It might not seem like it quite yet, but warm weather is coming! And with it will come the need to use your air conditioner. If something goes wrong and your cooling system doesn’t work well when you need it to, it’s best to already have a plan in place for what you’ll do. That way, you won’t panic, and you won’t have to make a dozen phone calls.
Your best bet is to know exactly who to call when your air conditioner or other cooling system breaks down, makes a funny noise, or fails to provide the cooling you need. This means you need to know that an HVAC contractor handles the type of system you have. We perform HVAC repairs on air conditioners, heat pumps, mini splits, and more. Here are some of the most common concerns we see.
Common AC Repairs Our HVAC Technicians Can Handle
- Blower Fan Motor: In order to distribute the cold air created by your air conditioner, there must be a fan. To power that fan, there must be a motor. And whenever there’s a motor, with moving parts, there’s a risk of something going wrong. The best way to reduce the risk of this is by changing your air filter often to maintain airflow and avoid overheating the motor.
- Refrigerant Leak: Refrigerant flows through the coils of your air conditioner, carrying heat away from your home. If a coil is damaged suddenly or worn away gradually, the refrigerant can leak out. This stops the air conditioner from moving heat effectively and can damage the compressor, which will keep trying harder and harder to get the job done.
- Thermostat Problems: It’s true, sometimes the air conditioner is fine. But if the thermostat isn’t sending the right signals, the air conditioner won’t behave the way you want it to. Sometimes a thermostat does require repair or recalibration. But before you call for repairs, do check that it hasn’t simply been switched to the wrong thermostat setting.
- Electrical Problems: Again, this is the sort of thing that can interrupt signals and prevent the parts of your air conditioner from working together effectively. Clicking sounds can indicate electrical problems. If your air conditioner makes a burning smell, turn it off immediately! Electrical fire is a serious hazard, so get HVAC repair in Cambridge, MA right away.
Common Heat Pump Repairs We Can Handle
Because a heat pump operates on the same principle as an air conditioner, and most of their components are the same, the above concerns also apply to heat pumps. Recognizing early signs of heating problems can help you address issues before they worsen. There is a component that air conditioners don’t have, though: the heat pump reversing valve. If your heat pump won’t switch modes, this valve is responsible and needs to be repaired.
Common Mini Split Repairs We Can Handle
Mini split or ductless systems avoid the need for ductwork by conducting the refrigerant directly to air handlers throughout the home. The biggest concern these systems have that is different from ducted AC is that each air handler also has its own drainage system.
Excess moisture or odors of mildew or sourness at your air handlers indicate that the condensate pan needs to be cleaned or the drainage line is clogged. Take this concern seriously, because water damage is no joke.
Whether you’ve got an air conditioner or a heat pump, a ducted or ductless system, we’re prepared to provide the repairs you need to keep you cool all summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are the most common HVAC repairs homeowners may need?
Answer: Common HVAC repairs include blower fan motor problems, refrigerant leaks, thermostat issues, electrical faults, and airflow problems that affect system performance. Air conditioners and heat pumps often experience similar issues because they rely on many of the same components to heat or cool a home.
Question: Why is my air conditioner running but not cooling my home?
Answer: An air conditioner may run without cooling properly because of restricted airflow, thermostat problems, low refrigerant, or another issue affecting heat transfer. If basic thermostat checks do not solve the problem, an HVAC technician can inspect the system and identify the cause before the issue becomes more serious.
Question: What do clicking sounds or a burning smell from my air conditioner mean?
Answer: Repeated clicking can point to an electrical or control problem that prevents different air conditioner components from communicating or operating correctly. A burning smell may indicate a more serious electrical issue, so the system should be turned off and inspected by a qualified HVAC professional.
Question: Why won’t my heat pump switch between heating and cooling modes?
Answer: A heat pump that cannot switch between heating and cooling may have a problem with the reversing valve, which changes the direction of the refrigerant flow. Because this component is essential to heat pump operation, a professional inspection is usually needed to confirm the problem and perform the appropriate repair.
Question: Why is my ductless mini split leaking water or producing a musty odor?
Answer: Water leaks or musty odors from a ductless mini split can be caused by a dirty condensate pan, clogged drain line, or moisture buildup inside the air handler. Addressing the drainage problem promptly can help prevent water damage, reduce unpleasant odors, and keep the system operating properly.
Reach out to Cooling Unlimited, Inc. to speak with qualified HVAC experts.
