What Areas To Check When Your Air Conditioner Is Not Working Properly
Posted on: 9 February 2016
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When your air conditioner is not working properly, you need to determine the cause of the problem. By checking a few areas first, you can try to determine which portion is not working so you can get it repaired in a timely fashion.
Leaking Expansion Valve
If you are noticing that the air coming into your home is not cold, you want to check the expansion valve. This valve removes the pressure from the refrigerant so that it can change from a liquid to a vapor. The vapor is then sent through the system to cool the air before it enters your home.
When the valve fails to work, the refrigerant leaks out and the air going into your home does not cool down. When a leak happens, the exterior of the valve will have a frosty appearance from the excess refrigerant touching the metal of the valve. In this situation, you need an HVAC technician to repair your outside unit with a new expansion valve.
Clogged Drainage Line
Another issue that can stop your air conditioner from working is a clogged drainage line. The interior unit generates condensation during each cycle and it collects this moisture inside a drainage pan.
A problem occurs when the water inside this pan cannot leave through the drainage line. If this line clogs up, your air conditioning system will turn off to protect itself from the excess moisture.
This type of clog is generally due to excess dust or debris that builds up around the opening of the drainage line. To see if this is your problem, you need to check the moisture collection pan that is attached to the furnace inside your home. If you find standing water in the pan, then you are most likely dealing with a clogged drain line.
To handle this problem, an HVAC technician can use a hose to push air into the line. This will force the clog out of the line so the moisture collection pan can empty. Once the pan is empty, your system will turn back on.
When your air conditioner is not working the way it should, there could be a few of reasons for the problem. By taking the opportunity to inspect these areas, you could potentially find the cause of your problem. With this information, you can then consult a local HVAC company, such as HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric, and get their assistance in dealing with your problem quickly.