The AC systems in our homes use a lot of energy and they can also accumulate dust or debris. This is why regular maintenance helps prevent problems with airflow and ductwork.

Unusual noises, a low level of cooling or foul smells are warning signs that your AC needs professional attention. This can prevent damage to the system and extend its lifespan. Connect with AC Repair Round Rock TX for reliable help.

1. Evaporator Coil Clog

The evaporator coil is a key component of the cooling process. It’s where refrigerant absorbs heat from the air and cools it inside your home. If this coil becomes clogged with dirt and grime, the air conditioner will not be able to absorb heat and reduce its performance capacity.

You can tell your evaporator coil is clogged when you notice a puddle of liquid under the unit. This puddle is usually caused by a leak and can be very dangerous. If the puddle isn’t taken care of immediately, it can cause significant damage to your AC unit and require costly repairs.

Another way a clogged coil affects your air conditioning is by preventing it from removing humidity from the air. If you’re noticing that your house is warmer and more humid, it may be time to call for AC repair.

Typically, this occurs when the blower fan isn’t moving air properly or the air filter is dirty. This restricts the flow of air through the system, which causes parts to clog. This can lead to a frozen evaporator coil.

It can also be a sign that you are low on refrigerant. A faulty air compressor or a refrigerant leak can decrease the temperature around the coil, causing it to freeze. This problem can be easily prevented by regularly replacing your air filters and ensuring that all of the vents are open and unobstructed.

You can easily clean your evaporator coils yourself by removing the access panel and using a vacuum attachment to remove any loose dirt. After you’ve removed most of the dirt, you can spray the coils with an AC cleaning solvent or a mixture of water and detergent. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing them off. You can then put the access panel back on and pour a capful of bleach down the drain hole to keep it free from mold and other debris. You should also rinse out the drip pan to prevent a buildup of moisture in it. While DIY maintenance is a great idea, it’s still recommended that you have a professional service your system. With their tools, equipment, and expertise, they’ll be able to clean your coils thoroughly and ensure that they are operating at peak performance.

2. Blower Motor Failure

The blower motor is the heart of your HVAC system. If it fails, no air will flow through the vents and you’ll need to get a replacement. But before you do, there are several signs to watch out for that may indicate your blower is on its last legs.

If you notice weak airflow through your vents or strange noises, a blower motor problem may be to blame. Unusual sounds, such as screeching, squealing or rattling, usually indicate something has broken loose inside the motor. Often, the bearings wear out, which leads to overworking the motor and eventual failure.

You may also notice your energy bills climbing. This is because the blower motor will consume more electricity to run, which can add up over time. Debris accumulation, such as dust and dirt, can clog the blower motor and cause it to overheat. In addition, a worn out bearing can lead to overworking the motor and premature wear and tear. Electrical problems, such as a bad resistor or fan, can also contribute to intermittent motor operation and eventual failure.

Another possible symptom of a failing blower motor is that it doesn’t spin at all, which can occur when a belt stretches or slips. If this happens, the blower will stop turning and you’ll need to replace the belt.

If you suspect the blower motor is bad, turn off your AC unit and disconnect it from its power source. With the power off, you can open up the blower module and test for voltage. If you see a low voltage reading on the high blower speed, there is likely a short in one of the capacitor windings. This can be tested with a digital multimeter or even a megohmmeter (though the latter requires specialized equipment). If you see a burnt or melting smell, there is a high probability that the blower motor has sustained damage and needs to be replaced. An expert can diagnose your blower motor and advise you of the best course of action. This can include replacing the blower motor, repairing it or simply cleaning and lubricating it.

3. Capacitor Blowout

This small, cylindrical component in your AC unit acts like a battery, storing energy to help the motor start and run smoothly. However, it can overheat and stop working. The best way to prevent this problem is with preventive maintenance, including inspections of your capacitor. If you notice a bad capacitor, it’s important to get air conditioner repair right away.

The first sign of a bad capacitor is usually a humming noise. It may be coming from the access panel of your AC unit or the compressor. This hum is due to the fact that the motor is trying to run without the energy it needs. You should not try to use your air conditioner if you hear this humming noise.

A bad capacitor can also cause your AC to stop working altogether. It’s important to call for AC repair as soon as you see this happen, since a bad capacitor will stop both the compressor and the fans from running. Our technicians will diagnose the problem and replace the capacitor so your air conditioning system can work properly again.

Another sign of a bad capacitor is an unusually high energy bill. It’s normal for your energy bill to fluctuate a bit throughout the year, but if it jumps dramatically from one month to the next, you might need an AC capacitor replacement.

4. Contactor Failure

There’s a third major AC component that can wear out over time: the contactor. As the name implies, it’s responsible for connecting and disconnecting electricity to the compressor and condenser fan motor. When it fails, the system won’t be able to start up and cool your home. Here are some of the most common signs that your AC contactor is failing:

Frequent Short-Cycling

If your air conditioning unit is cycling on and off in quick succession, it could indicate a failing contactor. A normal cycle involves the compressor running for a while to cool your home and then shutting off for a period of time to preserve energy. If the contactor is bad, however, it may fail to keep the compressor running for an appropriate amount of time and it will begin to short-cycle, causing your system to consume more electricity than necessary and potentially raising your energy bills.

A Faulty Contactor Won’t Close

The contactor is a switch that turns various components on and off to control the flow of electricity. It needs to work properly to power the compressor, condenser fan motor, and blower motor. When a contactor becomes defective, it will stop closing, which means that even when the thermostat signals the need for cooling, your system won’t receive the needed electricity.

A failed contactor can also cause a number of other problems. Electrically, it can lead to overheating and even arcing. This is caused when the contactors fail to make a proper connection, which then causes heat and eventually leads to metal-to-metal contact that damages the contacts and makes them prone to failure.

Mechanically, a defective contactor can be blocked by dirt or pests, leading to failure of the coil or mechanical damage that prevents the contactor from working correctly. Whether the issue is mechanical or electrical, an experienced service technician will be able to diagnose and fix it promptly.

Fortunately, contactor issues are relatively easy to spot and often require little to no repairs beyond simply cleaning or tightening connections. However, it’s important to recognize these problems early on so that you can call a professional for help before they worsen.