The Ultimate Guide to AC Repair
When your air conditioner stops working correctly, your home’s comfort quickly suffers—especially during the year’s hottest months. At NexGen Home Services, we understand how essential a reliable and efficient AC system is for maintaining comfort and air quality. With decades of experience handling AC repair for homes and cabins throughout Lakeville and surrounding areas, we have diagnosed and repaired every kind of issue. In this guide, we will share critical information about how your air conditioning system functions, common problems you may encounter, and what steps should be taken when repairs become necessary—so you can keep your home comfortable year-round.
Understanding Your AC System
The basic parts of your air conditioning system include:
- a furnace or air handler which circulates air throughout your home
- an evaporator coil, where the refrigerant absorbs heat from indoor air
- a line set connecting the indoor coil to the outdoor condensing unit
- the condensing unit itself
The outdoor condensing unit pulls in ambient air to release the heat collected from inside, changing the refrigerant back into a state that can absorb more heat.
Finally, the cooled air is distributed back into your home through the vents.
Identifying Common AC Issues
The most common AC repair issues typically involve a dirty air filter, a dirty condensing coil in the outdoor unit, low refrigerant levels, or malfunctions with either the condenser fan motor or the furnace blower motor.
AC Repair Process
On any AC repair call, we check for airflow at the vents. If we do not feel any air, it is likely due to a clogged filter or a frozen coil. Frozen coils usually happen because of low refrigerant levels or restricted airflow.
To fix a frozen coil, we let it thaw by either replacing the filter and running the fan continuously or by gently applying water to speed up the process.
After restoring airflow and ensuring the filter is clean, the next step is to confirm that refrigerant levels are adequate.
Preventative Maintenance Strategies
The most effective strategies for extending your AC system’s lifespan involve regularly changing the air filter and cleaning the outdoor condensing unit. Consistently performing these two tasks is essential for maintaining efficient operation.
Seasonal AC Care
Unless your AC system is a heat pump specifically equipped for low-temperature operation, running it in cold weather is generally not recommended. Standard air conditioners are not designed for efficient performance in low ambient temperatures.
DIY Troubleshooting vs. Professional Repair
As a homeowner, you can safely change the air filter, inspect and clean the condensate drain, and occasionally spray down the outdoor unit to remove debris. However, due to safety concerns related to refrigerant chemicals and electrical parts, it’s best to leave tasks involving refrigerant levels or internal AC system components to a qualified technician.
Conclusion
Proper maintenance and timely repairs are essential for keeping your air conditioning system running efficiently and reliably throughout the hottest months. While some basic tasks like filter replacement and exterior cleaning can be managed safely at home, many common AC issues require professional attention. At NexGen Home Services, our experienced HVAC technicians are always ready to help. Whether it is routine maintenance or an unexpected repair, our priority is ensuring your system performs at its best, keeping your home comfortable and your energy bills manageable. If your AC system is not performing as it should, do not wait—reach out to our team today.