uneven temperatures in your home

If you are a homeowner with central air conditioning, you may eventually face the inevitable problem of a faulty AC unit at one time or another. If you are unfamiliar or inexperienced with the intricacies of central air conditioning systems, you would do best to contact a professional HVAC contractor for troubleshooting, inspection and repairs. Having a professional to perform the repairs will ensure your safety and provide you with expert service. The following is a short list of issues you may experience with your air conditioner and how your repair technician may correct the problem:

1. The AC Unit Will Not Power On

If the condenser does not power on at all, there may be a few reasons. Your repair technician will most likely examine all connections to be sure the wiring is not faulty in some way. Frayed wiring or connections that are faulty in some way can pose a fire hazard as well as prevent an air conditioner from powering on. Fixing this is a job for a professional. The next step often involves checking the home's circuit breakers. This helps isolate the problem and lets the serviceman know the problem is indeed with the AC unit and not your home's electrical system.

There are other reasons your AC may not be operating. If the wiring and circuit breakers are all in working order, the technician may examine the air conditioner unit's motor. If the motor has become defective or worn out, it may need replacing. If the motor is fine, the breakdown may be due to icy particles on the condenser coils. This is a simple fix that merely requires a thawing out process and removal of all ice from the unit.

Your technician may also clean the condenser, compressors, evaporator and filter to see if that corrects the problem. In addition, he or she will examine the unit for leaks. If the refrigerant (coolant) is leaking, the AC may not power on, and a professional should fix the leak. Also, if the unit is low on coolant, it may need to be replenished.

2. The Air Conditioning Does Not Cool Enough

Sometimes when the central air conditioning does not provide adequate cooling, it is because the thermostat is faulty or defective. In such a case, a replacement thermostat may correct the problem. Another reason for an AC unit not cooling properly is due to a blockage within the condenser. The technician will examine the condenser for debris, such as thick blades of grass, twigs, leaves, dust, fur and other objects. A thorough cleaning to remove the debris may solve the problem.

3. Loud Noise Is Heard From The Exterior Unit

Has your air conditioner outdoor unit suddenly become unusually loud? Do you suddenly hear unusual sounds emitting from the exterior unit? If so, it may be time to contact a professional HVAC repair technician to have a look.

Sometimes, it may be a simple matter of removing a fallen tree branch, twig or leaves that have become caught in the grill or between the unit's grill and blades. Other reasons for loud noises could be due to copper tubes that are banging against the fan blades, or perhaps the top of the fan has become damaged and warped. All of these issues may cause the outdoor unit to sound strange or particularly loud, and should be corrected by a professional.

One thing to keep in mind: If your central air conditioning system is well over a decade old, it may be time to replace it. Your repair technician can advise you of the best course of action, and if repairs or replacement is the best solution. For more information, contact a business such as A Bailey Plumbing.