In an urban setting, outdoor filters are likely to become clogged from smoke, dust, and dirt in the air.
Troubleshooting procedures for a list of problems with air conditioning units (AC) would be exhaustively long and likely to miss some malfunctions. But, there are several key components that may cause problems with AC units, from dirty filters to leaks and issues with the compressors and expansion valve. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Keys to AC efficiency
1. Clean the air filters. Clogged or dusty filters impede airflow to and from the air conditioning unit. Note that the hot outdoor condenser also has filters. Therefore, check condenser filters along with indoor filters. Without clean filters, air conditioner efficiency decreases even though the cooling process itself works fine.
2. Examine fans and blowers. If the conditioning blowers are not working, cool air will not dissipate. If outdoor blowers are not working, coolant will not shed heat as efficiently, possibly leading to overheating problems. The effect of blower/fan breakdown is similar to that of clogged filters. Keep in mind that blowers and fans are systems of moving parts and electric current.
3. Check air conditioner coils and pipes for refrigerant leaks. Indoor leaks are a special priority since the coolant fluid---Freon-22---can have negative health effects if it builds up in a confined space. Simple visual inspection can pinpoint leak sources, but this method is not reliable. Locate cooling leaks by electronic, ultraviolet radiation, and/or fluorescent dye methods. If there is a leak, venting the Freon is not a good idea; it is illegal. Certified professionals should perform Freon recovery.
4. Inspect the compressor. Compressors take in low-temperature coolant that has absorbed some heat from indoor air. Upon compression, the coolant heats up. Motor trouble, piston malfunction, or leaks can negate compressor effectiveness. This is especially true if a leak is in the region with the compressed, high-pressure coolant. Dislodged, un-lubricated, or worn-out crankshafts that drive the piston are also a problem. Compressor valves may eventually warp due to the large temperature and pressure differences on either side of a valve.
5. Investigate the AC expansion valve. Functionally, expansion valves are the opposite of compressors. High-pressure, hot coolant enters. Within the expansion valve, Freon cools, ready for absorbing heat from indoor air. Whereas compressors rely on electric motors and pistons, expansion valves have a self-regulating mechanism based on coolant temperature and pressure. This feedback mechanism keeps coolant expansion rate nearly constant, ensuring smooth AC operation. Sensing bulbs and capillary tube malfunctions can disturb the desired evaporation rate equilibrium. There is the potential of leaking coolant during or after the valve replacement.
Tags: expansion valve, blowers working, expansion valves, from indoor, heat from, heat from indoor, problems with
