Balancing My HVAC SystemBalancing My HVAC System

The primary goal of an air conditioner (AC) is to keep your home comfortable during the hot summer months. But, like any other piece of machinery, ACs can experience malfunctions or require repairs from time to time.

While most people are familiar with the basics, such as changing the filter and cleaning the coils, there are a few lesser-known issues that can arise. This article looks at a few of them and provides guidance on how to handle these common AC repairs.

Fixing the AC Capacitor

The AC capacitor, although small, stores and supplies the energy that the system's motor needs to start up and maintain operation. Without a properly functioning capacitor, your AC system could struggle to start and may not run efficiently, leading to a lack of cooling and a potential increase in energy costs.

One common issue with capacitors is that they can become faulty over time due to wear and tear or sudden power surges. Symptoms of a failing AC capacitor include hard starting, where the AC struggles to turn on or off, or an irregular humming sound from the unit. If your AC is running constantly but not cooling your home effectively, a faulty capacitor could be the culprit.

Fixing the AC capacitor, however, is not typically a do-it-yourself job and often requires the expertise of a professional technician. Capacitors store a high amount of voltage and can pose a risk of electrical shock if not handled correctly.

Therefore, if you suspect a problem with your AC capacitor, get in touch with a trusted AC professional. They will run diagnostics to determine if the capacitor is faulty and then repair the issue for you.

Fixing Circuit Breaker Issues

Circuit breakers protect your AC system from potential damage due to power surges or overheating. However, circuit breaker issues can occur, often manifesting as repeated tripping. This can be not only annoying but also harmful to your AC unit, as it interrupts the normal cooling cycle and can lead to other complications.

The root causes for circuit breaker issues can range from loose connections, short circuits, and ground faults to more serious problems like an over-sized breaker or an over-loaded circuit.

If there are loose connections, a technician can tighten them or replace the circuit breaker if necessary. For more complex problems, a professional will need to inspect the wiring and circuits to pinpoint any issues before making repairs.

In some cases, the AC unit itself may be to blame. An air conditioner that runs constantly can overwork the circuit breaker and cause it to trip frequently, so an inspection of your AC system is also recommended before any repairs are made.

For more info about AC repair, contact a local company.