Fixing Your Home AC Unit – Do You Need A Professional HVAC Contractor?
Air conditioning is a great way to ensure the comfort of your home when temperatures soar. However, what if your central air conditioning unit is currently blowing warm air, or is not adequately cooling your entire house? These symptoms can indicate that your unit is not working correctly.
Luckily, most air conditioner issues can be solved. However, it is essential to know when you need to start searching for “residential HVAC contractors near me”, and when you might be able to remedy the problem yourself.
In general, figuring out air conditioner issues and fixes is not a “do it yourself” project.
A well-trained HVAC technician has put in the field work and testing to earn his or her certifications. Although air conditioner issues can often be repairable, it is a job for a licensed professional. There is quite a bit of knowledge and training required to become an HVAC technician. Therefore, leave anything other than simple tasks to the professionals.
If you need a reputable company that specializes in repairing air conditioners, Point Bay Fuel is the company to call. Point Bay Fuel offers fast service, affordable prices, and our HVAC contractors can get to the bottom of your home air conditioner issues quickly. We service Toms River, New Jersey, as well as the surrounding areas. If you are experiencing AC issues, call Point Bay Fuel today for a free estimate.
As a general rule, air conditioner issues fall into specific categories. Below are some of the most common problems, along with a recommendation as to whether they fall into a “do it yourself” fix, or something for a professional AC technician to repair.
When To Hire An HVAC Contractor Or Fix It Yourself
Contents
- When To Hire An HVAC Contractor Or Fix It Yourself
- Home HVAC DIY Options
- HVAC Thermostat Batteries And Settings
- Dirty Heating And Cooling Air Filter
- Dirty Exterior Cooling Unit
- What To Leave For The HVAC Professionals
- Faulty Or Broken HVAC Condenser Fan Motor
- Low Cooling Refrigerant Charge Or A Refrigerant Leak
- Bad Compressor In Your Home’s HVAC System
- Trusted Toms River HVAC Contractors
Home HVAC DIY Options
First, the air conditioner issues that you will be able to fix yourself:
HVAC Thermostat Batteries And Settings
Your thermostat could be the reason your air conditioner is not able to operate correctly. First, check the thermostat’s batteries. Also, make sure the thermostat is not set on “fan” or “on.” The “fan” setting means the fan is running, and not that the unit is set to cool. Instead, set the thermostat to “auto,” and “cool” which is where it should be during the hot summer. In this way, you will cool your house in the most energy-efficient way possible.
Dirty Heating And Cooling Air Filter
A dirty air filter could also be at the root of your air conditioner’s issues. When the filter is dirty, it reduces air flow. A dirty filter can cause the unit the struggle, as it tries to circulate an adequate amount of cooled air. As a result, you might have your thermostat set to 75 degrees, but the unit may only be able to lower the temperature to 80 degrees.
If your air conditioner is working too hard as a result of a clogged filter, the evaporator coil may freeze up. Once this happens, the unit will not be able to cool your home adequately.
Checking your unit’s air filter on a regular schedule is the best solution for these issues. Whenever it appears to be clogged, replace the filter.
Dirty Exterior Cooling Unit
An air conditioner unit is designed to absorb heat from the surrounding air. The unit’s evaporator and condenser work to transfer the heat to the exterior of your home.
Dirt and debris can clog the outdoor unit. When this happens, heat is not able to dissipate adequately. As a result, your air conditioner works harder, uses more energy, and your home is not cooled properly.
Cleaning the exterior unit can be performed easily using a garden hose. Just spray the unit gently, so that debris and dirt are loosened and washed away. Do not blast the unit using a high water spray setting. If the water spray is too intense, the unit’s fins become bent. You should also remove any overgrowth or weeds from around the unit so that your condenser receives the proper airflow.
What To Leave For The HVAC Professionals
Next, the issues for which you should call one of your local HVAC contractors:
Faulty Or Broken HVAC Condenser Fan Motor
If your unit’s fan motor has failed, heat cannot be adequately dissipated to the outdoors. As a result, your AC cannot cool your home.
Low Cooling Refrigerant Charge Or A Refrigerant Leak
Your air conditioner unit utilizes a refrigerant liquid to remove warm air. If this liquid is leaking or is low, it will not be able to absorb heat properly. As a result, even though your AC unit may be running, your home will not be cooled.
If you hear a bubbling or hissing noise, this could be a sign that your unit’s refrigerant is leaking. You may also find that ice builds up on the refrigerant lines or the outside unit.
If you find that your air conditioner can keep your home comfortable on days that are not too hot or at night, but not on hot days, this is often a sign of refrigerant issues.
If you notice these issues, do not allow the air conditioner to continue running. Running a unit in this condition could harm the compressor. In fact, it could damage the unit so severely that it will not be able to be repaired. Instead, turn it off immediately and contact a professional.
As always, be sure to search “best HVAC contractors near me” and find the most reputable HVAC service company in your area. Make sure that you read their HVAC contractor reviews to find out more information before working with a company.
Bad Compressor In Your Home’s HVAC System
The compressor is the “heart” of an air conditioner unit. It is responsible for circulating the refrigerant, which is what transfers the heat out of the home. If damaged or not functioning correctly, your AC unit will be unable to cool your home’s interior.
Compressors are a rather expensive component. If an HVAC contractor determines that the compressor needs a replacement, hopefully, it will still be under warranty.
Trusted Toms River HVAC Contractors
Point Bay Fuel has the professionals you need to diagnose and repair any air conditioner issues you may have.
Our technicians are NATE certified and have the training and experience required to diagnose and resolve your cooling system’s problems.
Whenever possible, we will offer multiple solutions, so that you can choose the one that best fits your budget and needs.
We also have affordable emergency services that you can take advantage of when your air conditioner will not turn on at any time of day. We are also happy to schedule free estimates — give us a call.
Some of the areas we service include Beachwood, Brick, Ocean Gate, Toms River and these zip codes: 08722, 08723, 08740, 08753 as well as all surrounding areas in Jersey Shore.
Contact us now by calling (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!