Some projects around your house can be safely done yourself. However, AC repairs aren’t usually DIY because of the complicated and sometimes risky variables at play. For example, there’s the possibility of electrocution, carbon monoxide poisoning, and the risk of damaging an expensive HVAC unit. Therefore, be sure to call an AC technician to fix the following issues.
1) Faulty Wiring
With regular use of an air conditioning unit in Hawaii comes the risk of corroding wires, as well and wires becoming exposed or otherwise damaged. This is particularly a concern if your unit is switching on and off frequently. If faulty wiring is plaguing your air conditioning unit, you may not be able to turn it on.
While hot temperatures sustain through the year in parts of Hawaii, this is particularly inconvenient in the summertime. Homeowners who attempt to DIY a faulty wiring issue on their air conditioner run the risk of electrocution from handling exposed or frayed wires. An AC technician has the expertise to service these types of equipment safely. Also, they can diagnose and resolve your faulty wiring issues with relative ease because of their air conditioning services experience.
2) Corroded, Dirty, Or Frozen Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil on an air conditioner can experience a multitude of problems over their average 10-15 year lifespan. When cooling your house down, part of that process requires the air conditioner to cool the hot air in the room. This is where the evaporator coil comes in. It contains Freon, a refrigerant that cools down the hot air as it passes over it. If the evaporator coil corrodes, freezes, or gets dirty, that impedes its ability to function.
Dirty coils can cause significant damage to your air conditioner, including a full breakdown. It can also lead to higher energy costs as your air conditioner works hard to make up for lowered efficiency. To return your air conditioner to its former glory, you’ll need to have a tech to clean your unit. Some homeowners try to clean the coil themselves, running the risk of injury to themselves or costly damage to the unit.
A variety of issues can cause an evaporator coil to freeze. One of the most common reasons, however, is that there’s a Freon leak. If your air conditioner has a frozen evaporator coil, you must turn it off immediately. Upon inspection, an AC technician can determine if the frozen coil is due to a Freon leak. These leaks are sometimes caused by corrosion.
Corrosion can damage the evaporator coil if it is exposed to car exhaust or other pollutants. Since most air conditioning units are installed outside, this is a consideration for most homeowners. Corroded evaporator coils are usually replaced as repairs are often expensive. Replacing an evaporator coil is dangerous business, as it requires the handling of Freon. It also requires the use of specialized equipment. It’s always best to leave this type of repair to a professional.
3) Leaking Refrigerant (Freon)
Freon leaks are a serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately. It’s a poisonous gas that is tasteless and odorless, like carbon monoxide. Also like carbon monoxide, it can harm your airways and prevent the circulation of oxygen around your body. Symptoms of Freon poisoning can damage your organs and even cause sudden death. A professional can identify the source of a Freon leak and repair it or install replacement parts. This way, homeowners don’t risk Freon poisoning, and can get their air conditioner back up and running in no time.
Island Comfort technicians can perform these services and more. If you’re in need of AC repair on the Hawaiian Islands of Oahu or Kauai, contact Island Comfort today!