When your air conditioning system suddenly stops working, it’s time to call in an air conditioning service. There are many reasons why it could be causing you problems, but the best way to fix it is to investigate possible fixes first. If you ignore minor issues, they can turn into big ones, which will cost you more time and money to fix. Read on for some tips. Follow these tips to keep your AC system running smoothly. After you’ve followed these tips, you’ll be ready to call an air conditioning service.
Inspecting the condensate drain
The condensate drain line collects the water that has accumulated on the indoor unit and drains away from the home. This drain line can have two parts. The primary drain line is built into the unit and drains the condensate, and the secondary drain line is available if the primary drain line is blocked. If the condensate drain line is blocked, the water will back up in the drain line, posing a safety issue and causing water damage.
The condensate drain is usually a source of leaks and mold, so it is important to have it inspected regularly. The HVAC technician will examine the drain line for clogs and loose connections. He will also inspect the condensate drain, the condensate trap, and the outside unit for debris. If there is a leak, the technician will also drain the water from the outdoor unit and make sure the fan is working properly.
Checking the level of coolant
Checking the level of coolant is one of the most basic checks that you can make yourself before calling an air conditioning service. A vehicle should not lose coolant under normal conditions, but a few factors may cause it to do so. Cracks in hoses, a malfunctioning radiator cap, and a damaged water pipe can cause your coolant to evaporate. Your coolant reservoir tank is translucent and made of high-grade plastic. The color of the coolant will depend on the specifications of your system.
First, look for a temperature gauge that indicates the refrigerant level. The outside temperature will affect the reading of the gauge. A service port should register a temperature between 250 and 400 psi. If this number is below or above this range, the coolant level is too low. If the temperature is higher than this range, you have a leak. You can also check the level of coolant by using a thermometer.
Cleaning the condenser coil
Cleaning the condenser coil during air-conditioning service is important because a dirty coil will require more energy from your home AC unit. To prevent the buildup of debris, you should rinse the coil every spring and early summer. If possible, change the air filter and clean the coil at the same time each month during the summer months. Frequent coil cleaning will prevent the buildup of debris and keep your unit running efficiently. If you do decide to clean your own coil, make sure you use the proper cleaner and pressure to avoid damaging the fins.
To clean the coil yourself, you may wish to remove the outer casing and top to access it. Next, remove the coil and use a high-pressure spray to wipe away any debris. You should make sure to use gloves and eye protection when working with this component of the air conditioning unit. If you do not have access to a power washer, you should bring a shop-vac to remove any debris that you find on the coil. You may want to use a commercial coil cleaning solution or a household detergent to get rid of stubborn buildup.
Checking the accumulator
You need to know how to check the accumulator when doing air conditioning service. This small device protects the whole system from moisture and foreign particles, and if there are problems with it, you should replace it. Luckily, most AC systems have accumulators to protect them from these potential problems. In this video, you will learn how to check the accumulator and what to look for. Follow these steps to prevent AC problems, and enjoy your new AC!
Make sure to check the accumulator for blockages. If the accumulator is plugged, the orifice will be blocked by excess debris and wax. If you find debris in the accumulator, you should replace it with a new one. You may want to install a screen on the inlet of the accumulator. This will prevent excess foreign material from clogging the metering orifice.