Common Air Conditioner Problems
When those hot, humid Fargo summers arrive, there’s nothing worse than discovering your air conditioner isn’t working properly. Nothing takes the enjoyment out of the season faster than being stuck in a sweltering home.
Before you decide to just live with the heat or spend money replacing the unit, call in a professional AC repair company. There’s a good chance they can diagnose the issue quickly and get your system back to pumping out crisp, cool air.
The most common AC problems homeowners in Fargo encounter typically fall into just a few categories:
Refrigerant Leaks
Over time, the refrigerant lines and seals in your AC can start to leak due to wear and tear. This causes a reduction of cooling airflow. Warning signs of a leak include higher utility bills and an AC that cools inconsistently or not at all. A technician can pinpoint the leak location and repair it.
Faulty Thermostat
If your AC isn’t turning on or maintaining the right temperature, the issue may lie with a malfunctioning thermostat. Professional repair pros can determine if the thermostat needs to be recalibrated or replaced and restore proper temperature control.
Clogged Condensate Drain Lines
For water to properly drain from your AC, the condensate lines must be clear. A clogged drain line prevents drainage, leading to reduced cooling power along with water leaks and puddles around the unit. Experienced companies use special pressurized air techniques to safely clear clogged condensate drains.
Worn Belts and Motors
The belts and motors that power your AC blower and condenser fan have a finite lifespan. Signs of worn parts like loud noises, squealing, and lack of cold air circulation indicate it’s time for replacement. The AC pros have these common replacement parts stocked on their truck for quick repairs.
Professional Air Filter Replacement
A simple but critical AC maintenance task that impacts performance is changing the air filter. AC units work much harder to produce cool air when filters are clogged with dust and particles.
While you can change filters yourself, many Fargo homeowners opt to have a professional AC company handle this task. Benefits of filter replacement service include:
Maximized Energy Efficiency
Technicians will inspect your filter at scheduled intervals based on run times to determine the optimal time for replacement. This ensures filters are swapped right when needed, minimizing strain on your AC motor and compressor. Keeping the filter clean maximizes efficiency.
Improved Air Quality
Along with keeping your AC running at peak performance, clean filter replacements improve indoor air quality. Regular changes prevent buildup of allergy-aggravating dust and debris in the ductwork and your home’s air. Especially important for households with asthma or allergies.
Convenience
You save the hassle of remembering when it’s time to swap the filter and having to keep spares stocked. Simply set a recurring maintenance schedule and the AC pros will handle the rest. One less thing to worry about!
Extended Equipment Lifespan
By preventing clogged, overworked AC operation from dirty filters, professional replacement helps avoid undue wear and tear that shortens the lifespan of motors, compressors and other components. Your system stays maintained for lasting performance.
Professional Air Conditioner Services
Beyond just replacing filters, partnering with professional AC repair experts for additional maintenance and services throughout the year keeps your cooling system humming along.
Spring Start-Up
Ideal for preparing an AC unit that’s been dormant all winter, spring start-up involves a comprehensive 21-point inspection before kicking on the system. This includes:
- Checking refrigerant levels
- Inspecting belts/motors
- Clearing out winter debris
- Testing electrical parts
- Lubricating moving parts
Starting up properly avoids having to make repairs from winter-related wear and tear at the peak of summer.
Summer AC Tune-Ups
To maximize cooling efficiency and comfort during the hottest season, periodic summer tune-ups are recommended. These quick visits allow techs to:
- Monitor Freon/refrigerant levels
- Clear any obstructed air intake/filters
- Clean and flush condensate drain lines
- Inspect ducts for leaks causing reduced airflow
- Test for correct condenser fan speeds
- Check safety switches and controls
Proactive tune-ups prevent more costly emergency repairs in the heat of summer.
Off-Season Shutdown
Similar to spring start-up, proper off-season shutdown ensures your AC sustains minimal wear over winter. This involves:
- Covering/sealing outdoor condenser unit
- Adding anti-rust lubricant to motors
- Checking insulation around refrigerant lines
- Changing filter
- Conducting full system diagnostics
Correct shutdown saves costly repairs and keeps systems primed for next season.
Benefits of Professional Repair
While some common AC repairs like changing a dirty filter may seem straightforward, there are distinct advantages to calling in a pro like Certified Air when issues arise:
Specialized Training and Expertise
Top Fargo AC repair technicians receive intensive training on all makes and models. This allows them to accurately diagnose problems and make repairs you can trust.
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
Quality companies use digital smart gauges, combustion analyzers, infrared cameras, and other technology homeowners lack access to. This helps pinpoint issues quickly and accurately.
Fully Stocked Trucks
The best techs carry a wide inventory of common replacement parts and consumables on their truck. This allows for faster repairs without waiting on special-order parts.
Upfront Pricing
Reputable companies provide itemized estimates listing parts, labor, and other charges so there are no surprise add-ons after service. You know the full costs before work begins.
Warranties
Professional companies back repairs with guarantees ranging from 30 to 90 days, protecting you from callback charges for the covered timeframe.
24/7 Emergency Service
AC breakdowns inevitably happen at night or on weekends. Unlike DIY repairs, pro companies have on-call staff ready to respond any time your cooling fails.
When it comes to maximizing the performance and longevity of your home AC system, partnering with professional repair experts is the smart approach. Their experience, resources and availability ensure your cooling needs are met quickly and reliably all season long.
Worried about old man winter? Check out our surviving Fargo winters article.
FAQs
What are the common AC problems in Fargo?
Some of the common AC problems that homeowners in Fargo face are refrigerant leaks, faulty thermostat, clogged condensate drain lines, and worn belts and motors. These problems can affect the cooling performance and efficiency of your AC unit.
How can I prevent AC problems?
One of the best ways to prevent AC problems is to schedule regular maintenance and service with a professional AC repair company. They can inspect, clean, and tune-up your AC system to ensure optimal operation and prevent potential issues.
How often should I change my AC filter?
The frequency of changing your AC filter depends on several factors, such as the type of filter, the size of your home, the amount of dust and allergens in the air, and the usage of your AC unit. Generally, it is recommended to change your filter every 30 to 90 days.
Why should I hire a professional AC company for filter replacement?
Hiring a professional AC company for filter replacement can offer you several benefits, such as maximizing energy efficiency, improving air quality, saving you time and hassle, and extending the lifespan of your AC equipment. They can also advise you on the best type of filter for your AC unit.
