AC Repair in Orange County: Common Issues and How to Prevent Them
Summary:
The worst thing that can happen as a homeowner is your A/C breaking down when you need it the most. But the important thing is that before it breaks down, the system will have given you signs of issues you chose to ignore.
Poor cooling performance, foul odors, water leaks, strange noises, and frequent cycling are common A/C issues in Orange County. These issues point to a more technical problem, but tackling them earlier gives your air conditioner a better chance of maintaining a long lifespan.
You can prevent common A/C issues by hiring a professional A/C repair company for regular maintenance, including cleaning, servicing, and installation. Hiring a professional removes the risk of mistakes, ensures home safety, helps you save money, and enhances energy efficiency.
You can enjoy all the advantages of professional A/C repair by calling Klondike Air for your HVAC maintenance.
Table of Contents
Introduction
As a homeowner in Orange County, you rely on your air conditioner to keep your home comfortable throughout the year. However, even the most reliable air conditioner can run into issues due to heavy usage, which is why regular A/C repair is an essential aspect of HVAC maintenance.
Understanding the common causes of A/C breakdowns can help you detect early signs of problems and take steps to prevent them from escalating. Klondike Air, the foremost air conditioner service company in Orange County, is equipped to help you prevent costly A/C issues.
In this article, you will learn the common A/C issues to watch out for and how to prevent them.
Let’s begin.
Contact Us for Air Conditioning Help
Common A/C Issues Faced by Orange County Residents
As a homeowner, the first step to maintaining your air conditioner is knowing when something is wrong. And the way you know that is in the performance of your A/C unit. The following are common signs of an A/C problem:
1. Poor Cooling Performance
The purpose of an air conditioner is to cool the home in the summer. So, when this is not happening, you know that there’s a problem somewhere. Poor cooling performance in an air conditioner could be as a result of:
- Dirty or clogged filters: dirty filters will reduce the efficiency and airflow of your air conditioning unit.
- Refrigerant leaks will lead to low refrigerant levels and poor cooling performance.
- Poor insulation: when your home is not insulated correctly, you provide a way for cool air to escape, making your air conditioner work harder and reducing efficiency.
Whichever is the cause, poor cooling performance indicates that your air conditioner requires urgent maintenance.
2. Strange Noises
Your air conditioner is meant to work smoothly with no internal or external noise. When you notice clicking, grinding, or rattling in your A/C system, it signifies that urgent A/C repair is needed.
The following are some reasons your air conditioner will be making strange sounds:
- Refrigerant leak: leaking refrigerant can cause the compressor or other components to vibrate, rattle, or lead to clunking sounds. Leaking refrigerant also produces a hissing sound.
- Relay problem: a faulty relay can cause a clicking noise when you try to switch on or off the A/C. It can also cause your compressor to produce a humming sound.
- Broken condensate pan: a broken pan can produce a rattling or clicking sound in your air conditioner.
- Blower problem: a loose or imbalanced blower can rattle or vibrate in your A/C unit.
3. Water Leaks
Your air conditioner leaking water outside your home is considered normal. However, if you notice a water leak in your home, it could be an indication of the following problems:
- Poor air conditioner installation: if your air conditioner is not installed correctly, some components in your A/C unit will not work very well. This includes the drainage system, which can lead to water leaks.
- Dirty filters: When filters are clogged, they restrict water flow, causing pressure to build up in the system and ultimately leading to water leaks.
- Low coolant levels: Your air conditioner needs coolants to regulate temperature. When coolant levels are low, the engine can overheat, damaging pipes and ducts and leading to water leaks.
- Blocked drainage pipe: The drainage pipe passes water through your air conditioner outside the home. When this pipe is clogged, water builds up, ultimately leaking inside your home.
4. Frequent Cycling
If your air conditioner turns on and off more than usual, it could be an efficiency issue or an indication of a more significant internal problem. Either way, you need professional air conditioner maintenance for a solution.
5. Bad Odors
An unpleasant smell from your air conditioner can result from a poor electrical connection, leading to burning wires. Bad smells could also arise from rotten or damaged ducts.
How to Prevent Common A/C Issues
Knowing the common A/C issues is not enough. You must also know how to prevent such issues from occurring. The following are tips on how you can prevent your air conditioner from breaking down:
1. Regular Air Conditioner Service
Every A/C repair professional will assure you that regular air conditioning unit maintenance is the most effective way to safeguard your home’s comfort. Air conditioning service involves getting a professional HVAC contractor like Klondike Air to clean, inspect, and repair your A/C unit on a regular schedule.
2. A/C Cleaning Service
An air conditioning cleaning service frees your A/C unit from dirt, dust, and debris that might affect its functions. Dirty filters will affect airflow and reduce indoor air quality. They might also affect the air ducts, thereby compromising your entire system.
You must schedule internal and external cleaning services with a reputable Orange County air conditioning company.
3. Air Duct Cleaning
If you are concerned about improving the air quality in your home, you must invest in an air duct cleaning service. Neglecting your A/C air duct not only compromises indoor air quality but also affects your air conditioner’s efficiency.
When the air duct is clogged with mold, debris, dirt, and other contaminants, your air conditioner will be forced to work harder to provide for your home. This will increase energy bills and your system’s wear and tear, eventually leading to a costly breakdown.
4. Proper Installation by A/C Companies
Poor installation of your A/C unit will significantly decrease its lifespan and efficiency. You must hire a certified, reliable, and experienced company to handle your A/C installation.
What to Look for in an A/C Repair Company
Choosing the wrong company for your A/C installation and repair can lead to higher costs, unsatisfactory work, and even damage to the air conditioning unit. So when choosing who will work on your air conditioner, here are a few tips to look for:
1. Experience
A/C maintenance and repair require precision. Even the slightest fumbling can adversely affect reliability, efficiency, and performance. The most effective way to avoid problems is to choose a company with years of experience serving the community.
Companies with long years of experience and service will be able to train their technicians and ensure a high quality of work. They will also be able to handle both modern and vintage models.
2. Customer Reviews
Nothing speaks to work quality than a recommendation from past clients. Before choosing an air conditioning repair company, check online for reviews on their businesses, including professionalism, reply rate, customer satisfaction, and more.
If an HVAC company does not have a review page, you should move on to the next one. Read out Klondike Air’s client testimonials here.
3. Check for Industry Certifications
An easy way to spot reliable air conditioning repair companies is to check if they are certified according to industry standards. Certifications like the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) indicate professional and technical procedures knowledge.
Similarly, a business’s A+ rating at the Better Business Bureau symbolizes community trust and satisfaction.
4. Make Sure the Company is Licensed, Bonded, and Insured
A company that is licensed, bonded, and insured is a company that prioritizes process, procedure, and safety. Always check for the business’s license because it shows they can operate in your state and community. The bonding and insurance protect you as a homeowner if anything is damaged during repairs and installation.
5. Makes and Models
Air conditioners come in different makes and models, so repairing and installing them is different. So, before choosing a repair company for your air conditioner, it is best to verify that they have the expertise to handle your system’s make and model.
Klondike Air is certified to handle several Orange County air conditioning and heating service brands.
Benefits of Professional Air Conditioner Repair
Professional air conditioner repair has several benefits. Some of them are:
1. Enhanced Energy Efficiency
Professional A/C repair involves more than opening and closing your A/C unit. Instead, a skilled technician optimizes the performance and efficiency of your air conditioning system. After professional A/C maintenance, your system should be able to work efficiently and consume less energy.
2. Extended Lifespan
Regular professional maintenance will extend the lifespan of your air conditioning system. When you schedule regular maintenance with a reliable company, you ensure that minor issues which can endanger the effectiveness and cause significant wear and tear damage are taken care of quickly.
3. Improved Indoor Air Quality
A well-maintained air conditioner will improve the air quality in your home, making it safe for people with allergies and asthma.
4. Cost Saving
Professional A/C maintenance is better than trying to fix A/C issues yourself. Apart from expertise, being an experienced technician is a cost-saving investment, and you can be confident that the work is done correctly. However, if you do it yourself, any error may require significant and expensive repairs.
Edit Content
"*" indicates required fields
Conclusion
Your A/C is essential to your home, so you must ensure it is always running smoothly and with proper care. Klondike Air offers exceptional A/C repair and maintenance service in Orange County. The business has over 30 years of experience and is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.
Call Klondike Air now for immediate servicing if you’re in Orange County or any part of California and need urgent A/C repair.
FAQs
What are the common A/C issues?
Some common issues with your air conditioner include poor cooling performance, strange noises, frequent cycling, water leaks, and bad odors.
Why is my A/C running but not cooling?
If your A/C is running but not cooling, it could be a problem with the compressor or evaporator coils. Dirty or clogged air filters could also cause it.
The best way to fix your A/C is to call a professional A/C repair company. The company will inspect and repair any issues it finds.
How can you make your A/C work better?
To improve your A/C’s performance, schedule regular A/C cleaning service and maintenance and ensure a professional HVAC technician installs your system. Klondike Air’s Gold Club is a perfect solution for staying on top of maintenance!
How can I prolong my A/C life?
You can prolong your A/C’s life by ensuring that common issues are addressed immediately and preventive maintenance measures regularly occur.
