Throughout the seasons, your AC unit works hard to maintain a stable, cool temperature throughout your house. It ensures you’re getting nothing but the best for your home’s overall convenience and comfort. However, all of this hard work may be interrupted by malfunctions and damage over the years, leaving you to deal with less-than-optimal temperatures within your home.
Common A/C Unit Issues
To get your AC unit back in running order as soon as possible, take the time to learn about some of the most common issues you might be facing, and what sorts of AC repairs in Aurora, you’ll need to restore coolness and comfort to your home.
1. Refrigerant Leaks
This occurs when cracks develop in specific areas of your unit, allowing the refrigerant inside to escape. Your refrigerant is one of the main components responsible for creating cool air in your home. This fluid constantly moves between your AC’s evaporator coils and condenser, a system that allows cool air to be made and circulated through your home. When the refrigerant escapes through leaks in your system, it becomes impossible for your unit to create and supply the cool air you’ve become accustomed to. Some signs that you might be dealing with a leak of this type include:
- Longer than usual cooling times
- Warm air coming from vents rather than cool air
- Hissing or bubbling sounds coming from your outside unit
- Frozen evaporator coils or any visible freezing on your outdoor unit
Unfortunately, there is no easy DIY fix for a leak of this sort. Handling freon can be dangerous and should never be done without both proper tools and training, so it’s best to contact a team of professionals for AC repair in Aurora, CO, if you suspect you’re dealing with an issue like this. A trained eye can quickly locate the leak, repair or replace the faulty part and restore proper operation to your unit in no time.
2. Dirty Coils
Over time, your condenser coils may accrue buildup that leads to a wide range of issues. Twigs, leaves, and other debris that fall into your outdoor unit can dirty the coils and interrupt the refrigerant exchange system, preventing your entire unit from working correctly. If this is your issue, the solution is relatively simple and won’t require extensive air conditioner repair. Simply turn off the unit using the breaker box, hose down the outside unit, and use a vacuum to remove any debris that’s slipped into the interior. Coil cleanings are also often a part of regular AC checkups, which should prevent this from ever becoming an issue.
3. Frozen Coils
Frozen coils result from a wide range of other AC issues, including dirty coils, clogged filters, restricted or dirty air ducts, fan motor malfunction, or low refrigerant levels. When the condenser coil or evaporator coil freezes, it will cause the entire unit to stop working correctly. Never attempt to knock the ice off of a frozen coil. Simply allow the coil to thaw naturally after switching the unit off and then clean them. If this doesn’t work, contact a team of professionals to identify the underlying issue.
4. Electrical Problems
A more serious issue that your AC unit could be facing is electrical control failure. This occurs when your unit ceases working due to interruptions in its electrical system. The problem is usually caused by:
- Loose wires
- Dirty fuses
- Incorrectly sized fuses
- A failing capacitor
To return your unit to working order, it may need new wires, new fuses, or a new capacitor installed. Because handling any electrical work is highly dangerous, always contact a team of HVAC professionals in Aurora to handle electrical problems you encounter with your unit.
5. Dirty Air Filters
Dirty air filters are a seemingly small problem that contributes to a wide variety of potential AC malfunctions. When filters become clogged, your AC unit has to work harder and longer to cool your home. This puts more strain on the system over time, which means your unit’s various parts are likely to wear out more quickly. Fortunately, changing your air filter is a simple process. It’s recommended that you change your filter every 60 to 90 days to maintain your AC system properly.
The AC Repairs You Deserve in Denver, CO
Living with a broken air conditioner in the hot Colorado summer simply isn’t an option. If you’re struggling with an AC unit that doesn’t work, contact The Weather Changers. This team of HVAC professionals has been providing Aurora and the surrounding area with AC repair services for over a decade. Our team has both the experience and skill needed to identify and repair these common problems quickly and efficiently to restore cool air and comfort to your home as soon as possible.
Image Credit: Shutterstock/ Gladskikh Tatiana