As summer approaches, you are probably wondering whether your air conditioning system is ready to protect you from a hot home. Perhaps there were some strange sounds coming from your outdoor unit at the end of the last cooling season that didn’t get fixed, or you never quite got around to the manufacturer-recommended annual maintenance.
We’ve put together a list of some of the most common AC problems our Denver air conditioning experts see and fix. Whatever your reason for needing professional service though, it’s important to hire a reputable, knowledgeable, and certified technician to perform your AC repair in Denver or beyond, like the ones at Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical.
Read on to learn more and call us for AC help if you need it!
Air conditioners rely on the refrigerant cycle to remove warm indoor air and send cooled air through your ductwork (or directly into your home if you have a ductless system). But if there is an airflow problem in the ductwork, or if your system components have accumulated significant amounts of dust and debris, your compressor may be at risk of overheating. As the engine of the circulating refrigerant, the compressor is responsible for moving that pressurized refrigerant through the coils. It will not function effectively if it cannot cool down.
Another problem of airflow can lead to a frozen evaporator coil. Your evaporator sits inside the indoor unit. As cool liquid refrigerant passes through its coils, it cools the air extracted from your living space, absorbing heat in the process. However, if this cooled air cannot then be quickly distributed throughout your home, it may lead to the coil frosting over.
As you probably know already, your AC has a certain amount of refrigerant within it known as its “charge.” The right level of refrigerant is necessary to the cooling cycle. However, over the course of its operation, your AC’s refrigerant level may drop due to leaking. Even a small micro-puncture can lead to a significant decrease in efficiency and performance.
Condenser coils, part of the outdoor unit of your air conditioner, expel the heat removed from your home to the outside air. When these coils become covered in dirt, dust, or grime, they can’t efficiently release heat. This inefficiency forces the air conditioning system to work harder, increasing wear on the parts and potentially leading to system overheating or even a shortened lifespan of the unit.
A malfunctioning thermostat can lead to problems with the comfort levels in your home. If the thermostat is not calibrated correctly or is failing, it might not accurately detect the temperature, leading to the air conditioner not turning on when it should, or running longer than necessary. This not only causes discomfort but can also increase energy costs significantly.
Electrical problems are also common in air conditioning systems. These can include issues like tripped breakers, blown fuses, or worn out capacitors and relays. Electrical connections can become loose, and wires can fray or corrode over time. These electrical issues can prevent the AC from starting or can cause intermittent operation.
An air conditioner that is not appropriately sized for the home can cause problems. A unit that is too large will cool the home quickly but will cycle on and off more frequently, which can reduce its lifespan and lead to uneven temperatures in the home. Conversely, a unit that is too small will struggle to cool the space adequately, running continuously and using excessive amounts of energy.
Make sure your home is ready for comfort before the summer heat begins. For comprehensive Denver air conditioning maintenance, repair and replacement services, call Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical today!
Check out our blog posts below for some helpful info, expert tips and more!
We’re ready to answer your questions or schedule your appointment, call now or book online!
