Air conditioning service involves tests, checks and calibration of equipment that pumps and distributes cool or warm air throughout the home. The equipment uses a special liquid called refrigerant which changes from a gas to a liquid and back again continuously.

It is important to service air conditioning because it detects small issues before they become complex problems. Air conditioners that are not regularly serviced may experience refrigerant leakage. Contact Air Conditioning Service Provo UT for professional help.

Your air conditioning system doesn’t just cool your home; it also controls humidity by condensing moisture from the evaporator coil and shutting it outside through a drain line tube. Over time, this condensation can collect inside the drain line and create a build-up of mold and mildew, fungus, bacteria and algae. These contaminants can eventually clog the line, leading to elevated humidity levels and water damage in your home. As part of a routine maintenance tune-up, your HVAC technician will clear the air conditioner drain line of these contaminants and prevent them from building up.

Keeping your air conditioner drain line clean is easy to do with some common household items. First, locate the drain line. It’s an inch-long PVC pipe located outside your home, near the outdoor AC unit. It should lead directly to a drain pan. Before starting, it’s a good idea to have a few dry rags on hand in case there is any standing water in the pan.

Next, turn off your air conditioner to avoid potential electrical shock or damage. The breaker box switch associated with your air conditioning should be set to “off.”

When the system is turned off, locate the drain line plug. Remove it and carefully clean any visible debris from the drain line’s opening. Be careful not to push the blockage further down, as this can make it more difficult to remove later on. After removing any visible debris, pour in a cup of distilled vinegar. The acidity of the vinegar will kill off any algae that may be clogging the line. Replace the drain line plug and wait about half an hour before turning on your air conditioner again.

While cleaning your AC drain line is relatively simple, you should have a qualified professional service technician perform it at least once every five years to prevent the formation of a build-up that could cause serious problems. A professional will also ensure that the drain line is pitched properly to keep water flowing out as intended. This prevents the risk of a clog that could cost you thousands in water damage repairs down the road.

Check and Tighten Electrical Connections

Most air conditioning systems use a lot of electrical power. That’s why the system’s electrical connections need to be tight and well-maintained. If a wire connection becomes loose, it can heat up and start to burn. This is a serious fire hazard, and it’s also not good for the equipment. This is why regular maintenance checks that include inspections of these connections are so important.

Many electrical problems that occur around the house can be traced to loose or incorrect wiring connections. In some cases, these problems are the result of poor workmanship by previous owners or electricians, and in other cases, they’re simply a natural part of everyday usage. Wires are constantly under a cycle of heating and cooling, expansion and contraction, which causes them to loosen over time.

The best way to check and tighten electrical connections is with a tool called a voltmeter. These handy tools can quickly let you know whether a connection is properly tightened or not. However, to really ensure that a connection is tight, you need to take the time to actually inspect and retighten it. This is what professional technicians do as part of their regular service calls.

During these inspections, they’ll examine the blower motor and fan blades, the air handler or furnace (depending on the type of system), the evaporator coils, the safety controls and the electrical connections. In addition, they’ll test the breaker to see if it is working correctly. If the breaker is still switched on after it should be off, that’s an indication of a problem and should be corrected right away.

The professional will look for hot spots that indicate high resistance, which could be caused by looseness, corrosion or oxidation. The infrared imager can help the technician spot these issues, as they will appear warmest on the screen. In most cases, simply retightening the connections will resolve the issue; however, in some instances, the wires may need to be removed, cleaned and reconnected with an appropriate connector. It’s a good idea to use a value that is 10% lower than the specified torque, as applying too much force can damage equipment.

Lubricate Moving Parts

The moving parts on awnings, retracting stairs, and vents are subject to friction from heat and rust as they move. The friction causes wear, reducing their life and performance. Lubricants reduce friction by creating a film between surfaces, allowing them to glide against each other without direct contact. They also transfer heat away from the surfaces, extending their working life.

We use grease lubrication, which is applied to the moving part’s surface. We apply it generously to keep the part from rubbing against itself or other parts, and we also put it on the contact points where friction can occur. It’s important to lubricate these moving parts during air conditioning service because they will break down faster if they aren’t lubricated regularly. They will also become brittle in low temperatures.

Clean the Ductwork

During routine air conditioner maintenance, a technician inspects and, if necessary, cleans the ductwork that forces conditioned air through your home. Ducts are typically made of fiberglass, flexible plastics or metals. They may be round, oval or rectangular in shape. They take in air from outside or blow conditioned air into the room through vents located at floor and ceiling registers. During the service, a technician may also repair any leaks or kinks in the ductwork, as well as clean or replace the furnace fan and the filter.

Despite what you might have heard, there’s little evidence that cleaning ducts alone makes any noticeable difference in your indoor air quality. The dust that settles in your ductwork stays there, unlikely to become airborne unless it’s stirred up by cleaning equipment. Further, the type of dust that accumulates in ductwork – primarily household dust and dirt – is not toxic or particularly harmful.

Some service providers claim that their duct-cleaning process removes biological growth from inside your ductwork. They might demonstrate this by showing you a settling plate that contains microorganisms. However, any microbial growth found on such plates is normal and does not necessarily represent a health risk.

Before deciding whether to have your ducts cleaned, make sure that the technicians are using specialized equipment that can reach far into your vents. It’s also important that the service technicians are experienced. If your ducts are lined with insulation, for instance, the technician should know not to tear or puncture it. If you have flexible ducts, they should be careful not to damage their fragile inner layer of thin plastic.

The best way to minimize duct contamination is to schedule regular preventive maintenance visits. In addition to cleaning or replacing the filter, your technician will check and lubricate all moving parts, and will repair any problems that they find. They will also ensure that the air conditioner is properly grounded, which helps prevent electric shock hazards. This routine preventive maintenance helps keep your system running efficiently and reduces the chances of a breakdown during a hot or cold snap.

AC Repair is a necessity in any home that relies on a cooling system. Often times people don’t call an air conditioning service until their house isn’t cooling the way it should be.

There are several reasons your AC might be running constantly, including a broken thermostat, dirty coils or ductwork that is restricting air flow. These are all easily repairable issues that can be fixed in a timely manner.

One of the first things a homeowner might notice when they’re having AC trouble is that their thermostat isn’t working at all. While this might seem like a clear indicator that something is wrong with the system, the truth is that there are multiple different causes of this problem. In some cases, you can even fix the problem on your own without having to call a professional.

Thermostats often get dirty and stop working due to dust, lint, pet hair, and other debris collecting inside of the case. This can block the sensors that detect temperature and cause the unit to fail. In many cases, simply removing the cover and cleaning it out with a damp cloth or soft-tip brush can restore functionality. Just be careful not to get too rough and risk damaging the wiring inside of the unit.

A tripped circuit breaker is another common issue that can prevent a thermostat from turning on. The breaker is responsible for supplying power to the device, and if it trips, it will cut off the flow of electricity, preventing the thermostat from functioning. To resolve this issue, you’ll need to locate your electrical panel and identify the breaker that’s dedicated to your HVAC system. Once you find it, switch it to the “on” position.

If the thermostat is still not responding, it may be locked. This can happen inadvertently, especially with programmable or smart thermostats, and can result in the device not responding to any adjustments. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to consult an expert.

It’s also possible that the thermostat is off level. This can affect settings and temperature readings, so it’s a good idea to place a carpenter’s level above the thermostat and make adjustments as needed.

Finally, it’s possible that the thermostat is leaking water or that there is a problem with the condensation drain. This can lead to a variety of different issues, including mold growth, and can be extremely dangerous for homeowners. A professional will be able to inspect the unit and determine if there is a leak or a problem with the condensation drain.

Frozen Coils

Frozen AC coils can cause a host of problems, including cooling issues and water leaks. These problems are not only uncomfortable for your family, they can also be dangerous if the problem is left unattended. Frozen coils can be caused by a variety of different issues, but the most common reason for them is a dirty air filter.

The air filter is responsible for removing dust, dander, allergens, and mold from the air in your home. This is an important part of your air conditioner’s function, but over time the air filter can become clogged, restricting the flow of warm air through your system. This clogging can lead to the formation of ice on different parts of your cooling equipment, including the evaporator coils.

A frozen evaporator coil can be difficult to diagnose and fix on your own. You will need to turn off the air conditioning unit so that no damage can be done, and you will need to wait until the coil thaws. It may take up to 24 hours for a frozen coil to thaw naturally, so you should be patient. If you want to speed up the process, you can switch the air conditioner to the fan-only setting while the thermostat remains off. This will force warm air over the indoor air coil, and this can help thaw a frozen coil.

Another possible cause of frozen coils is a blocked condensate line. The condensate line is the pipe that drains moisture from the evaporator coil and down the condensation pan to the floor drain. The condensate lines can be clogged by dirt, debris, or even tree roots. Bi-annual maintenance performed by an HVAC specialist can help prevent this problem.

While there are some things you can do on your own to address some HVAC problems, it is always best to call a licensed professional for the most thorough and accurate inspections and repairs. An AC technician can also catch other issues before they become serious and prevent more expensive repairs down the road. By implementing a preventative maintenance plan you can keep your AC working efficiently, and keep your family comfortable all year round.

Dirty Filters

A dirty filter is the most common AC repair issue. It’s also one of the simplest to prevent with regular maintenance and scheduling an annual inspection and tune-up with an HVAC professional.

If you have a reusable air filter, be sure to clean it at least once a month in order to avoid overworking your AC unit. Dirty filters can cause a variety of problems including:

Increased Allergies & Sneezing

As your filter becomes maxed out, it cannot trap any more air particles and those particles are recirculated back through the HVAC system and into your home. This can be especially damaging if anyone in your home suffers from asthma or respiratory allergies.

Reduced Air Quality

A clogged air filter allows dust, pollen, dander and other debris to pass through and into your ductwork. This dirt can build up over time leading to a variety of issues including mold and respiratory problems.

Short Cycling

When an air conditioner has to work harder and longer to cool your home because of a dirty filter, it will wear down faster, which can result in early replacement or even system failure. An investment in a new filter each month and routine maintenance is the best way to prevent this costly problem.

System Freeze-Up

Ultimately, a dirty filter will lead to iced over evaporator coils that can’t transfer heat effectively. This will cause a lack of cooling and can damage the compressor. If this happens, it will require an extensive and costly compressor replacement.

In addition to the cost of a new compressor, you’ll also face an expensive repair bill to fix other parts of your system that are impacted by a clogged filter. The air conditioning system can also become damaged from a lack of proper heat exchange. This is why it’s so important to change the air filter regularly and schedule an annual maintenance appointment with a professional HVAC company. This will help to ensure your system is working properly and that you are adhering to the manufacturer’s warranty requirements. An HVAC company can also assist you with choosing the right sized and shaped air filter for your specific system.

Warm Air

If the air coming from your vents is warm, it could mean that there’s an issue with your air conditioning unit. Some of these issues are easy to solve, such as a dirty air filter or a thermostat that’s set to the wrong temperature. Others are harder to work out, like duct leaks or a refrigerant leak. In these cases, you’ll need to call a professional to come out and fix the problem for you.

The air filter is essential to keeping your AC unit running at optimal performance. If it becomes clogged, it will restrict airflow and cause the unit to overwork itself. It’s important to check the air filter monthly and change it as needed. Additionally, regular maintenance from a professional AC company can help prevent AC problems down the road.

One of the most common reasons that an AC may start blowing warm air is because of low refrigerant. Refrigerant is a crucial component to an AC unit. It’s responsible for absorbing heat and humidity from the air, which leaves it feeling cool. When there’s low refrigerant, the AC will struggle to keep the home cool.

Another reason an AC may start to blow warm air is because of dirty evaporator coils. The evaporator coils are responsible for absorbing the heat in your home. If the coils are dirty, they will not be able to function properly and the AC will have trouble cooling your home.

Other reasons that an AC may start to blow warm air include a dirty compressor or fan and a clogged outdoor unit. These issues can all be fixed with the assistance of a professional.

An air conditioner is a vital part of the comfort in your home. When the system starts to malfunction, it’s important to get it repaired as soon as possible. A professional can assess the situation and make necessary repairs to keep you comfortable. By understanding the causes of AC problems, you can be proactive about avoiding them in the future and get your air conditioning up and running again.