Few things frustrate homeowners more than an air conditioner issue. Couple an issue with scorching Texas summer heat and it will cause homeowners to do more than sweat. Issues that might be a minor inconvenience in cooler months can quickly turn into an emergency situation during the seemingly endless summer months that are so frequent in the Dallas area.
Despite being one of the more complicated home systems, AC breakdowns tend to revolve around a set number of issues, many of which are preventable. Taking proactive steps to ensure that your system will operate when it becomes stressed during peak months will help keep your family safe and comfortable.
Forgo the ‘AC service Grand Prairie, TX’ Google searches and simply turn to the team that has been helping Dallas homeowners for over 50 years. The Dial1 Johnson team has offices located across south Dallas and offers 24-hour emergency service to get your system back up and running.
Common Breakdowns
Understanding some of the common reasons your air conditioner can break down will help as you relay information to the HVAC technician. Although there are steps outlined below to help with troubleshooting, it is important to note that any repairs to your system should be made by a trained professional. Here are some of the more common causes that homeowners might encounter.
Fan Issues
Home AC systems typically have two fans, one removing the warm air in your home by pushing it over the condenser coils, and the other blowing cool air over the evaporator coils. Left unchecked, it can quickly progress to larger issues including a failed compressor.
When either of these fans stops working properly, homeowners will notice a drastic reduction in the airflow coming from their system. This can result in uneven cooling in certain areas of the home, as well as the system kicking on and off more frequently.
Frozen Coils
One of the more frustrating and perplexing issues that can pop us is frozen evaporator coils. After all, how can something freeze when the Texas heat tops out in the triple digits? The root cause generally centers around pressure in the line.
Pressure in your AC coil helps push refrigerant through the system so that it can absorb the excess heat. As the pressure falls, the line will not be able to absorb enough heat to prevent the line, and subsequently the coil, from freezing.
Pressure issues can arise from a variety of factors such as:
- Clogged filters
- Low refrigerant
- Thermostat issues
- Reduced airflow
- Too many closed vents
- Slow fans
Refrigerant Leaks
Similar to your car’s air conditioning system, the AC in your home relies on a refrigerant to help remove excess moisture and heat from the air. Over time, the copper tubes that are inside the evaporator or condenser coils can break down and leak. Typically this is a direct result of small vibrations that the system makes.
Refrigerant leaks will cause your HVAC to work overtime and wear down prematurely. Homeowners that run into these problems will generally notice that the air being produced is not as cool, or their system turns off and on more frequently. Repairs to suspected leaks should only be handled by a trained professional, due to the potential for ecological damage if the refrigerant is improperly handled.
Blocked Drains
One of the more common HVAC repairs Grand Prairie, TX residents need is to unlock blocked drains. All of the hours that your system is pumping out cold air, it will also be condensing warmer air, and that water has to go somewhere.
Clogged drains can be problematic for a variety of reasons beyond a pool of water on the floor. Water unable to drain can back up into the air conditioning system causing major damage. Avoid the problem by scheduling regular maintenance with a licensed technician.
Clogged Condenser Coils
Located within the outside unit of your air conditioning system, the condenser coils are critical components that can be subject to harsh conditions, dust, and debris. When clogged, the coils cannot properly remove heat from the system. As a result, your AC can overheat, causing a host of additional problems for homeowners.
Your System is Outdated
Air conditioning units are one of the larger home investments that you will make, but they are not designed to last forever. Most manufacturers state that, with proper maintenance, an air conditioning system can last 15-20 years.
If you are making frequent repair calls, the best course of action might be a full system replacement. In the long run, this can be much more cost-effective than throwing money at an antiquated system hoping to get one more year of life out of it.
Troubleshooting an AC Breakdown
Earlier, we mentioned that repairs should be conducted by a trained professional. But should your system go on the fritz, there are steps that homeowners can take to help troubleshoot. Any information provided to the technician will help them during their diagnostic process.
If the issue happens during the dog days of summer, it is important that you remain safe. Creating adequate airflow to keep your home cooler than the outside temperature might not be the most comfortable, but it will certainly help.
Start by opening the windows, the outside breeze will help generate some airflow. Next, turn on any fans that you have within the home. Remember that ceiling fans should turn counterclockwise during the summer months so that they create a downdraft. If turning clockwise, you will only be blowing hot air around.
Once you have some airflow in your home, take time to check a few critical components of your system. Older systems are notorious for throwing a breaker. Double check that the issue cannot be resolved by literally flipping a switch.
Another culprit could be your thermostat. Batteries can die, people change the temperature settings, there could be a number of reasons it is not working properly. Homeowners that recently upgraded their thermostat should also confirm that it is compatible with their AC system.
Finally, inspect your air filter. You will be surprised how many issues can be resolved with a clean air filter. Should all else fail, contact a trusted HVAC technician in your area.
Finding AC Service Grand Prairie, TX
Air conditioner repairs are an inevitable part of home maintenance and understanding some of the more common issues that your HVAC unit can encounter is a great way to mitigate the risk of breakdown. Taking preventative steps and scheduling regular maintenance will go a long way to saving homeowners’ heartache, but when breakdowns ditch the Google search and turn to the professionals that Dallas area homeowners have come to trust.
Having served the DFW community for over 50 years, the Dial1 Johnson team has seen just about every AC issue imaginable and knows what it takes to get your air conditioner back up and running. With offices in Midlothian, Cedar Hill, and Desoto, we are never more than a few minutes away. Connect with our team to schedule an appointment with one of our expert technicians.