How Do I Know If My Air Conditioning System Needs Repair?
Knowing when to call for an air conditioner repair service is also key. If your air conditioning unit is showing the following signs, we recommend that you call us as soon as possible:
- Loud or weird noises
- Strange odors coming from vents
- Inability to turn on
- Frequent short cycling
- Reduced air flow through vents
Tarpy Plumbing, Heating & Air will perform a thorough inspection to get a better idea of what the problem may be. From there, we’ll offer you multiple solutions to choose from, and walk you through the pros and cons of each solution, so you always make the most informed decision possible.
What Are the Most Common AC Repairs in San Diego?
Our San Diego AC repair specialists encounter a wide array of issues with our clients’ air conditioning systems every day. But the most common ones are the following:
- Clogged drain lines
- Various electrical issues
- Refrigerant leaks
- Dirty condenser coils
- Compressor issues
- Frozen evaporator coils
- Fan motor problems
- Faulty thermostats
Should I Replace or Repair My Old Air Conditioner?
We are aware that purchasing and installing a new AC unit typically costs more than air conditioning repairs. There are several questions that you can answer, though, to determine whether you need a new air conditioning unit or not. These questions are:
How much have you already spent on air conditioning repair? If you have to shell out a couple of hundred bucks a few times a year on AC repairs, chances are you’ll be better off with a new unit.
How old is your air conditioning unit? If your household is equipped with a 10-year-old air conditioning unit, or even older, it will probably need repairs more and more often.
How is your air conditioner performing? Outdated air conditioning units typically have a lower seasonal energy efficiency rating. Thus, they will undergo a significantly higher activity when in use, compared to newer models. By upgrading your air conditioner system, not only that you can save money on bills but also increase the value of your home.
Should I Be Worried If My Air Conditioner Is Leaking Condensation?
Air conditioning units remove humidity from the air, so a little condensation leaking safely through the condensate drain is perfectly fine. However, if your outside wall unit or the inside ducted unit is leaking, it is definitely an urgent problem that needs the attention of an AC service technician. That’s because if excess moisture builds up to the point of “bleeding” through one of the units of the air conditioning system, it can lead to damage to the ductwork and insulation.
Is It Normal For My Air Conditioning Unit To Freeze Up?
No. Absolutely not. This is a problem caused either by a lack of air flow to the evaporator coils, or a severe lack of refrigerant. If you notice that your air conditioner is freezing, the first thing that you should do is turn it off. It if continues to run its compressor may sustain damage.
If this problem occurs, there are two troubleshooting steps that you can take.
- Check the vents, air filters, evaporator coils, and fan. If any of these items are clogged, dirty, or have a copious amount of debris, the problem can be fixed by a thorough cleanup.
- Check the temperature setting on the thermostat. If it is set too low (below 70°F) it could cause the air conditioner to freeze up.
You should also check the refrigerant level. If it’s too low, it can point out that there are leaks inside the air conditioning unit, and this may call for the expertise of an HVAC systems technician.