You want your air conditioning system running efficiently, not constantly. When your air conditioner runs constantly, you have a big problem in your hands and you did not get there overnight.
Air conditioning systems generally last a long time, but their upkeep, or lack thereof, plays a crucial role in hitting peak performance and reaching the expected lifespan. For instance, you must check regularly if filters and coils are dirty, if there is enough airflow from the supply vents, and if there are other signs of wear and tear. An HVAC technician must be called in to fix whatever little problem there is so it doesn’t balloon into something big.
Maintenance contributes to the efficiency of your air conditioning unit. After all, your AC undergoes a lot of pressure on a daily basis. Additional stress means your AC has to work harder to remove heat from your home and replace it with cold air.
When an air conditioner runs constantly, that’s a sign you’ve neglected your AC. Your cooling system should run for about 15 minutes per cycle on a summer day. A cycle time of 30 minutes is too long. Unless your unit is an old one about to get replaced, you probably didn’t catch little AC issues until they cause your air conditioner to run constantly.
Now that the guilt trip is out of the way, here’s the good news: it’s not the end of the world, much less your AC unit. Call an HVAC technician immediately. He will diagnose the problem and fix it so your AC will once again meet your home’s cooling demands.
To give you an idea of what may be causing your air conditioner to run constantly, we rounded off 7 causes for you. By taking note of these reasons you can avoid the same problem from happening in the future.
1. Dirty Air Filter
Your air filters need to be cleaned at least once a month. It’s as simple as that. If there’s one thing you can and should do for your air conditioner, it’s to clean the filters regularly or replace disposable ones every month. Also, make sure you purchase brand new air conditioner filters that are the correct size and MERV value. Even a brand new air filter can work against you if it’s too restrictive and does not allow air to easily flow. Such a simple task can improve the efficiency of your air conditioner.
When the air filter has excess dirt and debris, airflow is restricted, which then affects other air conditioning components. Without sufficient air flowing over the coils, the system can’t cool the air and remove humidity. Restricted airflow across cooling coils causes air conditioning units to have a long cooling cycle.
How can dirt and debris accumulate so fast in the air filter?
The air conditioner is not just responsible for cooling your home. It also prevents air pollutants from re-circulating the air. The air filters are responsible for this job. Basically, air filters protect you and the rest of the HVAC system.
Air pollutants are not just harmful to your health. They can affect the performance of the HVAC system too. Can you imagine what will happen to an air conditioner if, for instance, animal hair and dander are not filtered? It will wear down the blower motor, clog the drains and the vents, and cling to the fans.
2. Frozen Evaporator Coil
Ice on the evaporator coils? That’s not exactly a bad thing, right? It is.
Even when you don’t really see ice, a frozen evaporator coil is still not good for your air conditioner. When not fixed immediately, it can cause your air conditioner to keep cycling on and off. What does the evaporator coil do and why does it affect the cycles of your air conditioner?
Contrary to popular belief, the air conditioner does not produce cool air. The refrigerant absorbs heat from inside the house, cooling the air before moving to an outdoor coil to release the heat. The indoor coil that contains the refrigerant is the evaporator coil. When it is frozen, it allows no warm air to heat the refrigerant.
The refrigerant can’t do its job effectively when the evaporator coil is frozen. Without the refrigerant, no conditioning or cooling is possible at all.
A frozen evaporator coil is a common air conditioning issue that may be caused by dirty filters, broken fans, a malfunctioning thermostat, blocked condensate lines, and refrigerant leaks. When you suspect the evaporator coil has frozen, call an air conditioning technician right away.
3. Low Refrigerant Charge
We previously mentioned the refrigerant and its role in the cooling process in your home. Your air conditioner works by circulating refrigerant through two sets of coils. The refrigerant, which starts out as a liquid, is converted to gas in the evaporator coils. It absorbs heat from the surroundings and moves to the condenser coils where it releases the said heat.
When there is a low refrigerant charge or pressure, the temperature is also low. The refrigerant cannot cool warm air effectively. As a result of the insufficient cool air, the air conditioning system compensates by running constantly. This means the cooling demands of the home will not be met but your utility bills will increase due to constant energy consumption.
4. Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat is basically the “brains” of the heating and cooling system in your home. It tells the air conditioning system when set temperatures in your home have been reached. If your thermostat is not registering temperature difference readings properly, it can cause a problem and your AC will keep running on and on.
The thermostat is one AC component you should check before calling a pro. Check if the thermostat is set correctly based on your temperature preferences, your routine, and the manufacturer’s recommendation.
If you’re keen on upgrading an older thermostat model, ask your HVAC technicians about smart thermostats. They are more efficient and more cost-effective. They give you the power to control the temperatures in your home anywhere you go.
5. Leaky Air Ducts
Leaks in the duct system prevent conditioned air from reaching the supply vents and from cooling your home. As a result, your home won’t be cool enough to achieve a set temperature, prompting the A/C system to keep on running.
There are many possible reasons for air leaks. Age, normal wear and tear, and even pests and animals trapped in the duct system can cause holes and cracks in the pipes. In the past, home and business owners had to use mastic and duct tapes to seal air leaks from the outside. Now, interior duct sealing is possible, which is a convenient and efficient way of fixing air leaks.
If you suspect duct leaks are causing your AC system to run much more than usual, call us at Air Care Cooling & Heating LLC and one of our trusted technicians will inspect your ducts and the rest of your AC system. We provide interior duct sealing, retrofitting, and other HVAC services.
6. Dirty or blocked condenser coil
Since the outdoor unit is exposed to the elements outside the home, it can get dirty, clogged, or blocked and cause the AC to keep on running. A dirty condenser coil is a big problem and will affect your energy bills.
The condenser condenses the refrigerant and turns it into liquid. Because of its outdoor location, dirt and debris can easily clog the condenser, reducing its efficiency. You may have to call in the air conditioner experts for emergency service, but first, clean the area around the outdoor unit.
It’s important to regularly clean the area around the condenser unit to prevent any issues. Leaves, branches, other vegetation should not be anywhere near the condenser. If leaves get stuck inside the condenser, it may damage the fans and prevent them from working.
Most systems will have issues if the airflow is restricted. The same is true with the outdoor unit where the condenser coil is located.
7. Blower motor issues
The blower motor blows air throughout the AC system. Remember, the air has to move through the system to the air vents to cool your home. The blower motor provides the power to move air efficiently, so when it’s not working properly, the system will run constantly in order to reach set temperatures and give comfort to your home.
The blower motor is not something you should tinker with on your own. Call an air conditioning expert who can fix the problem for you.
Tips to Prevent AC from Running Constantly
Ensure you have the correct-size AC Unit
If you recently moved or renovated your house, make sure to ask your HVAC technician to do a heat load calculation for you to determine if you have the correct AC size to meet your home’s cooling needs.
When the A/C system is sized too small, it can’t meet your home’s cooling demands. It just can’t cool your home so the air conditioner runs constantly to compensate.
On the other hand, if your air conditioner is too large it will cool too quickly and is also a problem. The heat from your home in the summer months will not be removed properly. The airflow cycles will be too short, and without the ac running for the proper amount of time, the humidity cannot be removed.
Have regular maintenance performed on your home heating and cooling system
HVAC maintenance is not something you want to skip on if you want your cooling and heating unit to meet your home’s needs consistently. The higher your air conditioner’s age is the more important it is. Maintenance keeps your unit in peak condition for consistent cool airflow in your home, saves on energy bills, prevents a minor problem from becoming a major one, and extends the life of your HVAC system.
HVAC problems that cause your air conditioner to run too much should be addressed by an HVAC professional immediately, but there’s a lot you can do to contribute to the upkeep of your AC. Simple things like cleaning the filter and the area around the outdoor unit counts as maintenance too.
It’s not surprising if the HVAC system is one of the most neglected equipment in your home and constant AC cycles are one of the most common problems homeowners encounter. While it’s a relief to know that constant cycles can be fixed, don’t wait for it to happen before you look for an HVAC contractor you can trust.
Find an HVAC contractor you can count on
Find an HVAC contractor you can call for any emergency service. For as long as you have heating and cooling systems at home, you will need an HVAC contractor for one service or another.
At Air Care Cooling & Heating LLC, we strive to provide excellent workmanship and outstanding customer experience. Our goal goes beyond fixing one HVAC problem at a time. Instead, we hope to build lasting relationships with our customers and help ensure they have cool air for their comfort at home.
The blower motor plays a major role in the AC system, so when it’s time for a replacement, there’s no other choice but to get it replaced. Your questions: What are you looking at in terms of replacement cost? Specifically, how much does it cost to replace an AC blower motor in Phoenix AZ? Can you put off the task for another time or will a DIY intervention fix the problem?
Unless you’re an AC repair expert, an AC blower motor replacement is not the right project to flex your DIY skills. You need to make a service call and bring in professional HVAC technicians to correctly diagnose the problem and fix it once and for all. As the component responsible for pumping air through the air conditioning system, you need your blower motor in optimum performance to ensure consistent cool air throughout your home.
Replacement cost depends on several factors like labor costs, replacement parts, and timing. To give you an idea, the price range is typically between $800 to $1800 or more. In Phoenix, replacement cost and repair cost are higher during hot summer months when demand for HVAC services far exceeds the available labor supply.
That said, a blower motor repair is not something to put off until a better time. There’s never a good time for such a repair service unless you’re willing to pay the price because blower motors are that important to air conditioners and furnaces. Without your air conditioner and furnace blower motor, your HVAC system is basically rendered useless.
What is a blower fan motor?
Contrary to what many homeowners believe, air conditioners do not create cool air. Neither does a furnace create warm air. The Joule-Thomson effect, in fact, makes the HVAC system work, and a big part of the process is done by the air conditioner and furnace fan motor (there’s one motor for both AC and the furnace, not two).
With the help of the blower wheel, sometimes called a squirrel cage, the blower motor turns the fan blades so that air moves to the evaporator coil and through the rest of the air conditioning system. It removes warm air from inside the house and blows cool air through the vents to give you quality indoor air. Without the blower motor, your air conditioner is basically useless as air cannot efficiently move in the air conditioning system.
There are different types of AC blower motors, each type with different pros and cons although most AC technicians agree that the newer model is more cost-effective than the other.
Single-speed Motor
An older model AC unit usually has a single-speed air handler that turns on and off. Without a speed adjustment feature, the moment the air handler is switched on, it runs on full output. This means your AC unit consumes maximum energy that leads to high utility bills.
Variable Speed Motor
A variable-speed blower motor gives you efficiency and the flexibility to change speeds and control the air that flows through your heat pump, furnace, or air conditioner, making it the more ideal model.
Imagine leaving your house for work and switching off the air handler versus switching it to a slower speed so the house stays cool when you get home. The variable-speed motor is not only convenient, but it is also energy-efficient. As you adjust the speed of the motor, you effectively control energy consumption too.
Expert Tip
Before replacing your faulty single-speed blower motor, talk to one of our HVAC technicians and we will help you determine the best model suitable for your home. Part of Air Care Cooling & Heating LLC‘s service commitment is to give homeowners professional recommendations to help them make educated and cost-effective decisions. It’s not enough that we solve an immediate problem. Instead, we find ways to provide long-term solutions to help extend the lifespan of your AC, furnace, or heat pump and make it worth your investment.
What are the signs the blower fan motor needs to be replaced?
The air conditioning unit is a complicated system. When one thing doesn’t work, it may be caused by one of several factors, like excessive dust clogging the filters, a refrigerant leak, or a hard-starting AC compressor, all of which needs immediate attention, replacement, or repair.
What are the signs to watch out for to know your blower fan motor is ready for a replacement?
Weak or no airflow
Remember, it’s the blower motor that moves air throughout the system, so when age and normal wear and tear affect the blower motor, you will definitely notice weak airflow from the vents or no airflow at all. This is a telling sign that you’re due for an AC and furnace blower motor replacement.
Until the repair service is taken care of, turn off your AC at home to avoid damaging other AC parts. Weak or no airflow can cause the evaporator coil to freeze and add pressure to the AC compressor, which will both add to the repair costs or replacement costs.
Strange sounds from the motor
Your air conditioner unit at home most probably makes some kind of noise. Low-level noises are to be expected and are not a cause of worry. However, when you start hearing strange loud noises, your blower motor may be the problem. If you hear screeching noises, those are indicative of bearing issues while rattling sounds may be due to a loose or broken part.
Call a professional technician who can diagnose the problem correctly and solve the issue before it spins off to problems that affect other AC parts.
High energy bills
It’s a fact that households in Phoenix, like the rest in Arizona, spend more energy on the air conditioning when compared to other US cities. That’s not surprising at all given the heat of the desert region, but what can be surprising is a spike in energy consumption in these homes.
A sudden increase in energy usage leads to higher energy bills. Again, this may be due to many factors, such as a frozen evaporator coil, a thermostat or a circuit board that has gone bad, a hard-starting compressor, and several other scenarios that resulted from bad AC parts. The blower motor may also be the issue.
An aged or worn blower motor has to use more effort or more energy to turn the fan and blow air throughout the AC system. You can’t solve this issue on your own. A professional technician must inspect your AC, find the source of the problem, and repair it. If the blower motor is the culprit, then it has to be replaced.
Is the blower motor covered under warranty?
If your blower motor is still under warranty, that’s good news. A warranty offsets the cost to replace or repair an AC or a specific part, but as you know, a warranty does not last forever or cover everything on the AC.
Blower motors usually have a 5 to 10 years parts warranty from the factory, but it varies from one brand to another. For instance, Carrier, American Standard, and Lennox offer a 10-year limited parts warranty that covers the compressor, evaporator coil, blower motor, among others.
A warranty, like that offered by Carrier and other leading brands, may reduce the motor replacement cost to the cost of labor alone. It’s definitely good to have a warranty especially for costly replacements like circuit board replacement, compressor replacement, or blower motor replacement.
If unlike Carrier and other leading brands, your brand does not cover your blower motor or you’re out of warranty, you still have to go ahead with the replacement.
With or without a warranty to mitigate replacement or repair cost, you still need to call an HVAC contractor.
How to take care of your blower fan motor
Blower motors usually last a long time, but as one of the hardest working components of the AC, it wears down quickly too. Regular cleaning and routine maintenance help keep the blower motor in peak condition. As well as lubricating the belt and bearings to minimize friction. Regularly changing air filters alone is a huge help to ensure dust does not accumulate in the blower wheel.
Finally, do not skip professional maintenance services at least twice a year. It can prevent problems from happening and help save you from expensive replacement or repair costs.
In Phoenix, you can call our number and request AC repairs, replacements, and maintenance services or ask for estimates of replacement or repair cost.
How to find the right AC contractor for a blower motor replacement in Phoenix
Whether you’re in Phoenix AZ or not, your AC, furnace, or heat pump will encounter different kinds of issues over its lifespan that require AC repairs and replacements. Therefore, when searching for the right HVAC contractor, look for one you can turn to every time you need AC repair, replacement, or maintenance services. You don’t want a one-off. Instead, you want a reputable professional contractor that you can work with for as long as you have an AC unit.
Price
AC repair costs, replacement costs, and AC parts can be costly, not just in Phoenix but anywhere in the US. While it’s good to seek affordable options, always keep in mind that you get what you pay for. A reputable company may cost more than your friendly neighborhood repairman, but in exchange, you get professional recommendations from highly trained technicians and after-sales services.
Reputation
Save yourself from future headaches and go with a trusted contractor. A contractor’s reputation tells you everything you need to know about how he or she does business.
Contact Us
For AC repair, replacement, and maintenance services, contact us and one of our professional technicians will assist you. In Phoenix and nearby cities, we’ve built a solid reputation based on excellent service, outstanding customer experience, fair and honest prices. More importantly, we’ve built lasting relationships with homeowners and businesses who trust us with their AC services. It couldn’t get better than that.
When it comes to your air conditioning system, don’t wait for a small problem to worsen. As soon as something comes up with your AC unit, find out its cause and or call an HVAC professional to diagnose the problem and fix it. Even a small air conditioner problem can cause the whole air conditioning system to eventually go into overdrive.
AC coil freezing is one such problem. It’s a common problem that usually starts with a small issue that was not fixed right away until you end up with a frozen AC. Understanding how air conditioners work helps. So when you ask “Why is my air conditioner frozen?” be ready to find out more.
Your air conditioner did not just freeze. There’s a lot more involved that caused your AC coils to freeze.
The Joule-Thomson Effect
The Joule-Thomson effect is present in the air conditioning system in your home. It is a thermodynamic process that moves warm air inside your home to the outside compressor. This process uses continuous airflow, refrigerant, and the evaporator coil.
In essence, the air conditioner does not create a cold temperature or cool air. Instead, the Joule-Thomson effect moves heat from inside the house and sends the exhaust outside.
When there is insufficient airflow in the heating and air conditioning system, the process goes out of whack. Humidity turns to ice and causes the air conditioner coils and refrigerant lines to freeze or ” ice over” as the pros say. Ice on your system is very bad because it blocks airflow. To prevent that from happening to your air conditioner, it’s important to keep every part of the AC in tip-top condition so air can flow without a hitch. Every part of the HVAC system is important no matter how small or big it is.
Top Reasons Why AC Coils Freeze
Clogged Air Filters
What do you know about the air filter? From the name itself, an air filter filters dirty air that goes into your air conditioner unit. Air filters prevent dust, animal dander, pollens, and other particulates from entering the HVAC system so that the air that comes out from the supply vents is clean and safe.
Air filters have to be regularly cleaned and replaced every 3 months or so. Otherwise, dust and other particulates will cause a buildup and clog the filters. Clogged air filters make it difficult for warm air to move through the ducts. Without sufficient airflow over the coil, the refrigerant in the coil turns too cold and water vapor from the condensation process settles on the evaporator coils and freezes.
Air filters are easy to clean and replace, but they are the number one reason why AC coils freeze up. Clogged air filters also affect other components of the HVAC system, not just the evaporator coils. Clogged air filters put a strain on other components and increase the energy consumption in your home.
Broken Blower Fan
The blower fan is important for proper airflow in the heating and cooling system. The blower fan provides the pressure that pushes dense cold air so it can circulate throughout the house and pushes warm air outside.
When the blower fan is not working properly, it affects the airflow in the air handler. Eventually, moisture will settle on the coils and cause freeze-ups. This causes ice to form and damages the system.
Make sure to keep air properly circulating in the HVAC system. Any blockage will start a domino effect that will put more pressure than necessary on other air conditioner’s components. An HVAC technician at Air Care Cooling & Heating LLC can fix a broken blower fan for you. As much as possible do not attempt a DIY if you’re not an HVAC professional.
Obstructed Supply Vents
Just like the air filter and the blower fan, blocked or obstructed supply vents also cause the air conditioner coil to freeze. Sufficient airflow is necessary to keep the AC unit in top condition. When air is blocked, it causes moisture to settle on the AC coils and freeze.
It’s a good idea to check where your big pieces of furniture are. Make sure they are far from the air vents in your home. Check your air by putting your hand directly in front of the vents. You should feel the airflow. If heat comes out from your vents instead of cool air, it’s time to call the pro.
Low Refrigerant Levels
A leak in the refrigerant causes low refrigerant levels, which leads to a frozen evaporator and AC coils freeze. This is not a heating and air conditioning problem for a homeowner to DIY. A professional HVAC technician must be called in to find the leak and fix it.
The refrigerant inside the copper coils in your AC unit is responsible for absorbing heat from indoor air, leaving cool air. Without the refrigerant, there is no air conditioning. The air conditioner does not consume the refrigerant, so a low refrigerant level means there is a leak in the coil or a refrigerant line that must be sealed immediately.
Refrigerant levels must be maintained to effectively remove heat from inside the house and keep the refrigerant pressure. Low pressure results in a frozen AC. A leaking refrigerant does not only cause you money, but it may also cause poisoning and other serious conditions.
If you suspect a leaky refrigerant, call Air Care Cooling & Heating LLC for an immediate heating and air conditioning repair service.
Blocked Condensate Drain Lines
Condensation drain lines drain away water from the AC evaporator coil. When moisture condenses into water, the waterfalls to a drain pan before it travels through pipes to a drain hole.
A blocked drain line prevents water from draining effectively. Stuck water forms into a frost or into ice, especially if the water is stuck near the evaporator coil.
Drainage problems are common and they lead to more serious water damage in air conditioners. The good thing is, this is something that can be prevented by regular maintenance services.
Our routine maintenance services at Air Care include checking and cleaning the drain pan and the pipes. You can get these services by calling our live operator and booking a home visit.
Tips to Remember
Frozen coils are common AC problems. Keep the following tips in mind if you don’t want your air conditioner to freeze.
Tip 1
Give your air conditioner regular preventive maintenance. It will keep your air conditioner in top condition and prevent different AC problems. Even a new AC needs to be checked for problems in the coils and in other parts of the unit. For instance, the blower motor must be in top running condition and the evaporator coil must be in good shape.
Tip 2
Call an HVAC professional if you suspect a frozen evaporator coil. This air conditioner issue is not suitable for DIY. At Air Care Cooling & Heating LLC, our professional technicians will give your unit a thorough inspection and fix the problem once and for all.
Tip 3
Just because you don’t see the ice doesn’t mean it’s not there. No matter how you clean the filter and the temperature in your home doesn’t improve, don’t wait for the situation to worsen. Book an appointment with a pro right away.
Tip 4
Ensure the thermostat settings are correct and that switches didn’t trip. Incorrect thermostat settings affect the whole unit and fail to bring the temperature in the house to where it should be.
Tip 5
Don’t feel free to tinker with the components of your HVAC system. The DIY initiative is admirable, but if you don’t know much about fixing air conditioners, bring in the experts, like the professional technicians at Air Care. It’s the safest way to solve HVAC problems.
What is said about prevention is true to air conditioning systems as well. Prevention is better than cure. Preventive maintenance is important to keep your air conditioner running in optimal condition.
Air Care Cooling & Heating LLC offers a comprehensive preventive maintenance plan that will help ensure your air conditioner gets much-needed cleaning, tuning up and maintenance services. Frozen AC coils or no frozen AC coils, call us to book a maintenance service.
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Most air conditioning units are built to last a long, long timeーat least the quality ones are. Even so, an air conditioner will inevitably experience the usual wear and tear. Dust and debris will eventually accumulate in the filters, the battery on the thermostat will have to be replaced, the compressor will probably hard start. If you’re not so lucky and your air conditioning system is not pest-proofed, there’s the chance a bird or a rodent will find its way to your AC’s ducts, get stuck, and stench.
If and when these things happen, you want a trusted air conditioning technician on your side. But just like everywhere else, the HVAC industry is a crowded marketplace. How do you hire the best air conditioning contractor?
Air conditioning services such as repair, replacement, and maintenance are costly, so you definitely want to get your money’s worth and ensure the same AC problem won’t pop up every so often. That means you want an air conditioning contractor who can do it rightーonce.
Here are a few tips to help you find a great AC contractor.
Find a legitimate company that checks all legal requirements and industry certifications. The company should be experts in HVAC with a proven track record. A trusted contractor will cost you more than fly-by-night ones, but it will also give you peace of mind.
A great AC contractor knows quality matters and trusts only quality brands. Using substandard brands may save you money upfront, but an excellent contractor who cares about his clients knows that using anything substandard is doing his client a disservice.
Customer satisfaction is not all about how quickly service is rendered or how cheap the service is. A good contractor provides long-term solutions that are more cost-effective in the long run.
Ask around for recommendations
This one is a no-brainer. Ask friends and family members who they call for their own HVAC home services. People are always eager to offer their advice. If you pay attention, you’ll find out which contractors are not worth your time and your dime.
Don’t skip reading online reviews too. A company’s online review page, if there is one, is a fountain of information that you should use to your advantage. People have different experiences and different opinions. It’s helpful to learn how a certain company deals with different challenges.
Call customer service and ask the tough questions
Don’t be shy to call a company’s customer service line and ask about all the job-specific questions you can think of. Good customer service happens way before you start paying someone money and never ends, even after the job is done.
If anything happens after a repair, a great AC contractor will cater to you, even prioritize you, for customer satisfaction. Therefore, ask about the company’s policies and get a feel of their customer service.
An air conditioning system is a huge investment. The right HVAC company knows that and will take care of your investment, ensuring you get to enjoy it for a long time. Also, the right company knows an air conditioning system is not just a piece of equipment. It is an instrument necessary to give you and your family quality indoor air.
Once you find the right air conditioning contractor for you, hang on to them. Build a lasting relationship based on mutual trust and respect.
Is your air conditioning system ready to face the heat of summer in Arizona? Now is the best time to make sure your air conditioning unit is in top condition. Trust us when we say, you don’t want an air conditioning emergency when summer rolls in.
We cannot stress this enough: pre-season tuning up will save you from loads of inconveniences. Your air conditioning system must be thoroughly inspected and minor flaws should be fixed to prevent major HVAC disasters.
The evaporator coil is one component that must be cleaned and tuned up regularly. Many homeowners only go as far as cleaning air filters and replacing disposable ones. That’s a good practice, but take it a step further by cleaning evaporator coils to ensure a consistent supply of cool air in your home.
The Importance of the Evaporator Coil
The air conditioning system is divided into 2 main parts: the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.
You will find the evaporator coil in the indoor unit, or the air handler, together with the air filter and the blower fan. The outdoor unit, on the other hand, has the compressor and the condenser coil.
The coolant called refrigerant flows between the indoor and outdoor units, absorbing heat from the inside and releasing it outside the house. The fan blows air over the evaporator coil, and the evaporator coil is then responsible for cooling the refrigerant so that it can do its job and absorb heat. Once it absorbs heat, the refrigerant flows to the outside unit where compression and pressurization happen to turn the refrigerant into a hot gas.
Effects of a Bad Evaporator Coil
What happens when the evaporator coil stops working properly?
Generally speaking, the evaporator coil affects the whole HVAC process. When it is not working properly because of dust, leaks, frozen ice, or other causes, it reduces the efficiency of the air conditioner to cool your home and reduce humidity in the air.
Without the evaporator coil, the refrigerant cannot perform its function properly. And we know that without the refrigerant, no cooling takes place. The HVAC system is a complex system of interrelated processes. One component’s weakness will eventually cause the failure of other components. We see that again and again, whether it’s the air filter, the AC coils, or the thermostat that is going bonkers.
When one component affects the HVAC system’s performance, you can expect energy consumption to increase. This is true for evaporator coils too. The air conditioner uses more electrical energy to compensate for the bad evaporator coil.
Unfortunately, no amount of energy will fix evaporator coil issues. In fact, the opposite is true. As the air conditioner struggles to provide cool air, it puts the whole system at risk of major system breakdowns and a shorter AC lifespan.
Like the air filter, the evaporator coil needs cleaning and maintenance. Unlike the air filter, you are better off with a professional air conditioning technician doing the routine evaporator coil tune-up for you.
In Phoenix and other cities in the Valley, AC maintenance is a must before the start of the summer season. It gives you a number of benefits that ensure your summer is as perfect as it can be.
Coil cleaning ensures the coils are in excellent condition to meet the cooling demands of your home, especially in summer.
Cleaning the evaporator coil gives maintenance technicians the chance to fix minor issues before they become full-blown AC problems.
Clean coils allow the AC system to run on lesser energy, effectively reducing energy consumption and energy bills.
Smart homeowners don’t skip coil cleaning. It’s a simple task that has loads of benefits to reap.
Contact Us
For your peace of mind and your convenience, call Air Care Cooling & Heating LLC for a fast and efficient maintenance service. Our professional technicians follow a maintenance checklist that includes a thorough inspection and tuning up of the air handler, including the evaporator coil. The coil is cleaned and ensured to be in excellent shape to provide consistent cool air to your home.
Your air conditioning system is only as good as its upkeep. That’s not an exaggeration. That’s a fact. Poor upkeep leads to poor air conditioning performance. Because the truth is, regardless of make and model, every air conditioning system, even the best ones, needs regular air conditioning maintenance.
Many homeowners don’t take annual maintenance services seriously. Many prefer to do it by themselves to avoid maintenance fees. Some put it off until their air conditioner is in trouble. Those make for the perfect summer nightmare, especially if you live anywhere in Arizona.
An air conditioner needs maintenance before the summer heat kicks in every year. That means, now is the best time to call an HVAC technician for an AC unit inspection, cleaning, and tune-up. What can you expect from professional air conditioner maintenance and why shouldn’t you do it on your own?
Understanding how neglect, normal wear and tear, and age put a strain on your AC system will help you appreciate regular system inspection and maintenance services. Maintenance is a job for the pro unless you have proper training, complete equipment, and HVAC knowledge.
Why does the air conditioning system need maintenance?
The HVAC system is a complex system composed of many different parts. Each part or component plays a role that affects the heating and cooling of your home. Neglect, normal wear and tear, and age affect the efficiency of the component, reducing the efficiency of the whole HVAC system.
Aside from heating and cooling your home, the HVAC system also prevents pollutants from contaminating indoor air. Over time this can cause a buildup of dust and dirt and clog air filters and other components.
If not addressed immediately, this can result in weak or insufficient airflow and cause other problems like duct leaks, frozen coils, blocked condensate drain line, low refrigerant levels, overheating blower motor, among others.
Wear and tear are normal for air conditioners, especially as they age, but when not immediately fixed, it will result in poor air conditioning system performance, frequent costly repairs, and shorter AC lifespan.
The service inclusions from one heating, air conditioning company to another slightly vary. When you call Air Care Cooling & Heating LLC, our highly trained technicians give a thorough inspection and tune-up of both indoor components and the outdoor unit.
Typically, our services include checking electrical connections, lubricating moving parts, condensate drain examination, fan assessment, refrigerant inspection, as well as the usual inspection of filters, vents, pipes, thermostats, etc.
Another thing that sets Air Care Cooling & Heating LLC apart is the level of service we provide your heating, air conditioning system at home. For instance, we take no shortcuts and always provide customers the right information and the best solutions. We take pride in our thorough, efficient, professional tune-ups.
20-Point AC maintenance checklist
When you call us for cleaning, tune-up, and maintenance services, our professional technicians follow a special procedure, which we rounded off to a 20-point checklist. Here’s what you can expect from us at Air Care Cooling & Heating LLC:
Tighten and safety test all wiring and electrical connections, including kinked wiring inside the condenser, burned capacitor connections and burned fuses.
Lubricate all moving parts to reduce friction.
Clean or replace air filters.
Measure operating pressures and exiting and returning air temperatures. Adjust depending on the manufacturer’s specifications.
Measure refrigerant levels and superheat to charge.
Check thermostat settings and calibrate as needed.
Test the amp draw of the compressor.
Inspect the air handler for leaks.
Drain the condensate lines or flush condensate drain to prevent overflow.
Listen for motor malfunction.
Test run capacitors.
Check blower components, including blower motor, and clean the blower wheel.
Inspect the ducts for leaks.
Inspect control boards for shorts and arching.
Clean outdoor condenser coil.
Meter voltage and amperage in all motors.
Tighten electrical breakers
Check air temperature differential.
Test refrigeration system operations and ensure all is within specifications.
Provide home or business owner a detailed inspection report.
Why is spring (and fall) the best time for HVAC maintenance tune-up?
HVAC technicians strongly recommend air conditioning maintenance in spring or before the heating season kicks in. If you have a heat pump, pre-season tune-ups should be during fall to prepare for the colder months.
Here are 3 reasons why spring (and fall) is the best time for HVAC systems maintenance:
1. Prepare the AC in time for summer
HVAC companies recommend system maintenance in spring because major air conditioning breakdowns are a no-no in summer.
A pre-season cleaning, tune-up, and maintenance service will make sure your cooling system is ready to take on the heat of the summer months and give comfort to your home. A preventive inspection will give the HVAC technician the chance to fix minor issues that are likely to become full-blown problems in summer when the A/C system is under a lot of stress.
2. Save on maintenance and tune-up costs
Summer is the busiest time for AC technicians. When your AC unit breaks down in summer, who knows how soon you can get an emergency repair or replacement service as most air conditioning technicians are heavily booked.
This shortage of professional technicians leads to another disadvantage: expensive repair, replacement, maintenance service costs. The cost to repair, replace, and maintain an air conditioner skyrockets in summer.
To avoid spending more money on preventive heating and cooling services, call a pro from a reputable HVAC company as early as the first few weeks of spring.
3. Warranty compliance
Major air conditioning manufacturers require yearly preventive service as part of the warranty terms. Warranty coverage may be denied if there is no proof of annual preventive maintenance.
4. Improve home comfort and indoor air quality during summer
The summer heat can make your home feel so uncomfortable. A pre-season maintenance service can save you from such uncomfortable situations. While waiting for a professional technician, make sure your AC filters are clean and the vents are not obstructed for consistent cool airflow.
What can you do in between regular maintenance services?
Clean and replace air filters
Clean your air filter at least once every 30 days to prevent the buildup of dirt and debris. A clogged air filter causes weak airflow, which affects other air conditioner components like the refrigerant and the coils. To compensate for insufficient airflow, your blower fan motor exerts a lot of effort and consumes a lot of energy, which leads to higher utility bills.
Keep the area around the condenser coil clean
Keep the outdoor unit free of tall grass, tree branches, garbage, and other possible air obstructions. Make sure it is not damaged by outdoor elements, like wind, water, dust, etc.
Keeping the area around the condenser clean will prevent air flow obstruction.
Clean the evaporator coil
Clean the evaporator coil of dust, dirt, and other debris using a special coil cleaner, a soft brush, or a vacuum. A clean evaporator coil will help maintain the efficiency of the A/C system efficiency and prevent cooling problems.
Make sure vents are not obstructed
Obstructed vents result in uneven temperatures and uncomfortable air quality at home. To prevent that from happening, remove big pieces of furniture, drapes, and other common household things that block air vents.
Preventive Maintenance Plan
As part of our customer service, Air Care Cooling & Heating LLC provides home and business owners a comprehensive preventive maintenance plan. The plan gives customers 2 very important benefits: cost savings and convenience.
Benefits of Air Care’s preventive maintenance plan
Big savings and discounts
Air Care Cooling & Heating LLC’s preventive maintenance plan covers annual cleaning, tune-ups, and maintenance services. Maintenance services costs usually discourage many homeowners. As a result, their heating system and air conditioning system do not get much-needed maintenance.
Air Care Cooling & Heating LLC’s preventive air conditioning tune-up plan is a cost-saving way of taking care of your air conditioner. It covers regular unit inspection, cleaning, and tune-up and helps customers save money in the long run. Ultimately, repair and replacement are more costly than the preventive maintenance plan.
Convenience
Customers who take advantage of our preventive maintenance agreement plan are given service priority over those without. Heating and air conditioning emergencies can happen anytime to anyone. Imagine needing emergency service in summer when air conditioning technicians are heavily loaded.
Air Care Cooling & Heating LLC’s preventive maintenance plan gives customers the peace of mind that comes from knowing no matter when or where an HVAC professional will always come to the rescue.
Different HVAC contractors offer different levels of service. When it comes to air conditioning maintenance, choose a reliable air conditioning company for the job.
In Mesa, Arizona look no further than Air Care Cooling & Heating LLC. Trusted by home and business owners, we know an efficient heating, air conditioning system brings comfort and quality air to your house. We go above and beyond the needs of our customers and put a premium on excellent service so that every house is a place of comfort and safe indoor air.
