Your air conditioner does work hard during long and extremely humid summers in Raleigh, over time specific components of the air-conditioning system wear out and malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction causes incomplete cooling and creates sounds; sometimes, it drains much energy from the house and causes complete shutdowns to the air-conditioning system. Once learning the parts that usually fail, one can then know the early signs of these failures and be able to take action before simple failures become major problems.
This blog discusses the common AC parts that fail in homes in Raleigh, the causes of their failures, and the professional repair or maintenance that would keep your home cool and comfortable.
Capacitors are tiny but very specific electrical devices used to provide the power kick to get motors started and keep them running in an air conditioner. Basically, there are two types: start capacitors and run capacitors.
Common Symptoms of Failure:
Causes of Failure: Heat exposure (very common such as in summers in Raleigh) Electrical surges Natural degradation over time
Solution: Replacing such a failure-capacitor is a very quick and economical repair by a trained HVAC technician.
The compressor is the essential unit of the AC system. It serves to transmit refrigerants from indoor units to outdoor units.
Common Symptoms of Failure:
Reasons for Failure:
Solution: Replacement of a compressor is highly expensive, and mostly homeowners think of a total unit replacement with it. This is mostly true as systems aging above 10 years tend to lose their cost-effectiveness.
These are the two engines in an AC: the first is the condenser fan (in the outdoor unit), and the second is the same blower fan for the indoor unit, which shapes air movement in the system.
Common Signs of Failure:
Causes for failure:
Solution: Motor timely repair or replacement revives airflow and optimum efficiency. Regular cleaning extends the lifetime of a motor.
Refrigerants are used to transport cooling between the indoor and outdoor parts of the air conditioning. The evaporator coil absorbs heat from the air inside, while the condenser coil releases the absorbed heat outside.
Normal Signs of Malfunction:
Reasons why They Fail:
Solution: Technicians can find and seal leaks, clean coils, and recharge refrigerant. Replacement of coils may be required for severe damage.
It may seem simple, but it may develop many comfort-related problems in case of a broken thermostat.
Common Signs of Failure:
Reasons for Failure:
Solution: Calibrating or replacing the thermostat is often an uncomplicated task with great results in comfort and performance of the system. Consider a smart option upgrade for greater control and efficiency savings.
Air filters are not usually considered operational parts, but one of the most common causes of underperforming and failing AC systems is that the filters get clogged up.
Signs of a Dirty Filter:
Why It Matters: A dirty filter creates strain on the whole system and may eventually lead to motor burnout, coil icing, and poor air quality.
Solution: Check filters monthly and replace them every 1-2 months during peak summer months in Raleigh.
As the AC dehumidifies the air, moisture travels through the drain line and into a drip pan. When clogged or cracked, these items can cause water damage and shutdowns to the system.
Warning Signs:
How It Might Fail:
Solution: Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent clogs. Algae treatments and the use of condensate pumps might be implemented to maintain proper drainage.
The capacitor and the fans motors are the parts of the system that will mostly fail according to high demand because of the heat that contributes with a high energy problem. Regular maintenance helps find problems before it gets worse.
2. What are the signals that an air conditioning compressor is malfunctioning?
The symptoms are like loud noises, tripped breakers, or even warm air blowing from the vents, but a technician will be needed to run the test on the compressor to confine the problem.
It is not advisable. These are such components like the capacitor and compressors that involve shocks and sometimes fatal accidents. Always hire certified HVAC professionals.
If your system exceeds over a decade and repair costs are quite unreasonably high, then in all probability replacement should cost less in the long run.
It is to schedule HVAC maintenance twice a year, change filters regularly, and react quickly to any changes in performance or odd sounds coming from the equipment.
Knowing which components are more prone to failure allows you to stay on top of any potential large expenses. JW Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC performs thorough diagnostics and repairs that will keep your system in great running condition even under the hardest weather that Raleigh may throw at it.
Call us today at (919) 348-9399 for AC inspection or repair. For repair services, maintenance plans, and energy-efficient upgrades available to Raleigh residents, check our website.
This blog discusses the common AC parts that fail in homes in Raleigh, the causes of their failures, and the professional repair or maintenance that would keep your home cool and comfortable.
1. Capacitors
Capacitors are tiny but very specific electrical devices used to provide the power kick to get motors started and keep them running in an air conditioner. Basically, there are two types: start capacitors and run capacitors.
Common Symptoms of Failure:
- Does not turn on or takes ages to kick in
- Humming sounds from the outdoor unit
- The whole system shuts down
Causes of Failure: Heat exposure (very common such as in summers in Raleigh) Electrical surges Natural degradation over time
Solution: Replacing such a failure-capacitor is a very quick and economical repair by a trained HVAC technician.
2. Compressor
The compressor is the essential unit of the AC system. It serves to transmit refrigerants from indoor units to outdoor units.
Common Symptoms of Failure:
- AC won't blast warm air
- There are clattering or grinding noises
- Repeatedly tripping a breaker
Reasons for Failure:
- Low refrigerants level (causing overheating)
- Electrical problems
- Age and wear
Solution: Replacement of a compressor is highly expensive, and mostly homeowners think of a total unit replacement with it. This is mostly true as systems aging above 10 years tend to lose their cost-effectiveness.
3. Fan Motors
These are the two engines in an AC: the first is the condenser fan (in the outdoor unit), and the second is the same blower fan for the indoor unit, which shapes air movement in the system.
Common Signs of Failure:
- Weak or no airflow
- Buzzing or rattling noises
- Air conditioning runs without cooling properly
Causes for failure:
- Dust and debris buildup
- Worn bearing or belts
- Motor burnout due to overheating
Solution: Motor timely repair or replacement revives airflow and optimum efficiency. Regular cleaning extends the lifetime of a motor.
4. Refrigerant Lines and Coils
Refrigerants are used to transport cooling between the indoor and outdoor parts of the air conditioning. The evaporator coil absorbs heat from the air inside, while the condenser coil releases the absorbed heat outside.
Normal Signs of Malfunction:
- Whenever the coils freeze up
- Hissing or bubbling sounds
- Poorer cooling or blowing of warm air
Reasons why They Fail:
- Due to corrosion from moisture and other contaminants
- Leakages in copper tubing
- Dirty, clogged coils
Solution: Technicians can find and seal leaks, clean coils, and recharge refrigerant. Replacement of coils may be required for severe damage.
5. Thermostat
It may seem simple, but it may develop many comfort-related problems in case of a broken thermostat.
Common Signs of Failure:
- Doesn't respond to temperature setting changes with the system
- Short cycling (frequent on/off)
- Display errors or power problems
Reasons for Failure:
- Batteries dead or bad wiring
- Placement near a heat source or by windows
- Internal sensor failure
Solution: Calibrating or replacing the thermostat is often an uncomplicated task with great results in comfort and performance of the system. Consider a smart option upgrade for greater control and efficiency savings.
6. Air Filters
Air filters are not usually considered operational parts, but one of the most common causes of underperforming and failing AC systems is that the filters get clogged up.
Signs of a Dirty Filter:
- Reduced airflow
- Increased household dust
- Freezing of the system
Why It Matters: A dirty filter creates strain on the whole system and may eventually lead to motor burnout, coil icing, and poor air quality.
Solution: Check filters monthly and replace them every 1-2 months during peak summer months in Raleigh.
7. Drain Lines and Drip Pans
As the AC dehumidifies the air, moisture travels through the drain line and into a drip pan. When clogged or cracked, these items can cause water damage and shutdowns to the system.
Warning Signs:
- Water pooling near the unit
- Moldy odors
- Sudden shutdowns of the system
How It Might Fail:
- Algae or dirt build-up
- Cracks or corrosion in the drain pan
- Inappropriate installation or sloping
Solution: Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent clogs. Algae treatments and the use of condensate pumps might be implemented to maintain proper drainage.
FAQs: AC Part Failures and Repairs in Raleigh
1. Which failed component of the air conditioner is most likely to fail during the summer in Raleigh?
The capacitor and the fans motors are the parts of the system that will mostly fail according to high demand because of the heat that contributes with a high energy problem. Regular maintenance helps find problems before it gets worse.
2. What are the signals that an air conditioning compressor is malfunctioning?
The symptoms are like loud noises, tripped breakers, or even warm air blowing from the vents, but a technician will be needed to run the test on the compressor to confine the problem.
3. Are AC parts all easy to replace on your own?
It is not advisable. These are such components like the capacitor and compressors that involve shocks and sometimes fatal accidents. Always hire certified HVAC professionals.
4. Do you recommend repairing or replacing an AC system when a major part fails?
If your system exceeds over a decade and repair costs are quite unreasonably high, then in all probability replacement should cost less in the long run.
5. What can be done to keep the parts of an air conditioning system from failing?
It is to schedule HVAC maintenance twice a year, change filters regularly, and react quickly to any changes in performance or odd sounds coming from the equipment.
Expert AC Service for Protecting Your Home in Raleigh
Knowing which components are more prone to failure allows you to stay on top of any potential large expenses. JW Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC performs thorough diagnostics and repairs that will keep your system in great running condition even under the hardest weather that Raleigh may throw at it.
Call us today at (919) 348-9399 for AC inspection or repair. For repair services, maintenance plans, and energy-efficient upgrades available to Raleigh residents, check our website.