.
Squealing noises
When your AC system begins making squealing noises, you’ve got two possibilities: a faulty fan or blower or a loose air filter. A loud banging noise is indicative of a compressor failure, and dirty fan blades could cause a squeaking noise. A loud squeaking noise indicates a malfunctioning blower or fan motor.
If you hear a squealing noise from your AC system, the problem isn’t as bad as you think. There’s no reason to worry if the noise is coming and going in a few minutes. The problem is most likely related to the fan belt or the compressor, which may be misaligned or worn out. If the noise is constant, a small object might obstruct the fan.
Leaking condenser coils
One of the most common air conditioning repairs is a leaky condenser coil. The coil is located outdoors so that it can become clogged with dirt and seasonal debris. While the coil is easy to clean with a hose, you can get rid of extreme buildup with a chemical cleaner from your HVAC service technician. If you have an older unit, you should consider replacing the condenser coil if you suspect it is causing your system problems.
Leaking condenser coils can lead to several issues, including decreased airflow and a slower cooling rate. In addition, a leak can result in electrical problems and a constant need for refrigerant gas. If this problem persists, it is best to call a professional air conditioning repair service to get it fixed. This way, you can be certain of the safety of your household appliances and prevent any further issues.