Common Causes for AC Repair

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Common Causes for AC Repair

As summer settles in, take a moment to be grateful for the invention of air conditioning. As of 2019, the global HVAC market was estimated to be worth $240.8 billion, according to Comfy Living. It's a luxury that has improved comfort and air quality in homes and businesses for decades. If something goes wrong with your AC unit, you need to get an HVAC contractor over right away. This article will explain some of the most common causes for AC repair so you can stay vigilant and cool the rest of the summer.

1. Low Refrigerant

Refrigerant is used to remove heat and humidity from the outside air before it's sent into your home or business. The two most common types of refrigerants are Freon and Puron. Without refrigerant, the outside air will not be cool, and your AC unit will be pumping warm and muggy air directly into your home. Most of the time, refrigerant issues are related to a leak in the tubing of your AC unit. You may notice the AC unit runs longer to get to the temperature you set. You can add more refrigerants, but this is a short-term solution. You need to get an AC repair tech to take a look at your unit and identify the source of the leak to properly fix the issue.

2. Faulty Capacitor

The capacitor is a small part of your AC condenser that has an important job. It provides a jolt of energy to the blower motor when the AC unit starts. Over time, the capacitor will start to wane in efficiency due to wear and tear. This will start to affect the blower motor and other parts of your system. A telltale sign that your capacitor is not working is if you don't hear your fan blowing. If you hear a deep buzz, that's the compressor doing its job, but you should also hear a whirring noise from the fan. Call a tech if you notice only one of these sounds.

3. Broken Blower Motor

The blower motor pushes cool air from your condenser into the ducts of your home, which carries the cool air to the different rooms in your house. These motors need proper lubrication and to be free from dirt and debris to do their job effectively. If it isn't well maintained or the capacitor gives out, the stress on the blower motor increases and leads to premature malfunctions. If you hear banging, grinding, or smell burning coming from your air ducts, it's a good sign your blower motor has failed. Call an AC repair service to get it up and running again.

4. Dirty Condenser Coils

The condenser coils are located outside the unit where the condenser is exposed to dirt and other debris. If you live in a city with a high rate of pollution, your condenser coils are even worse off. Make sure to clean them off every so often to prevent them from getting caked in grime. Otherwise, you will be left with an inefficient AC unit and increased utility bills.

5. Dirty Air Filters

The air filters in your AC unit help keep the indoor air quality safe. It stops contaminants, small insects, dirt, and allergens from making their way into your home. Like any filter, they need to be cleaned off every now and again to ensure your system isn't working harder than it needs to. You can also completely replace the filter for even better results. If you have filters in your air ducts, it may be easier to get an AC repair technician to handle the job for you.

Like all of your other appliances, maintenance is key to preventing these issues from occurring. Regular maintenance will keep your AC unit humming along for the entire summer. If you need AC installation, repair, or maintenance, you can count on Focus Heating and Cooling. Call today to learn more about the services we can provide to you and your home.

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In Case of Frozen Heat Pump

By 7003135598 • January 17, 2025

If a heat pump is iced over, it's important to address the issue promptly to prevent damage and restore efficient operation. Here are the steps you should take: 1. Turn on your Emergency heat on thrermostat or turn the system completely off. 2. The unit will manually defrost when it is above freezing outside. You can also use warm water to speed up the process, but avoid using sharp objects to chip away the ice, as this will damage the coils. 3. Check Airflow: Ensure that there is adequate airflow around the outdoor unit. Clear any debris, leaves, or snow that may be obstructing the airflow. Restricted airflow can cause the unit to freeze over. 4. Use Emergency Heat: If the heat pump remains frozen and you need immediate heating, switch to the emergency heat setting. This will activate the auxiliary heat source and bypass the outdoor unit. Don’t Want to Do It Yourself? (You should call for service, This problem will not fix itself) Once the unit is thawed, this is a repair for professionals! Focus Heating & Cooling is here to help! We provide expert HVAC services on all major brands. Give us a call or text today to get one of our amazing technicians out to care for your heating needs. Your comfort is our Focus! Focus Heating & Cooling 📞 Call or Text Us Today: (503) 563-8567 Let us take care of your HVAC system, so you don’t have to! By following these steps, you can effectively address a frozen heat pump and restore its normal operation. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent future freezing issues.

How to Change A Filter

By 7003135598 • January 17, 2025

Changing a filter in a generic air conditioning system involves a few straightforward steps, regardless of the specific brand or model. Here's a general guide to help you through the process: 1. Turn Off at the Thermostat: Before starting, ensure the system is turned off to prevent any air circulation while you change the filter. 2. Locate the Filter: The filter is typically located at the return air duct at the furnace or inside the air handler unit. It may be behind a grille or access panel. Or install in the return grill in the house. 3. Remove the Old Filter: Open the grille or access panel and carefully slide out the old filter. Take note of the filter's size and the direction of airflow, which is usually indicated by arrows on the filter frame. 4. Select the Correct Replacement Filter: Ensure you have the correct size and type of replacement filter. Filters come in various sizes and thicknesses, so it's important to match the new filter to the old one. 5. Write the date on the filter for easy reference on your next filter change. 6. Install the New Filter: Insert the new filter into the slot, making sure the airflow arrows point in the correct direction, towards the air handler or blower. 7. Secure the Filter: Close the grille or access panel securely to ensure the filter stays in place and the system operates efficiently. 8. Turn the Thermostat Back On: Once the new filter is installed, turn the system back on and check for proper operation. Regularly changing the filter, typically every 1-2 months depending on usage and filter type, helps maintain system efficiency and indoor air quality. A 4 inch thick filter can last as long as 6 months. Don’t Want to Do It Yourself? While changing air filters is a straightforward process, some people prefer to leave it to the professionals. If you'd rather not handle it yourself, or if you'd like a complete HVAC maintenance check, Focus Heating & Cooling is here to help! We provide expert HVAC services, including air handler maintenance, to keep your system running smoothly. Give us a call or text today to schedule a filter replacement or full maintenance service! Let us take care of your HVAC system, so you don’t have to! By staying on top of filter changes and regular maintenance, you’ll help your air conditioning system run efficiently, keeping your home comfortable and your air clean year-round.