Your Local Metro East Air Conditioning Specialists

1. Filters: Probably the most frequent reason an air conditioner is malfunctioning is dirty or clogged air filter. Consult your particular unit’s manufacturer’s suggestions on how often the filter should be changed. The easiest way to determine if your filter needs changing is to check if light passes through it. If it doesn’t, the filter needs to be changed. A dirty air filter reduces air flow and can even cause the unit to freeze altogether.
   
   
2. Thermostat: Check that your thermostat is on, clean, level, not affected by sunlight, and on the correct setting. Any of these points could affect your system’s ability to keep you comfortable. If your thermostat is functioning properly, there may be a problem elsewhere.
   
   
3. Refrigerant Leaks: It may seem like an obvious statement to make, but the temperature in your home will fluctuate if your air conditioner is leaking coolant. It’s important to keep up with your yearly inspections to prevent leaks in the first place, as the cost of repairing a leak will fluctuate depending on its location.
   
   
4. Drain Line: If your drain line becomes clogged with dirt, dust, or lint, it will cause your drain pan to full up and leak, which can cause damage to the AC unit or anything else that’s around the pan.
   
   
5. Breakers and Fuses: Fuses and breakers are a vital component of your HVAC system – they protect the motor or compressor of your AC unit from overheating. Many times when a repair technician is called out for a motor breakdown, the first order of business is checking the breakers and fuses.
   
   
6. Capacitors: Capacitors keep your air conditioner unit’s fans spinning. Its start capacitor activates the fan motor, while a run capacitor keeps it running with a continuous series of electric jolts. If either burns out, your unit will lose efficiency.
   
   
7. Compressor: Simply put, if your compressor doesn’t work, your house will not cool. The compressor applies energy to the refrigerant and pushes it through the coils to accomplish heat exchange. Additionally, if there isn’t enough refrigerant to push, the compressor will overheat and seize. However, if there’s too much refrigerant, it’ll return back to the compressor, causing it to fail.
   
   
8. Evaporator Coils: This element of your air conditioner is responsible for absorbing heat in the air and redirecting it into your home as cold air through a series of air ducts. Evaporator coils can corrode over time, but if they are located inside, they usually only need to be maintained every three years or so.
   
   
9. Condenser Coils: Located outdoors alongside the compressor, your unit’s condenser coils can become dirty. Typically, a regular cleaning with your water hose once a year is enough to keep them properly functioning. However, if they become too dirty, a trained HVAC technician may need to be called upon to utilize chemical cleaners.
   
   
10. Worn Contactor: You’ll find contactors all over your air conditioner: in the compressor, the blower motor, and the condenser fan motor. These are used to make an electrical connection that starts the motor and compressor. However, any arcing or pitting present on the contactors can make it difficult for the electric current to start the motors.

Before turning on your AC unit for summer weather, take a look at the above aspects of your system and don’t hesitate to contact Crumer’s Heating and Cooling for an all your air conditioner maintenance and repair services!