If your cooling system is having problems, you should hire a professional to fix it. Service to your air conditioner is dangerous and requires specialized tools. Only licensed professionals can perform this work. Only licensed professionals have the expertise, experience, and the strategies to properly complete the task. You can do several things on your own, but it's best to leave this task to a professional. Continue reading to learn how to spot warning signs, and how to select a service that can efficiently handle these tasks. Leakage should be checked Refrigerant leakage can occur if your air conditioner is using freon. A variety of tests can be performed by an air conditioning technician to check for leaks in your system. These tests can help identify the source of the leaks, as adding more refrigerant can waste it. Depending on the cause of the leak, your air conditioning technician may use several methods to check for leaks, including electronic, dye, and nitrogen detection. Although electronic leak detectors can be useful for small leaks they can sometimes be inaccurate in areas they cannot reach. In these cases, the Level 2 method may be a better choice. It can detect leaks that are covered by warranty and is more accurate than electronic detectors. Although some refrigerant leaks can be repaired, others may cause the unit's malfunction or even freeze. To make sure that your air conditioner technician has checked for leaks they should use a UV dye. Cleaning the filter Your HVAC technician should clean and replace your air filter when you visit your HVAC company. Before you attempt to do it yourself, unplug the unit. Then, remove the vent cover and slide out the air filter. You should inspect the filter carefully and clean as thoroughly as you can. If the filter looks dirty, it's time for it to be replaced. You can also clean the filter yourself using a microfiber cloth. Before cleaning the air filter, you should read the manual that came with your air conditioner. It is best to soak the filter in soapy water for between 10 and 15 minutes. So that the solution doesn’t damage the filter, ensure that the water reaches all parts. Then rinse it with low-pressure water. Once it is dry place it back inside the air conditioner unit. Checking for accumulator Leaking AC accumulators is one of the most common problems. If the accumulator leaks, it can't filter the refrigerant properly. This can lead to refrigerant pooling and make the AC system inoperable. If the accumulator gets damaged, it can become a breeding place for mold and mildew. If you notice any symptoms, it is a good idea to contact a professional AC service and have the accumulator replaced. Your air conditioner's accumulator is a component that has a desiccant to absorb water. The desiccant can get completely saturated with moisture. This can lead to corrosion and other problems. If the desiccant doesn't get replaced regularly, debris could build up and cause the tube to freeze, preventing the refrigerant flow. A blocked orifice tube could also be the cause of a failing accumulator. Condensate drain testing If your AC system is not working properly, it's worth calling in a professional for a condensate drain inspection. During your air conditioning service, the technician will probably shut off the power to the system, then check the condensate drain pan to see if there's standing water. If so, remove it with a wet vac or rags. To ensure that the condensate drain tray is completely dry, clean it thoroughly. You can flush the condensate drain using warm water and vinegar. This mixture will loosen any clogs and remove mold. After cleaning the drain, it is time to replace the cap. If you are unable to do the cleanup yourself, call a professional to inspect the system. They will also add any necessary agents if needed. You can also use a vacuum cleaner or rag to clean the drain. If you're unsure, you can also ask a professional to clean the condensate drain. Check for leaks in your evaporator coil During air conditioning service, check for leaks within the condenser coil and evaporator. These leaks could be caused by many things. The evaporator tube itself can freeze. When the evaporator coil freezes, melted ice spills over into the condensate pan, making it colder than before. Clogged drain lines can also cause leaks. If you see any debris in the drain lines, use a shop vacuum to remove the debris. A plumber's snake can be used to break up large clumps of debris. A rusted drain can also cause leaks in your evaporator coil. You can call an HVAC technician to have it replaced if this happens. Evaporator coils can also freeze and leak condensate into your home. Although this is not a serious problem, it is advisable to have an HVAC professional inspect the evaporator coil.
