An air conditioner has become a symbol of comfort and a necessity for many despite soaring electric costs. However, the device is not cheap, so you need to take good care of it. You’re lucky since it’s easy to find Miami air conditioner repair services if there are problems.
Need a comprehensive guide on AC repair? Then, continue reading below.
Table of Contents
Troubleshooting Procedures for AC Repair
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Not all problems require emergency AC repair. There may be situations wherein indicators are present, but what if all you had to do was clean the air filters without needing to opt for AC repair?
Getting professional help can be unnecessary for such an easy problem to fix. That is why it is important to conduct troubleshooting before deciding to seek the services of experts.
Check for Electric Power.
Your AC needs electricity to run, so if your electrical supply is unstable, your AC might experience performance problems. Air conditioners are devices of numerous components that either move or heat. Therefore, frequent turning on and off can potentially damage the AC.
Here’s how you check for electric power:
- Observe the stability of the electric supply from your lighting fixtures
- Make sure there are no cuts or damage on the wirings
- See to it if the circuit breaker still clicks
- Check if the plug is tightly attached to the outlet.
Check the Settings of the Thermostat.
If the electric power seems good, proceed to check the thermostat. Almost all the new models both have manual and remote controls.
- Turn on the AC using manual controls. Then, adjust the temperature level or fan speed.
- Check the remote control response by changing the settings. If unresponsive, try newer batteries.
Ensure you do not frequently turn the AC on and off when troubleshooting. Try turning it on first using the manual controls so that you won’t have to turn the AC off and turn it on again to check the response of the remote control.
Check the Air Filter.
Each AC type has a different manner of accessing the air filters. Do not worry; they are easily accessible so you can clean them regularly. As you check the air filter, if there is a presence of dirt, you can clean them by spraying water. Make sure you do this away from the AC unit.
You can gently brush the dirt and debris clinging to it. While having it dry, you can also clean the openings and vents. Do not attempt to turn on the AC with no air filter; do not use the air filter if still wet.
Most Common Problems That Likely Need Ac Repair
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When a problem is fixed by following the simple steps stated above, your AC will be fine. But if it turns out there’s more to that, then you’ll need AC repair.
Here are the most common problems wherein you need to fix your AC:
Refrigerant Leak
The refrigerant is the sole reason why your AC can cool the air. It is the component that resides in the inner tubes. It is in a gaseous state when the AC is not operating but liquefies when the power is on. When air passes through the tubes and coils, the refrigerant’s low melting/freezing point keeps it cool.
As stated, a refrigerant is gaseous at a non-operational state. So, if there is a leak, the refrigerant can go undetected. But how can one tell that the problem is likely the leakage?
Here are the common indicators:
- The humidity indoors increases.
- The air blown by the AC is no longer cool despite the usual thermostat settings.
- The air blown away from the outdoor unit is not hot.
- A hissing sound in the outdoor unit signals a gas leak.
- A certain part of the unit is freezing, indicating the presence of cold refrigerant.
- Cooling cost (or the electric bill) remains the same despite the drop in AC performance.
Broken AC Compressor Fan
The compressor is placed in the outdoor unit for split-type ACs. For window-type ACs, they are located at the part protruding toward the outside. The compressor fan keeps the inside cool by blowing heat out towards the atmosphere. If that is not working, the AC can’t cool the air.
Here are the common indicators:
- No movement of the fan blades
- There is a concerning vibration noise
Damaged AC Compressor
If there are still problems even though the fan is still working and there are no refrigerant leaks, the damage is likely on the AC compressor. How to spot a broken one?
Here are the indicators:
- Air is not cooling while the AC is operating
- The exhaust from the outdoor unit/portion is not hot
- There is a concerning vibration noise
- The circuit breaker occasionally trips
Frozen Evaporator Coil
If ice forms on the AC unit, you’ll likely suspect a refrigerant leak. However, the problem can also be in the evaporator coil. Observing the AC unit closely while operating is easy to spot. The ice thaws when the AC is off, and you can spot liquid leaks.
HVAC Drainage Problems
Sometimes, the problem might not be on your AC. It can be on your HVAC drainage. However, this is only applicable to structures that have an HVAC system.
Here are some indicators wherein the problem might be on the drainage:
- Overflowing water from the condensate pan
- No water flowing out from the drain trap
- Unpleasant odor due to mold build-up
Maintenance Procedures
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To avoid a situation requiring repair, you must keep your AC in top shape to avoid a situation requiring repair. Here are some standard maintenance procedures that even you can do:
- Clean air filters at least once a month
- Clear the vents from any dirt, debris, and obstruction
- Dust the outdoor unit/portion or clear any obstruction
Also Read: How to Detect Air Conditioning Repair the Colony, TX at Its Early Stage?
Usual AC Repair Costs 
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To give you an idea of how much an AC repair costs, here is a list of the regular payment per problem. Note that the price is still based on the rates in 2020.
- Condensate drain tube replacement = $20
- Drain line flushing = $75 to $250
- Replacement of fuses, breakers, or relays = $75 to $290
- Condensate drain pump replacement = $240 to $450
- Drain pans replacement = $250 to $575
- Outdoor fan motor repair = $200 to $650
- Refrigerant recharging = $250 to $750
- Refrigerant leak repair = $200 to $1,500
- Compressor replacement = $1,900
- Condenser coil replacement = $1,900 to $2,900
Conclusion
AC repair can get pretty expensive, depending on the extent of the damage. You can evaluate whether the repair is economical or if it will be better to buy a new one instead. However, only proper maintenance and correct troubleshooting can save you from having headaches. If you need urgent solutions, contact your local HVAC company.
