AC Repair Round Rock TX technician will clean components, identify and fix issues, and perform system testing to verify functionality. Regular maintenance can also help your ac run more efficiently and extend its lifespan.
Start by checking that the breaker isn’t tripped and that it’s in the on position. Closed vents in unused rooms can cause the air conditioner to overwork.
1. Clogged Drain Line
During the cooling process, moisture drips off your air conditioner’s evaporator coil into the drain line. This water can collect dirt and debris, creating a clog over time. Mold or algae growth may also develop, creating a thick coating that blocks the flow of water.
When this happens, your AC system will fail to function properly. You’ll notice water pooling around the unit, and humidity levels will rise throughout your home. This is a sign that the drain line needs to be cleaned.
In most cases, the clog can be resolved by using a wet/dry vacuum and flushing the drain line with water. However, if the clog is deep within the line or near the indoor unit, a professional technician should be called in to clean it.
Before working on your AC drain line, shut off power to the unit at the thermostat or breaker panel. Locate the drain line and remove the cap, using gloves to avoid contact with any moisture trapped inside. Inspect the drain line for blockages and use a flashlight to locate any mold or algae that may be forming.
Once you’ve removed any solid obstructions, pour a cup of vinegar or bleach into the drain line to disinfect it and prevent future clogs. The acetic acid in vinegar and the sodium hypochlorite in bleach help to break down any lingering bacteria, algae or mildew.
2. Bad Capacitor
A capacitor is a crucial component that stores and releases electrical energy for an AC unit. It’s a big deal when it fails, as the fan motor and compressor won’t be able to start without it. This can leave you with uneven cooling, hot spots, and sky-high energy bills until the capacitor is replaced.
Some of the most common signs of a bad AC capacitor are that the AC unit starts and shuts off frequently, or that it has weak airflow from the vents. You may also hear humming sounds from the access panel or see a powdery residue around its tops, which are both signs of an electrolyte leak that has sucked the capacitor dry.
If you suspect your capacitor is bad, turn off power to the unit and use a multimeter to test it. Make sure the meter’s leads are disconnected and discharged for safety, then read the meter’s display for a jump in resistance (indicating continuity) followed by a drop to zero or infinity (indicating resistance). Compare your reading with the capacitor’s printed rating; any discrepancies mean it’s time to replace it. Before replacing the capacitor, take a picture of the wiring setup to refer to while reassembling the capacitor for the most accurate replacement. Make sure to use a universal multi-rating model to avoid performance issues and safety hazards.
3. Failed Contactor
The contactor is the electrical switch that connects to the compressor, ensuring power gets to it when the thermostat calls for cooling. If your contactor stops closing when the thermostat signals AC needs to start, it won’t get the electricity it needs and won’t turn on when you push the restart button.
A chattering sound (rapid clicking or rattling) from the contactor is another sign of trouble. It means the metal coils, plunger, and contacts are deteriorating due to repeated sparking. This generates heat that erodes the components and causes them to break down over time. A chattering noise also indicates a lack of voltage to the contactor coil, which could be a sign that your capacitor is bad and requires professional repair or replacement.
A failed contactor can create other problems, including short-cycling or an inability to shut off. This is a serious problem that can put your air conditioning system at risk for further damage. If you suspect your contactor has gone bad, turn off the unit’s power and carefully inspect it. Look for signs of arcing, like burnt or blackened contacts, heavy pitting, rust, or a melted casing. You should also check the contactor for dirt or debris that could be preventing it from connecting to the compressor and keeping it from turning off when you need to.
4. Failed Blower Motor
The blower motor is the heart of your HVAC system, and it can become damaged from a number of causes. Age and wear, dirty air filters, clogged airflow, or even electrical issues can all cause your blower motor to malfunction. When this happens, you may experience a lack of airflow from your vents, strange sounds, or skyrocketing energy bills.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact a licensed AC repair technician right away. A faulty blower motor puts a lot of strain on the rest of the HVAC system, and this can lead to a variety of other problems that require costly AC repairs.
When your blower motor starts to go bad, you may hear squealing or rattling noises from the vents. These are signs that the motor is starting to lose bearings or another internal component is loose. Failing blowers also tend to overheat, which can damage other parts of your system and create a fire hazard.
A failing blower motor can also limit your fan speed settings or even stop working altogether. This means that you won’t be able to adjust the fan to your preferred setting. In some cases, a failing blower resistor can cut off power to the motor, which means you won’t be able to get any airflow from the vents. If the blower motor isn’t getting power, you should check the fuses and circuit breakers first.
5. Failing Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil, like the condenser coil, plays a critical role in your AC’s cooling process. Located inside your home’s indoor unit, it contains cold refrigerant that absorbs heat and humidity from your air before sending it back into your house. A dirty evaporator coil, however, can lead to poor system performance.
The inner lining of the coil can wear away over time, causing damage and leaks. External corrosion, due to the presence of dirt and airborne chemicals, can also affect the coil’s outer coating. Eventually, physical damage can cause the coil to freeze up, which can be difficult to fix.
If you’re seeing ice on your coil, it’s important to call a professional right away. The problem could be as simple as a clogged drain line, which means the coil isn’t getting enough moisture to cool off properly. In other cases, a damaged evaporator coil can leak refrigerant, which causes your system to overwork and reduces its overall efficiency.
If your coils are freezing frequently, it’s likely a sign that you need to replace them. The cost of replacing the coils is often much less than the price of repairing or recharging your system. The TR Miller team is ready to help you restore your AC to its full cooling power. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an inspection.
6. Failing Thermostat
Thermostats are responsible for sending temperature control signals to the rest of the AC system, so when a thermostat is broken or malfunctioning it can dramatically impact home comfort. Various issues can cause the thermostat to malfunction, including dead batteries, a tripped circuit breaker, loose wires, and software glitches in programmable or smart thermostats. Addressing thermostat problems promptly is essential to improve energy efficiency and reduce cooling costs.
A faulty thermostat can cause the AC system to overwork, which increases cooling costs and shortens the lifespan of the compressor. Thermostats can also fail to send proper signals, resulting in the HVAC system cycling on and off excessively. Common signs of a failing thermostat include the display screen not working or a lack of response to changes in temperature settings.
If your thermostat is unresponsive, check the batteries first, then look at your circuit breaker to see if it has tripped. If it has tripped, reset it by turning it off and back on again. If you cannot get the thermostat to work, it is likely that the problem is with the high voltage wire or the internal components.