Most Common Air Conditioning Repair Issues
Residential and CommercialWhen You Should Give Us a Call
It’s hot out and your AC has stopped functioning. You’ve exhausted all of the troubleshooting methods in your owner’s manual and are at a loss for what could possibly be wrong. Your situation isn’t unlike many others. The high heat of the of our area means we get phone calls every day from homeowners who need our help with Chandler AC repair especially when it’s an emergency. Below are a few of the most common reasons our customers call us:
1) Your Air Conditioner Ceases to Work
Before you give us a call, try making sure your thermostat is set for the “cool” setting and the temperature is set at less than the current room temperature. If all of these things look fine, then check your breaker box to ensure that no breakers have been tripped and need to be reset. If the problem persists, it’s time to pick up the phone.
2) The Unit Is Running but with No or Little Airflow
If your thermostat is set at your desired temperature and you don’t seem to notice an improvement, this may be the first imminent sign of mechanical failure.
3) Your AC Is Emitting Strange Noises
An AC system should have a dull familiar hum or no sound at all, the second your AC starts making any strange noises should be cause for concern.
4) Your Air Conditioner Smells Like a Science Experiment
Air filters need to be cleaned and replaced regularly, but if we become busy with our lives, we tend to neglect this seemingly small detail. If your air conditioner unit starts circulating air that smells like gym socks or worse, you and your family could be breathing in harmful mold spores or even potentially harmful germs in the Chandler, Arizona area.
5) Short Cycling (It Has Nothing to Do with Bicycling!)
Your air conditioner seems to be running fine until recently. Suddenly it sounds like its running laps. If your AC turns on and off frequently, your unit is short cycling. While the problem seems harmless, if left ignored, your electricity bill will remind you about the problem later.
6) Your Unit Is Leaking Water
It’s normal for your unit to experience some condensation, especially during hotter temperatures, but excessive water may indicate serious problems. We encourage you to give us a call as soon as you notice any water. Your AC is connected to and is comprised of, electrical elements, and everyone knows water and electricity never mix.
7) Your Unit Is Cooler Than You Are
If your AC unit looks like it was pulled from a snowstorm, it shouldn’t be ignored. While your unit is busy keeping your home and family cool, it doesn’t mean the air conditioner itself should look like its braving a winter day.
Restricted or blocked airflow may cause condensation to form and eventually turn into ice or frost, which may result in a frozen unit. We know, a frozen air conditioner, in Chandler Arizona?! Hard to imagine, but it happens all the time!
Contact us any time with questions, comments or need for air conditioning repair or maintenance! (480) 664-6575
Interesting A/C Repair Questions And Facts
Who invented air conditioning?
The very first basic concepts of air conditioning were applied by the ancient Egyptians. Although they didn’t have the same technology we have today, they achieved the same results by hanging reeds drenched in water from their windows.
The air passing through the reeds was cooled, resulting in more bearable conditions. It wasn’t too long before the Romans and others would develop their methods for coping with the heat.
However, it wasn’t until the nineteenth century that the first modern system was developed.
American inventor Willis Carrier came about the first modern air conditioner by accident. His discovery was a result of trying to solve another problem: Improve the manufacturing process in the printing plant at which he worked.
Willis Carrier was particularly knowledgeable about heating by the process of steam. He simply reversed the process by sending the air through cooler coils instead of heated coils. His discovery resulted in consistent paper dimensions, as well as proper ink alignment; which was crucial to his job.
Later, his invention would be applied elsewhere in the workplace and soon after, hundreds of thousands of homes and automobiles worldwide.
How does an air conditioner compressor work?
The compressor acts as the middle piece between the refrigerant and the condenser; all of which are necessary to cool your home. The compressor converts the gaseous refrigerant into a high-temperature gas before it is sucked into the condenser. As the refrigerant leaves the evaporator in your home, it’s a low-pressure gaseous substance.
The refrigerant absorbs heat throughout your home, and then enters the compressor to rise to a temperature considerably higher than the previous temperature. As the refrigerant enters the compressor, a series of pistons work to compress the gas; which it then leaves, only to enter the condenser. The heat is transferred outside of your home and over condenser coils. As the refrigerant cools down, it transforms back into liquid, where it repeats the same process until the desired temperature is achieved.
How does an air conditioner thermostat work?
The thermostat connected to your AC determines the room temperature in your home. When air currents pass over a sensor, the thermostat compares the current temperature to the desired temperature. Depending on the current temperature, and whether it’s close to the set temperature, the AC may turn on until the desired temperature is achieved.
Is air conditioning bad for you?
While air conditioners offer a retreat from extreme outdoor temperatures, few would think that there are actual health risks when operating an air conditioning system. While a properly cleaned and maintained AC system won’t put your health at risk, air conditioning units when neglected may create the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria. These poor conditions can further agitate health conditions such as allergies, asthma, and even encourage the onset of the common cold or flu.
In addition to increasing the risk for some health conditions, using air conditioning during the summer has been linked to slowing the efficiency of our metabolism. The human body was intended to sweat to cope with the heat. When the warmer months come, the body’s metabolism kicks into high gear to aid in weight loss and to maintain our health. Unfortunately, air conditioning confuses the body and may encourage it to store fat in response to the cold temperatures. OF course, there are easy ways to compensate for this and still enjoy cool temperatures in your home.
Why does air conditioning smell funny?
If your AC smells like mildew…
The cause may be due to fungus or mildew growing in the proximity of the AC unit, or within the EC itself. Proper drainage is critical to inhibiting the growth of fungus or mildew.
If your AC smells like rotten eggs…
A dead animal may be to blame. It’s not uncommon for sick or injured animals to climb inside an air duct, where it will die and decompose during the hotter months. You can prevent this unpleasant experience from happening, by checking your ducts before operating your air conditioner.
If your AC smells like sewage…
Typically caused by a sewer line that is either backed up or broken, any of which may be close to the duct system. The methane gas is all it takes to emit this noxious smell.
If your AC smells like “dirty feet”…
A neglected or clogged air conditioner may be to blame. Water will collect in the air conditioner but will fail to drain properly resulting in stagnant water. The odor is due to the stagnant water.
If your air conditioner is releasing any of these odors, or if something seems off, please give us a call right away.
What are air conditioning ducts made of?
The size and material of ducts used in your home may vary considerably; however, these are some of the most common used in houses today:
– Flexible nonmetallic ducts
Typically large, these ducts are stabilized with wires to ensure strength. They’re used when flexibility is needed, such as in attics or other tight quarters. The benefits of installing flexible ducts eliminate the need for joints, which may become weak over time. Unfortunately, improper handling may lead to tears or cuts, so careful handling is a must.
– Sheet metal
These ducts are produced from galvanized steel and come in either a rectangular or circular setup. Sheet metal ducts are installed by sliding each piece into another. Unfortunately, air leaks are common around the areas in which the two pieces meet.
– Fiberglass duct boards
Used for larger projects, or to fit into smaller ducts, this type may be insulated as well as manufactured with a smooth finish in order to increase overall efficiency and airflow; all of which is critical to the proper functioning of your air conditioning unit.
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