Is your air conditioner not cooling? Is it shutting off as soon as it kicks on? When the air conditioner is having a hard time starting up or running through a complete cooling cycle, this is obviously a problem. When an air conditioner struggles and fails to start up, it is often due to certain problems with the air conditioner. New York Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing will share these common problems and what it will take to restore your home’s air conditioner.
Symptoms of a Failing AC Compressor
The compressor is like an air conditioner’s refrigerant engine, so to speak. It helps the movement and processing the refrigerant that produces the needed cool air. The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant where the refrigerant will then absorb and dissipate the thermal energy, helping in the creation of cool air. When the compressor develops a problem such as overheating, or dust or debris damages the moving parts of the component, the compressor will not start. As the compressor is the first start component of the air conditioner, the entire cooling system will not start. The compressor will need to be checked. In some cases the compressor will need to be cleaned or have the capacitors replaced or another simple fix. However, if the compressor has failed, it will need to be replaced.
How Do I Know if My AC is Leaking or is Low on Refrigerant?
As the compressor is the start component, then in a sense the refrigerant is the fuel. Refrigerant is not a fuel but without it, the compressor will not run properly. When the air conditioner develops a refrigerant leak resulting in low refrigerant, the compressor will overheat or it may not run at all. To determine if low refrigerant is the cause of your air conditioner failure, an HVAC technician will need to check the refrigerant levels and check for leaks if the refrigerant is low. Only a licensed HVAC technician can recharge refrigerant. If there is a leak, you will need to contact an HVAC service to repair and refill your refrigerant.
Why is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up
If your air conditioner is failing to start up and you go outside and do a visual inspection only to discover ice on your unit, the ice will prevent the air conditioner from turning on. Ice can point to a refrigerant leak, which as you know needs the attention of an HVAC technician. However, ice on the air conditioner can also be due to a dirty evaporator coil or even an air flow restriction. Air flow restriction can be due to a dirty air filter or closed vents. Additionally, if a ground unit is covered with vegetation or debris, clear out the area around the unit to always provide for proper air flow. If you see ice on your air conditioner, turn off the unit and allow the ice to melt. Meanwhile, check the air vents, air filters, and your outdoor unit and make sure the air conditioner has good air flow. If there is a refrigerant leak or the evaporator coils are dirty, seek out an HVAC service.
Central Air Conditioning Maintenance, Repair, Replacement & More in Bedford Hills, Manhattan, Flushing, Queens, Brooklyn & The Bronx, New York
If your air conditioner isn’t turning on or you have other HVAC needs, contact New York Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing and schedule our services today.
