Your air conditioning unit makes the list of the most critical units in your home, especially if you live in a hot climate.
Without it, you and your family would be subject to the intense heat and humidity that can make living uncomfortable. That’s why it’s essential to keep your AC in good working condition.
In Loveland, CO, AC repair can be a daunting task, but you need to know some air conditioning maintenance and repair basics.
Part of being familiar with your AC involves understanding
- The critical parts of an air conditioner
- How do you test if your AC is working correctly?
- Air conditioning unit problems requiring DIY repair
- Air conditioner problems requiring professional services
- Keeping your air conditioner safe
The Critical Parts of an Air Conditioning Unit
Your air conditioner has several vital components working together to cool your home. The most important parts are the compressor, the condenser, the evaporator, and the Freon.
The Freon is the refrigerant that flows between the condenser and evaporator and helps to transfer the heat.
The compressor is responsible for circulating Freon through your AC system. This refrigerant picks up heat from inside your home and carries it outside to be released.
The compressor turns on and off by an electrical switch called a contactor.
The condenser is a coil of tubing that helps the refrigerant release its heat. The condenser is usually located outside your home.
The evaporator is also a set of coils, but it’s located inside your home. The evaporator works by absorbing heat from the air in your home and transferring it to the refrigerant.
How Do You Test If Your AC Is Working Properly?
You can do a few simple tests at home to ensure your air conditioning unit is working correctly.
- Check the airflow. Firstly, check the airflow from the vents. If there is no air or just little airflow, the problem is likely with the compressor or the expansion valve.
- Inspect the temperature of the air coming from the vents. If it is not as cool as it should be, there may be a problem with the evaporator coils.
- Listen for strange noises. If you hear any hissing, banging, or other odd noises coming from your AC, then it’s time to call a professional for help.
- Check the wiring. If the AC is not turning on at all, then there may be a problem with the wiring. Again, this is a task that should only be done by a professional.
- Check the Freon levels. This should only be left for a professional to handle, but if you suspect that the Freon levels in your AC are low, then it’s time to call for help.
If you find that your AC is not working properly and cannot put your finger on the problem, it’s time to call a professional for help.
Common AC problems
Like with most systems, the AC can sometimes break down or have issues, and when it does, you can either handle the matter or call HVAC contractors. The severity of the problem will help you determine the course of action.
Below are the problems you can fix yourself and those that need professional input.
Air conditioning problems that require DIY repair
If your AC is circulating warm air, the first thing you should check is the thermostat. Make sure it’s set to “cool” and lower the temperature than the current room temperature.
If the thermostat has the correct settings and the AC is still blowing warm air, the problem could be with the compressor or condenser coils. Try cleaning them to see if that makes a difference.
If your AC is leaking water, the first thing to check is the drain pan. If it’s full, empty it and see if that stops the leak.
If the pan is empty, but the AC is still leaking, there could be a problem with the evaporator coils or the condensate pump. These are both complex parts of the AC system, and you may need to call a professional to take a look.
Problems that require professional AC repair
As discussed already, some problems are best left to the professionals. Here are some of the most common issues that require professional repair:
- The compressor isn’t working properly. This is a complex part of the AC system and should only be repaired by a trained professional.
- The evaporator coils are frozen. This is usually caused by a lack of airflow and can be fixed by a professional.
- The AC isn’t cooling your home evenly. This could be a result of a problem with the ductwork or the vents, and a qualified technician will be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.
Keeping your air conditioning unit safe
You can carry out a few things to keep your air conditioning safe from damage.
- Ensure the unit is adequately ventilated – if the condenser unit isn’t properly ventilated, it can overheat and cause damage to the compressor.
- Keep the area around the unit clean – if there’s debris or dirt around the unit, it can get into the coils and cause damage.
- Keep the unit free of ice – if the coils get too cold, they can ice over and cause the system to stop working.
- Keep the unit fire-safe – make sure you keep anything that could catch fire (like grills or fireworks) at least 10 feet away from the condenser unit.
- Keep the coils clean – you can clean around the AC but don’t try to clean the coils yourself – this is a job for a professional.
If you follow these tips, you can help keep your AC safe and working correctly.
Working With The Best in Air Conditioner Repair, Loveland, Co
When it comes time to call a professional for AC unit repair in Loveland, CO, you want to make sure you’re working with the best.
That’s why you should call All Phase Mechanical Corp. We’re a locally-operated business with years of experience, providing EPA compliant Air conditioning services. We’re dedicated to providing our customers with the best possible service.
No matter what problem you’re having with your AC, we can help. We offer 24/7 emergency service, so we can always be there when you need us.
We also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee to be sure you’re getting the best possible service.
When you need AC repair in Loveland, CO, call All Phase Mechanical Corp. We’re the best in the business, and we’re always here to help.
The Extras We Offer
In addition to AC repair, we also offer maintenance and installation services and full range HVAC services. Our maintenance packages include a thorough inspection of your AC system and cleaning the coils and ductwork.
Our installation services are designed to help you get the most out of your AC system. We’ll collaborate with you to find the perfect unit for your home, and our team of NATE certified technicians will make sure it’s installed properly.
Our other services include:
- HVAC performance optimization
- HVAC maintenance services
- Routine HVAC checkup
- HVAC part replacements
- Residential HVAC restoration services
- Commercial HVAC services
- HVAC repair
- Heating system
- Heating services
- Ductless heating
- Ventilation service and remediation
- Gas furnace repair services
- HVAC performance optimization
- HVAC installation
- Electrical remediation
- Diagnostic and performance analysis
- HVAC system audit and problem identification
- HVAC seasonal repair and maintenance
- Emergency services
Our service areas include:
Serving Northern Colorado, Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Windsor, Evans, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How frequently should I have my air conditioning unit serviced?
A: We recommend having your AC serviced at least once a year, in the spring or fall. This will help keep it running optimally and prevent minor problems from becoming big ones.
Q: My AC is leaking water; what should I do?
A: A temporary fix would be checking the drain pan to see if it’s full. If it is, empty it and see if that stops the leak. If that does not help, call the experts
Q: What is the best thing to do if my AC isn’t cooling my home evenly?
A: This could be caused by a problem with the ductwork or vents. A professional will be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.
Q: How long does an air conditioning unit usually last?
With proper maintenance, an ac unit can last 10-15 years. However, if it’s not maintained correctly, it can only last 5-7 years.
Q: How much does it cost to have an air conditioning unit serviced?
The cost of having an ac unit serviced depends on the type of service you need. However, it’s generally recommended that you budget $100-$200 for annual maintenance.
Q: How much does it cost to repair air conditioning unit?
The cost of an air conditioning repair depends on the problem. But, you should budget $250-$1,500 for repairs.
Q: How do I get started?
It’s easy. Give us a call at 970-691-2041 or fill in our contact form to get a free estimate of the service you need.
