What To Know From Your AC Repair Company | Southlake, TX
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We are reaching the end of summer, and so far, so good that your air conditioner is working perfectly and has not broken down. But what should you do before next year’s hot weather? The best you can do is to have your unit serviced by an AC repair company to make sure that everything is working properly.
However, even a well-serviced unit can break down and need a reliable AC repair company, but who do you turn to for help? A lot of people in Southlake, TX turn to One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth, TX for a quality and affordable repair. If you check all the positive reviews online, you can see why we are the most trusted AC repair company in the region.
How Does an Air Conditioner Work?
Not everyone outside of the AC repair company understands how an air conditioner works, but a little information can help explain why things can go wrong and what you can do to help avoid them. The major components are the compressor, evaporator coils, condenser, and cooling fins.
The compressor and evaporator coils are located inside your property, and the condenser and cooling fins are outside. These are all linked by a copper pipe that contains the coolant. A fan extracts the warm air from inside your property and blows it over the evaporator coils.
The coolant inside the coils removes the heat from the warm air and the now cooler air is blown back inside your property. As it absorbs the heat the coolant changes from a cold liquid to a warm gas. The compressor pumps this warm gas through the condenser and cooling fins, and the heat is transferred to the outside air.
Another fan helps this process by blowing the outside air over the condenser and fins. The warm gas is changed back into a cool liquid and continues back to the evaporator coils and repeats this cycle to keep your home or office nice and cool.
The Air Conditioner Costs More to Run
As it gets older your air conditioner will get more expensive to run. The wear and tear over time will reduce the efficiency of each component, meaning that these parts will have to work harder to maintain the set temperature.
As they work harder each component will use more energy and drive up your electricity bills. The components will also get hotter and be more likely to overheat and need an AC repair company to help to get it running again.
Reduced Cooling Effects from Your Unit
Without the right amount of coolant in it, the air conditioner will not work effectively, so that the evaporator coils will not extract as much heat from the warm air as it passes over them. This reduces the cooling effect of your unit. Older units that run on Freon are going to be harder to refill because Freon is dangerous to people and the environment and the United States government is phasing it out.
Humidity Levels Have Increased
The reduced cooling effect will mean warmer air will be blown back into your property. Warmer air contains more moisture than colder air so the humidity levels will increase. Look for water on the inside of glass windows and doors, it is an indicator that the air conditioner is struggling to perform efficiently.
Frost Begins to Form on the Evaporator Coils
Low levels of coolant will mean that the evaporator coil will not receive as much heat and will result in frost and ice starting to form on the coils. Another cause of frost and ice starting to form on the coils is reduced warm airflow.
This could be due to several factors including dirty air filters and faulty fans. This problem is usually sorted by routine service, but if the problem is ignored the frost and ice could build up and the coils could completely freeze. The air conditioner will need to be turned off for up to (or more than) 24 hours to allow the coils to thaw.
It is not a good situation to be in, on a hot summer’s day. Continuing to use the unit may result in it shutting down or breaking completely and you will need the services of a dependable and affordable AC repair company.
AC Drain Line Is Blocked
The drain pan and AC drain line could be blocked by mildew and other weeds growing inside them. To prevent this, they need to be cleaned regularly and this is done during the regular service.
Another cause of the AC drain line blocking is dirt and leaves blocking the line outside your home. If your air condenser shuts down this could be the reason, so it is always worth checking the AC line before you call for an AC repair company.
Strange Smells
If the drain pan and AC drain line are blocked and have mildew or mold growing inside them, then this could explain any smell of unpleasant wet smells around your home. You need to be careful as mold spores will be entering your home which lowers the air quality.
Other smells could be due to overheating components, due to solder burning, or loose wiring within the connections to the electrical circuits. Any burning smell needs to be acted on as there is an increased risk of fire. You need to call One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth the best AC repair company in Southlake, TX. If you see sparks or suspect fire, call the fire department immediately.
Your Air Ducts Are Leaking
It has been estimated that up to 30 percent of the energy output from your air conditioner is lost through leaky air ducts. That means three out of every ten dollars spent running your unit is lost through damaged ducts and joints. There is an increased risk of a breakdown as the unit is working harder to maintain the temperature you have set. Do not waste your hard-earned money invest in a routine service from us, your local AC repair company to keep those bills under control.
Thermostats Are Not Calibrated
A thermostat needs to be calibrated and correctly placed to make your air conditioner more efficient. A thermostat placed in direct sunlight will mislead your unit into thinking the temperature is higher than it is. One placed near an open window will have the same effect. Older dial-type thermostats need to be recalibrated more often, and it may be better to have one of One Hour’s technicians replace it with a new programmable one.
One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth Keeping Every One Cool and Safe
One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth has been operating in Southlake, TX for many years. The people of Southlake rely on our affordable and dependable AC repair company during those hot Texas summers. We always have highly trained technicians on standby 24/7 to help you no matter the time or date. Please give us a call if you suspect your AC needs attention.