AC Repair: What to do When Your AC Capacitor Fails

From Maintenance to Major Fixes: Understanding AC Repair

Air conditioning systems are complex building systems. Each system is customized for a given installation but composed of common components configured in common manners. Because of the complexity of the system, air conditioners need professional attention from a trained technician, including regular preventative maintenance and any repairs needed.

AC Maintenance Basics

A normal preventative AC maintenance visit includes cleaning and a check of the major system components.

• The outdoor condenser unit tends to collect pollen and dust. They stick to the fins and tubes that make up the walls of the condenser, clogging it up and preventing airflow. Cleaning the condenser coils is very important, since it can prevent the fan from adequately cooling the hot Freon in the condenser tubes.
• There is a corresponding coil indoors, the evaporator coil. Since it stays wet during the cooling season, any dust that encounters the evaporator coil will stick and need to be cleaned away.
• Every air conditioner uses refrigerant gas to accomplish cooling. It is constantly under pressure, so any flaw in the pipe or leak in the network will force the Freon to escape. A maintenance check will include testing the refrigerant pressure to detect leaks.

This is just a sample of the maintenance tasks required to care for an air conditioner. Maintenance alone requires the proper tools, mandated training, and adequate job experience to ensure an air conditioner performs properly for the longest time possible.

AC Repair Basics

Some of the most frequent AC repairs that need to be made with air conditioners are quite common.

• One of the most common AC repairs is recharging the system’s refrigerant. Freon is a name given to a group of chlorofluorocarbon formulas of refrigerant gas mentioned above. Refrigerant formulas include R-22, R-410A, R-404A, and R-32. These formulas are usually not interchangeable, so it is important to know how to determine a system’s proper refrigerant. Engineers are constantly seeking a better, more environmentally friendly refrigerant formula, so it changes all the time. It is constantly under pressure, so any flaw in the pipe or leak in the network will force the Freon to escape. Dealing with refrigerant requires training and certification through the US Environmental Protection Agency. Refrigerant repairs cannot be completed by homeowners and require professional service.
• Air conditioners are governed by a complex system of sensors, switches, and control mechanisms. They require small computer systems to keep every component in sync. These computer boards are used year-round, for both heating and cooling. Electronic parts experience wear by normal use, and these computer boards are prone to failure. Detecting, diagnosing, and replacing an air conditioner board requires proper tools and training.
• A third common repair is replacing a capacitor. A capacitor is a small device that stores electrical energy, acting like a small battery. At the proper time, this stored energy is available as a booster to start a motor. Older air conditioners may have two capacitors. Newer systems have a dual-function capacitor. Trained technicians know the difference between capacitor types, their location, how to diagnose and replace them.

These are some of the most common AC repairs needed for air conditioners but some repairs get more complex than these. These simple AC repairs require the proper tools, training, and experience to complete. 

Expert AC Repair: Why Contacting AirPro Houston Professional Service Is a Must

As we’ve explored, air conditioning systems are intricate machines that require specialized knowledge for both routine AC maintenance and necessary AC repair. From keeping coils clean and checking refrigerant levels during preventative visits to handling complex issues like refrigerant recharges, control board failures, or capacitor replacements, each task demands the proper tools, training, and experience. Attempting DIY fixes on such sophisticated equipment can lead to further damage, safety hazards, and potentially void warranties. For the longevity, efficiency, and safe operation of your AC system, always trust a certified and experienced technician. Regular professional care ensures your air conditioner performs optimally, keeping your home comfortable for years to come.

For professional AC maintenance and repairs you can trust, contact AirPro Houston. We have several financing options available with great options. Up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at 281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Cypress AC repair and maintenance needs.