As the air conditioner is comprised of many different components, realize that each plays a major role in the overall cooling process. The expansion valve is one of those major components. During a cooling cycle, the refrigerant changes from a liquid into a vapor that cools and dehumidifies the air. The expansion valve aids in this part of the cooling process. New York Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing would like to share more about the expansion valve and signs of a failing expansion valve.
Air Conditioner is Running Constantly
The air conditioner has internal components that sense temperature around, inside and outside of the unit. Once the temperature cools down enough, the air conditioner will be signaled to shut off or end the cooling cycle. If there is a problem detecting a temperature change, this often points to a problem with the expansion valve. If the expansion valve is broken or faulty, the temperature may not drop and the air conditioner will run constantly.
Frozen or Ice on AC Coils
Another common sign of a bad expansion valve is when ice builds up on the coils. The expansion valve’s main task is to depressurize the refrigerant. If there is a problem during the depressurization of the refrigerant, the refrigerant can cause freezing and in turn, ice will build up on the coils. Frozen coils are often a clear indication that the valve is not working properly.
AC Compressor Runs Constantly
When the expansion valve is operating properly, often it will send a constant flow of refrigerant to the compressor. The compressor will continue to run while it is being supplied with refrigerant. As a result the compressor will run continuously which leads to premature wear on the compressor and accompanying components. If this problem isn’t corrected quickly, both the compressor and the expansion valve will need to be replaced. A compressor can easily cost $1800 and the expansion valve can run around $450. You can find yourself paying for some rather expensive repairs.
Air Conditioner Blowing Warm Air
When the expansion valve fails and isn’t working at all, the air conditioning system will not receive any refrigerant which is needed to create the cool air. If the air conditioner unit runs and is not making cool air, you will feel warm air blowing into the home through the vents. Warm air can indicate a few different problems with the air conditioner. The unit will need some investigating to determine if the expansion valve has failed or if there is another problem such as a refrigerant leak, dirty coil or air filter.
Odd Noises from Air Conditioning System
The air conditioner can develop odd noises as a result of a bad expansion valve. When the expansion valve fails, the air conditioner can make a clanging, squealing, or banging noise. When you hear noise coming from your air conditioner, the expansion valve may be failing. Other problems can also result in loud and strange noises. If you hear noises coming from your air conditioning system, make sure to have the unit inspected and repaired by a professional HVAC technician.
Central Air Conditioner Maintenance, Repair, Replacement & More in Bedford Hills, Manhattan, Flushing, Queens, Brooklyn & The Bronx, New York
If your air conditioner is showing signs of expansion valve failure or develops other problems this summer, contact New York Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing and schedule our services today.
