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3 Reasons Your Air Conditioner is Broke
If your air conditioning isn’t working, there are some basic steps that you can take to prevent a costly repair bill.
Check the Air Conditioning Condenser Drain pipe
A clogged condensate drain pipe can cause serious damage to your AC system and home. Checking the condensate drain pipe is an important part of regular maintenance, and it should be done regularly.
If you suspect your condensate drainpipe is clogged, you should look for standing water near the indoor unit of your AC. If there is no moisture around the unit, the drain pipe and pan are working properly. However, if you see water in the drain pan, it’s time to let a qualified HVAC technician handle it. Otherwise, you might cause further damage to your unit. You can start by searching “air conditioning repair near me” for a more efficient process.
Checking the Air Conditioning Voltage
If you have problems with your air conditioner, you may need to replace your contactor. This component provides power to the compressor and condenser fan. You should know it can be hazardous if you mishandle it, so when it comes to anything electrical I recommend calling a professional.
If you are qualified to handle this, test the contactor and disconnect the power wires and terminal side wires. Next, connect a multimeter to the contacts, which should read OL or 0.0 ohms. If the contactor’s voltage is low, you need to replace it.
Checking the contactor’s voltage is not for the inexperienced, so you should call a professional. Understanding how the electrical circuit works in the air conditioner is important. A damaged contactor may result in a malfunctioning compressor or circuit breaker. You should also check if you can hear the compressor.
You can check the voltage of the contactor by connecting a multimeter to the low-voltage terminals of the coil. The contactor works appropriately if the reading is between 5 and 20 volts. If it is below that, it isn’t very accurate and needs replacement. Removing the contactor could damage your air conditioner or void the warranty.
Checking the Air Conditioning Thermostat
There are several signs that your thermostat may need to be repaired. First, the display may not work. Second, the backlight may not be working properly. Third, you may notice that the temperature in some rooms fluctuates more than in others. Finally, check the thermostat’s user manual to see how you can troubleshoot any problem.
If the reading is different from what you see on the thermostat, it could mean the thermostat needs to be replaced. Luckily, thermostats are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace. However, you should know how to operate the thermostat before attempting to repair the unit.
The thermostat has various connections that must be cleaned and tightened. A dirty thermostat can cause the AC unit to run less efficiently. If unsure where to begin, you may want to call an HVAC technician. A technician will be able to diagnose the thermostat and repair the problem. Checking the wiring can also indicate other issues with the unit, such as corrosion or loose terminal screws.
You might need to check the control board if the thermostat doesn’t send a signal to the HVAC unit. For example, a relay may have tripped or a broken wire if the control board is damaged. In either case, the thermostat won’t be able to send commands to the AC unit.
Final Thoughts
The HVAC system is an intricate unit and shouldn’t be left to the DIYer. It is always a good idea to call a professional as it might save you money in the long run.
Other posts you might enjoy:
Maintaining Your Air Conditioning is Important
Advantages of a Split Air Conditioning System
6 Benefits of Virginia Beach Air Conditioning Repair Service
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About the Author: Patricia Davis Brown
