Air Conditioning Repair Woodland Hills can be a tricky proposition. Many HVAC professionals have a formula they use to help homeowners decide whether it makes sense to repair an old AC unit or invest in a new one.

Before you call a technician, try a few troubleshooting steps to determine the best course of action. This can save you a significant amount of money in the long run.

The evaporator coil is a key component in your air conditioning unit. It’s designed to absorb heat from the air that circulates through your home, so it must be as clean as possible to perform properly. Dirty evaporator coils can lead to reduced cooling efficiency and even system failure. This is why it’s important to maintain your AC system regularly and clean the coil when needed.

There are several ways to clean your evaporator coils, including using compressed air and a brush. Compressed air can be used to blow away any loose dirt on the coil. This is a good option if the dirt buildup on your coil is not too severe. However, it’s best to use a brush if the dirt on your coil is more stubborn. A brush with soft bristles can easily remove a buildup of dust without damaging the aluminum fins on your coil.

Another way to clean your evaporator coil is by spraying it down with an air conditioning cleaner. This method allows for more controlled application of the cleaning solution and provides you with better access to the dirty areas of your coil. If your coil is very soiled, you may need to use a more heavy-duty cleaner. This will likely require removing the outer casing and top of your air conditioner to gain better access to the coils. A professional will have the equipment and training necessary to safely remove, clean and reinstall your coils without causing any damage to your air conditioner.

A dirty evaporator coil can also cause your air conditioning unit to work harder than it should. When this happens, it can stress the other components of your system and lead to premature wear and tear. This can result in higher energy bills and costly repairs. This is why it’s so important to clean your evaporator coil on a regular basis and keep up with other preventative maintenance tasks.

Dirty Compressor Coils

Dirty compressor coils affect your home’s energy efficiency and your HVAC system’s ability to cool your house. They also cause other problems and increase your air conditioner repair expenses. A professional should clean these coils during a tune-up or other service visit.

The compressor coil is located in the outdoor unit of your home’s air conditioning system. The coil is made of copper and filled with refrigerant. The hot air from inside your home travels to the coil and absorbs the refrigerant’s heat, which is then released into the cooler outdoors. The cooled refrigerant then circulates back to your home’s thermostat to maintain your desired temperature.

Over time, dirt, dust, and other pollutants can build up on the coil’s fins, which limits their performance and leads to decreased cooling efficiency. The dirt buildup can also restrict the flow of refrigerant, forcing the system to work harder and longer to achieve your desired temperature. This puts a strain on the system, which can lead to accelerated wear and tear on other system components.

If left unattended, dirty condenser coils can cause refrigerant leaks. The lack of a continuous flow of refrigerant can lead to a low refrigerant charge, which causes your air conditioning system to overheat. This can result in expensive compressor and blower motor damage. It is recommended that you have a seasoned technician check your compressor coils on a regular basis to ensure the proper flow of refrigerant and protect your system from potential failure.

Low Coolant Levels

Coolant, also known as radiator fluid, plays a vital role in regulating the temperature of your engine. Without it, your engine would overheat and cause damage to other components such as the radiator hoses and cylinder head gasket. The coolant in your vehicle also helps your AC work properly by transferring heat away from the compressor. When the coolant level is low, it will cause your AC to overwork and lead to a breakdown.

If you are experiencing a lack of cooling, ice on the indoor coils or hissing noises, it’s time to call in a professional to take a look. The underlying problem is likely a refrigerant leak and if left unchecked could become worse leading to expensive repairs and unhealthy, foul-smelling fumes entering your vehicle’s interior.

Leaks can occur for a variety of reasons including poor installation, age and worn-down or loose components. The compressor and evaporator coils are especially prone to leaking due to the constant movement they experience over a period of time. It is important that your system be inspected regularly and topped off with fresh liquid coolant to avoid low refrigerant levels.

When the air conditioning system is leaking it can not only impact the cooling ability of your car, but it can also waste energy and raise electric bills. A faulty thermostat or radiator cap can also cause the air conditioner to leak, so it’s important to have these checked and replaced as needed.

Often times air conditioning professionals will offer both refrigerant recharge and leak detection/repair in order to save you money, prevent costly damage and provide the best possible cooling performance for years to come. The process involves testing the pressure of the AC system, detecting any problems and repairing them promptly followed by replenishing the coolant with a new liquid to top it off and restore optimal cooling performance.

It is also important to note that coolant and anti-freeze are not the same thing. The coolant in your car’s engine is used to regulate the temperature and protect it from overheating, whereas anti-freeze is designed to keep the freezing temperatures of your car in check.

Faulty Thermostat

One of the most common air conditioning repair issues is a malfunctioning thermostat. It may be as simple as changing out the batteries or resetting it, but sometimes it can be difficult to determine exactly what is wrong. Recognizing the telltale signs that a thermostat is broken can help you avoid worse problems down the road.

A faulty thermostat will not send the correct signals to the cooling system, making it difficult to start or to shut off. This can also cause the temperature gauge to display an unusually high reading. This is due to the fact that the thermostat is stuck closed, preventing the coolant from reaching its proper temperature. The result can be engine overheating, which can damage the vehicle in the long run.

Another sign that the thermostat is faulty is when the unit won’t turn on. If you have a programmable thermostat, this might mean that it is programmed for the wrong type of equipment or that it is set to an incorrect date and time. Alternatively, the problem could be as simple as a tripped circuit breaker. You can check this by looking at the breaker panel and seeing if the switch next to your air conditioning unit is hovering between the “off” and “on” positions or has a red light on it.

Thermostats can often become contaminated with dust and dirt, which makes them less likely to function properly. It is therefore important to clean them regularly, especially if you have an older model that has an analog lever. This can be done by removing the cover and gently cleaning it with a cloth or brush. You can also check that the wiring connections are firmly in place.

Fortunately, replacing the thermostat in your vehicle is a relatively easy job that can be completed by most people with some basic tools. However, it is best left to an experienced professional. This is because it can be tricky to determine whether the problem is actually with the thermostat or with a different component of your vehicle. Having a professional conduct an inspection first can save you time and money in the long run.