It is undeniable that air conditioners play a huge role when it comes to keeping you and your family comfortable. However, when your central air conditioning unit starts to make unusual sounds, or it blows warm air, these are indications that your AC is not working correctly. Fortunately, most A/C issues are easily solved. However, it is vital to know when you can take out your tools and start a DIY repair or when to call a professional HVAC technician instead.
For most situations, it is better to call a cooling expert to check out your malfunctioning air conditioning unit. A professional HVAC contractor has all the necessary tools, training, certifications, and experience to diagnose and fix your A/C unit correctly.
Call Skylands Energy when you need reputable HVAC services in your area. We specialize in repairing all heating and air conditioning systems. Our team of friendly professionals will deliver top-quality services that fit within your budget. Call us today to schedule your free estimate.
AC Problems: DIY Vs. Using An HVAC Contractor Edison NJ
Table of Contents
In this article, we have listed the most common A/C problems. Additionally, we have categorized these AC issues as a “do-it-yourself” fix or one that requires an HVAC technician for the job.
DIY Options
Here are the HVAC issues you can solve:
Thermostat Setting
If your air conditioning unit blows out warm air instead of cold, check if the temperature in your thermostat is correctly set. Someone may have accidentally set it to ‘heat.’ Simply place it in the ‘cool’ setting and see if it starts blowing cold air.
Another thing you need to check is whether the thermostat is on ‘auto’ or ‘on.’ Your HVAC unit’s fan will still blow even if it isn’t cooling or heating the room when the thermostat is set to ‘on.’ Change your setting to ‘auto’ and ‘cool’ instead.
Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter causes problems on your A/C’s overall functionality. Contaminants such as dust and pollen accumulate in the air filter over time. A clogged air filter will cause the fan to strain to pass the air through. Moreover, this dense buildup can trigger severe respiratory illnesses and skin irritations that will affect you and your family.
To clean your AC’s air filter, you will need to remove it from the A/C carefully. For air filters that are disposable, replace it with a new one. If you have a reusable filter in your system, then follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean your filter.
Check your air filter on a monthly basis. Replace or clean when necessary. Homes with pets or dust require more frequent air filter replacements.
Dirty Outdoor Unit
Your home’s central air conditioning system has two parts: the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. The outdoor unit, also called the condenser, is comprised of a compressor, cooling fins and tubes and a fan. If your air conditioner is blowing warm air, it may be the result of a dirty condenser.
First, check the outdoor evaporator coils. These coils are where the hot air from inside your house travels to and is then released and removed. If the condenser coils are dirty, the fan in your outdoor unit will not have free airflow and won’t be able to handle all the hot air. If it is dirty, be sure to call an HVAC technician to come and clean your coils.
You should also check the cooling fan and make sure that it is free from dust and debris. The dust can restrict the airflow. When this happens, the outdoor unit will not get the necessary airflow to cool the refrigerant and release the heat absorbed from inside your home. Sweep away all the accumulated debris. You also need to trim away any overgrowth or weeds that have grown within two-feet around the condenser.
Call The Professionals
Below are a few of the HVAC problems that need to be checked and repaired only by a professional:
Refrigerant Issues
The refrigerant is the coolant used in the AC’s refrigeration cycle. Wear and tear, and pinhole leaks caused by Formic acid can cause refrigerant leaks. Also, the lack of professional maintenance can also lead to refrigeration leaks. However, merely adding more refrigerant is not the solution. Contact an EPA-certified HVAC technician to fix the leak, test the repair, and charge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant.
Remember that your A/C’s performance is at its best when the refrigerant charge matches the manufacturer’s specification exactly. A low refrigerant charge causes the loss of the AC’s cooling capacity and the compressor motor to overheat. On the other hand, having an overcharged air conditioner risks permanently damaging the AC’s compressor.
A Faulty Condenser Fan Motor
The fan found in your outdoor unit is what keeps the compressor from overheating. Dirt is the biggest culprit when it comes to fan motor burnout. Dirt buildup can block the motor hole. In turn, it cannot produce cold air. This situation will eventually result in damages to your AC due to overheating.
Other causes for a faulty fan motor include poor airflow and lack of maintenance. Regular maintenance and tune-ups with a qualified HVAC technician can prolong your air conditioner’s lifespan. A tune-up can prevent the condenser fan from overheating. Not only that, but the fan motor may also require annual lubrication, depending on the type of AC unit you have. Having a professional do this ensures that the correct type of oil is used.
Sometimes, replacing the condenser fan is inevitable. When you suspect that this is the case, call your trusted HVAC professionals. They are equipped with the tools and knowledge to diagnose and replace your faulty condenser fan motor correctly.
Broken Compressor
One of the most common causes of your AC unit breaking down is a broken compressor. Your air conditioner’s compressor circulates the refrigerant inside and outside the unit. As a compressor’s principal responsibility is to cool the air, having a broken compressor means that you won’t be able to enjoy having cool air inside your home.
It is helpful to know how to tell when the compressor is going bad. A few signs that indicate this is a noisy A/C and moisture leaks. By being able to tell when your air conditioner is going bad, you can understand the signs and know when to call for help. Contact an HVAC professional as soon as you notice that your compressor is having problems.
Conclusion
A professional HVAC technician can evaluate any concerns you might have with your HVAC system. When you need trusted heating and cooling services, contact Skylands Energy. We offer fast and high-quality HVAC solutions to areas surrounding Raritan NJ.
Skylands Energy provides a full range of services to cater to all your HVAC needs. Our HVAC services include maintenance, repairs, and installations. We prioritize our customer’s satisfaction, and so all of our work is done right, the first time around.
Our heating and cooling technicians have the knowledge and expertise to diagnose and provide practical solutions to your HVAC problems. We also offer fuel delivery service, plumbing services, and other types of home comfort services. Call us today to schedule a free estimate for your home.
Some of the areas we service include Edison, Fords, New Brunswick, Somerset, South Plainfield and these zip codes: 08817, 08863, 08901, 08873, 07080 as well as all surrounding areas in Middlesex County, New Jersey.
Contact us today or give us a call at (908) 707-1776 if you have any questions.