Understanding the Repair Process for Central Air Conditioners

When it comes to furnace or air conditioner repair in St. George, it is typically a job best left to the professionals. However, you may be interested in understanding how an air conditioner is repaired next time you are in need of an air conditioner tune up. Continue reading for help in understanding the repair process for central air conditioners.

Evaporator

Your central air conditioner’s evaporator should be cleaned on a yearly basis to ensure proper functioning. If the evaporator and its plenum are accessible they can be cleaned using a mirror, wire, a brush, and bleach. You will first need to remove the insulation and access plate that is held together with screws. You can now use your brush to clean the condensation tray that lays under the evaporator use your wire to open the weep hole. Add bleach to the weep hole in order to protect your unit from fungus before reassembling the access plate and insulation. Turn on your air conditioning unit so that you can check for leaks and seal any that you find with duct tape.

Condenser

The next step in AC service and repair is to inspect the condenser. This part of the system is typically located outside of the home; unfortunately, this makes it vulnerable to buildup of dirt, dust, and other debris. If you are having problems with your air conditioner’s efficiency, mow the lawn around the condenser unit and remove any other obstructions. Use a commercial cleaner to clean the condenser coils and brush any existing dirt off of the fins. If you find yourself seeking AC repair frequently, consider protecting your condenser unit with plastic sheeting or a custom condenser unit during the fall and winter.

Refrigerant

If a malfunction in your central air conditioner system is not related to your evaporator or your condenser, the problem may have to do with your refrigerant. Check the insulation of the coolant lines and replace any worn or damaged insulation with the same type. The new line insulation may improve the efficiency of the unit and lead to a noticeable difference in temperature.