Common Air Conditioning Repairs in Redlands, CA

When Inland Empire homeowners turn on air conditioners for the season, you don’t expect to need air conditioning repairs. Some basic problems have simple tasks you can tackle before you call for help. First, let us review the basics of how your air conditioner works.

Air conditioners transfer the heat in your home to the outdoors. They have three major components:

• Indoor Coil: Also known as the evaporator coil, your indoor coil removes heat from the air inside your home.
• Compressor: The compressor pumps the refrigerant through the refrigerant lines between the indoor coil and condenser.
• Condenser: Also known as your outdoor coil, the condenser releases heat outside of your home.

An air conditioner has an average life span of 15 to 20 years with rigorous maintenance and normal use. When any of the major parts fail and it’s close to that age, consider a new AC unit. However, if your system is younger than 10 to 15 years, consider air conditioning repairs.

Some repairs are simple fixes you can DIY, and some are better left to experts. If, however, your air conditioner is terribly inefficient, the repair is significant and it’s close to the tipping point, consider an upgrade.

Filter

Before you call for air conditioning repairs, check your air filter. A dirty filter triggers behavior mimicking a faulty air conditioner. Check it monthly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the frequency of changing your filter.

Some filters are reusable and just need to be properly cleaned at regular intervals. If you are unsure of whether your filter needs to be cleaned or replaced, just remove it and hold it up to a light.

You should easily be able to see light through the filter. If you cannot, then immediately clean or replace. Dirty filters reduce the airflow of your system and cause your air conditioner to freeze or strain itself. Avoid these air conditioning repairs and potential breakdowns with regular filter checks.

Thermostat

Another simple DIY check when you need air conditioning repairs is your thermostat. First, ensure your thermostat is on and set to the desired temperature. Levers and buttons are accidentally moved or pushed all the time!

Check it is level and not affected by sunlight. This causes it to sense a higher temperature and shut off cooling early. Finally, ensure the interior of your thermostat is clean and dust free. If you suspect the thermostat is still the problem, ask a professional to diagnose the problem.

Drain Line

Similarly to your filter, your drain line easily clogs. Common signs your drain line is clogged include the drain pan is full or overflows with water. If you have standing water around your air conditioner, check your drain line and drain pan. Clear the drain line out with a firm wire to remove clogs. If this does not work, call a professional.

Compressor

If the compressor stops working, your air conditioner cannot cool your home. Because the compressor moves the refrigerant through the system, if it is not working, the heat exchange doesn’t happen. Compressors fail if there is too much or too little refrigerant. If you think your compressor has malfunctioned, call a trusted technician.

Evaporator Coil

The biggest cause of failure in the evaporator coil is corrosion. Your evaporator coil pulls heat from your indoor air, which allows cooler air to flow through your ducts and into the rooms of your home.

If you have regular maintenance performed on your system, your HVAC technician gives you a good idea of its condition. If your evaporator coil started to show signs of corrosion at your last maintenance check, it’s likely the cause of your air conditioning repairs.

Condenser

Your condenser releases the heat from inside your home to the outside. If you suspect problems with your condenser, first check the unit’s surroundings. Provide at least a two-foot clearance around all sides of the unit to provide airflow.

Clear this area of foliage, furniture, and outdoor décor. Also check the unit for grass clippings, leaves, sticks, or dryer vent lint stuck to the outside. If present, remove what you can with gloved hands and then hose off the rest.

If you are unable to completely clean the exterior, a professional assists with effective solutions.

For Air Conditioning Repairs, Call Sanborn’s in Redlands, California

Any time you are in need of air conditioner repairs, Sanborn’s Air Conditioning and Heating is here to help. We are your 24/7/365 emergency response team! Call us anytime and we restore the comfort in your home!