The decision to repair or replace an air conditioner is a big one. The answer will likely depend on how serious the problem is and how much the repairs will cost. If you’re experiencing warm air coming out of your home vents, there may be several causes that are easily fixed, like a faulty thermostat or restricted airflow.

One of the first things to check is that your cooling unit is still running. If it shuts off when you turn on your AC or doesn’t cool your house, it’s likely that the outdoor fan or compressor has stopped working. This problem requires a professional All Temp Air Conditioning & Refrigeration technician to fix it.

If you have a room air conditioner, you can try to solve this problem by cleaning the filter and recharging the refrigerant. These are both very simple tasks that can help the AC system cool your house again.

Another reason your AC may not be cooling is if it’s working too hard. This is often a sign that the condenser unit is too small for your home. A professional can inspect your current air conditioning system and tell you whether it is adequate for the size of your home or if it needs to be replaced.

A squealing or grinding noise while the air conditioner is running usually indicates a belt moving out of place. This is a problem that should be corrected right away to prevent more serious damage to the air conditioning unit or your ductwork. A musty smell from your a/c is also a sign of a serious problem that should be corrected as soon as possible.

A common equation used by HVAC professionals to determine if it makes sense to complete a specific AC repair is the “5,000 rule.” This means that if the estimated repair cost is less than $5,000 and your air conditioner is under 15 years old, it might be worthwhile to go ahead and pay for the repair. However, if the repair costs will exceed this threshold, it’s time to consider replacing your air conditioner altogether.

Thermostat

The thermostat is a critical part of any air conditioning system and its problems can shut down your entire cooling equipment or cause other parts to act erratically. It is important to understand how a thermostat works and what can go wrong with it so that you can recognize when a problem shows up in the system.

Before doing any inspection of a thermostat or attempting to troubleshoot, you should always turn off the power supply. This will prevent you from accidentally shocking yourself. Once the unit is off, you can remove the cover and check for loose wires or damaged connections. If the wiring is exposed, you can use a small screwdriver (perhaps one that you would use to tighten eyeglass frames) to tighten screws and reconnect any wires that are corroded or broken.

In addition to checking the wiring, you can also take a look at your thermostat’s internal components and make sure that they are clean. Dirty parts can interfere with the proper functioning of a thermostat, making it difficult to read or register actual room temperature.

A dirty thermostat may also affect its calibration, so you should regularly dust it and remove any debris from the area around it. Also, if your thermostat is located near direct sunlight, other heat sources, or cold drafts, you may need to relocate it for better performance.

It is also a good idea to regularly inspect and clean the return and supply vents in your home to ensure that there are no blockages. Things like toys, blankets, and furniture can block vents and cause a lack of airflow that can also reduce your home’s comfort.

Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil is the part of your air conditioning system that cools the actual air in your home. It works by absorbing heat and moisture from the air in your home, then carrying it outdoors where the refrigerant releases it. This cycle repeats itself continuously until your indoor air reaches the temperature that you set on your thermostat.

Dirt, dust, and other contaminants accumulate on the evaporator coil over time, leading to a reduction in efficiency and lifespan. Regular cleanings from professional technicians can help extend the life of your AC evaporator coil. However, if the coil is damaged or leaking, it may be necessary to replace it.

A faulty evaporator coil will typically make your air conditioner run less efficiently, increasing your power bills and potentially damaging other parts of your system. The problem can also lead to strange rattling noises while the unit is running.

If you suspect that your evaporator coil is in need of replacement, you should call an experienced HVAC technician to perform the work. Since the evaporator coil contains refrigerant, it is dangerous for amateurs to work on. An experienced technician will have the tools and knowledge to safely and effectively replace your evaporator coil.

Before removing the old coil, your technician will turn off your air conditioner and disconnect the access panel to the coil. They will then thaw the coil with warm air and blow off any dirt or debris that is stuck on the fins. Then they will remove the old coil and install the new one. After replacing the coil, they will reconnect the refrigerant lines and check for any refrigerant leaks. Once the refrigerant is back in place, they will restore power and test the system’s operation.

Compressor

The compressor is the heart of the AC system and its proper operation is vital to an efficient home cooling system. Homeowners can help extend the life of their compressor by ensuring it is properly maintained and having it inspected annually. If a compressor needs to be replaced it should also be replaced with an efficient model to save on future cooling costs.

Banging, clanking, or clicking noises are an indication that something is wrong with the internal components of the compressor. High-pitched squeals are likely the result of a worn bearing or faulty seal, which need to be replaced. When the compressor is overworked it can cause a hissing or bubbling sound and may even start to leaking oil.

An air conditioning repair professional should always inspect the compressor and its components for signs of trouble. Attempting to replace the compressor on your own can potentially void your warranty and lead to additional problems with other parts of your AC unit.

Dirty compressor coils are another sign that it’s time for an air conditioning repair. It’s possible for homeowners to clean these with a garden hose and a shop vac, but it’s best to have them cleaned professionally.

One last issue that can lead to the need for an air conditioner repair is a blocked suction line. This can prevent the flow of refrigerant and eventually cause damage to several components of the unit. If this problem is causing your AC unit to turn on and off repeatedly it’s a good idea to contact a trusted air conditioning repair company for an inspection. A technician will be able to find the source of the problem and resolve it quickly.

Fan

Keeping your air conditioning fans working properly is essential to your system. They help to cool the refrigerant and also get it out of your house and into the atmosphere, so it’s important to know what to do if your AC fan isn’t spinning.

The first thing you’ll want to do is check your air filter. If it’s clogged, that can cause the fan to slow down or even stop moving completely. If that’s not the problem, you can try to “kick-start” the fan by using a stick of wood or another non-conductive object that will fit through the fan grate. If that doesn’t work, it’s likely the capacitor is bad and you’ll need to call an HVAC technician to replace it.

Another common reason for your AC fan to stop spinning is that it’s an older model and relies on a belt. These are fairly durable, but they can break or become loose over time. This is an easy fix for a professional, though you may want to consider upgrading to a newer model to avoid this issue altogether.

The capacitors that power your fans (both the blower fan and the condenser fan) are small cylindrical devices that store energy that provides electricity to run the motors. They can wear out for a variety of reasons, but they’re one of the most common issues that air conditioning repair technicians encounter.