Beginner’s Guide To AC Repair
The air conditioning and heating system can appear to be quite complex, especially when the operation is not as effective as it should be. However, AC repair can be conducted by anyone provided that they follow the necessary procedure that is required. In the event that the AC decides to suddenly stop working, the repair might be required as a matter of urgency and therefore you will be better off with the skills necessary.
Basic Components
The first step is to turn off the system. This is critical and ensures that if the malfunction has been occasioned by an electrical fault, then this will not have any effects. The AC is made up of a number of components and understanding how they operate will be essential in the overall repair. The main components include:
- The compressor is the box that is generally on the outside of the house. The vessel that is inside is responsible for pumping the refrigerant throughout the entire house system.
- The refrigerant is the liquid that has the cooling and heating effect of the house. This is in most case Freon.
- There are a number of line sets and these are responsible for acting as conduit pipes through which the refrigerant passes through.
- The filter dryer is responsible for removing any unnecessary impurities that may affect the normal working of the system. This is located just next to the condenser.
- The thermostat is connected to the electrical supply and is essentially the brain of the system.
Some of the other components which make up the AC include the evaporator coil that is responsible for blowing air across the system, the blower motor that serves the function of constantly moving the air through the house for the cooling effect and the control board that is the main feature where the system is controlled from.
Once you know all the basic features, then you can analyze where the problem lies. Generally, most of the problems are occasioned by an accumulation of dust in the filter. This is especially after continued use without regular cleaning. This can easily be sorted by opening up the lid and gently rubbing the accumulated dust and other impurities off the cover.
Further to this, consider where the air is coming from. This can either be through the floor or the ceilings. In the case that this has been established, check to see that the breakers are on. The most likely cause for concern if the breaker is noted to not have tripped is the thermostat or the wires from the control board. However, make sure that the reservoir has not reached its limit if the AC has a condensate pump. If you find that the reservoir is full, then the switch will automatically prevent the supply of air and you will be forced to either get a new pump or repair it accordingly.
In case the breaker has been tripped, the repair will involve shutting the system off and turning it on again after about twenty seconds. After this has been fixed and the breaker is tripped again, examine the wiring system and repair accordingly. In some cases, the blower will be found to be running but the fan outside will have stopped. This will be easily repaired by troubleshooting the unit outside.
Charlie Teschner started MESA Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling in 1982. Charlie has a journeyman and master plumber’s license. He was raised with a strong work ethic and he now applies those values to tasks such as Longmont, CO heating repair.