AC Repair Palmdale

Frequently Asked Questions About AC Repair

What does SEER mean in AC units?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It's a measure of how efficiently an air conditioner cools your home over an entire cooling season. It is calculated by dividing the total cooling output (measured in BTUs) by the total electrical energy input (measured in watt-hours). A higher SEER rating indicates greater energy efficiency. For example, an AC unit with a SEER rating of 16 is more efficient than one with a SEER of 14. Modern, energy-efficient AC units have SEER ratings ranging from 14 to 26. The higher the rating, the less energy the AC unit consumes, resulting in lower energy bills.

How do I reset my AC unit?

Sometimes a simple reset can resolve minor AC issues. Here's how to reset most residential AC units:1. **Turn off the AC at the thermostat:** Set it to the 'off' position.2. **Turn off power at the breaker panel:** Locate the circuit breaker that controls your AC unit and switch it to the 'off' position.3. **Wait 5-10 minutes:** This allows the system to completely power down and reset any internal electronics.4. **Turn the breaker back on:** Flip the circuit breaker back to the 'on' position.5. **Turn on the AC at the thermostat:** Set the thermostat to your desired cooling temperature.If the problem persists, it's likely a more serious issue, and you should contact a qualified HVAC technician. DIY electrical repairs on AC units are highly discouraged.

How do I know if my AC needs repair?

Several indicators can signal that your AC unit needs repair:

• Warm Air from Vents: Instead of cool air, your vents are blowing warm or room-temperature air.
• Insufficient Cooling: The AC is running, but your space isn't cooling down sufficiently.
• Unusual Noises: Squealing, grinding, banging, or other odd sounds are often signs of mechanical issues.
• Strange Smells: Burning odors, musty smells, or other unusual odors indicate potential problems like electrical issues or mold growth.
• Leaking Water: Water leaks around the indoor unit can indicate a clogged drain line or other drainage problems.
• High Energy Bills: A sudden increase in your energy bills might be due to a struggling or inefficient AC unit.
• Short Cycling: The AC unit turns on and off frequently, without completing a full cooling cycle.

If you experience any of these, contact an HVAC repair professional promptly. Early intervention can prevent minor problems from becoming major expenses.

How do I fix a frozen AC unit?

If you discover your AC unit is frozen, here's what to do::1. **Turn off the cooling system:** Set the thermostat to 'off' to stop the cooling cycle and prevent further damage to the compressor.2. **Turn on the fan:** Set the thermostat's fan setting to 'on' or 'auto.' This circulates warmer air over the frozen coil, promoting faster defrosting.3. **Find and address the underlying cause:** Inspect the air filter and clean or replace it if it's dirty. If the filter is clean, the problem might be more complex, such as a refrigerant leak.4. **Call an HVAC technician if the problem persists:** If the unit freezes up again after thawing, or if you suspect a refrigerant leak, contact a qualified HVAC professional promptly for diagnosis and repair.Never try to chip away ice from the coil; this can damage delicate fins.