August is often the hottest month we get here in Oregon, and it’s unfortunately also the time when air conditioning systems are most likely to suffer from a breakdown. In August, an air conditioner has already been putting in immense amounts of work for a few months, so even with the best in regular maintenance a cooling system may experience a major failure and stop cooling.
If you find yourself in this situation, you’ll want repairs for your valuable air conditioning in Salem, OR, from experienced professionals. This isn’t a problem you can fix on your own, and letting an amateur attempt the repairs can end up creating a more expensive problem. Below are some of the reasons for a failed AC at this time of year to give you an idea of the scope of the problem.
Burnt-out blower fan motor
If you can hear the air conditioner’s outside compressor running, but there’s no air coming from the vents, then the problem most likely is that the blower fan motor in the air handler has overheated and burned out. We recommend you first make a check on the electrical panel for the house to see if a breaker for the AC has tripped. If this isn’t the solution, you’ll probably need to have the entire blower fan motor replaced.
Burnt-out compressor
If you’re experiencing the opposite problem, where air is coming from the vents but it isn’t cool, one possibility is the compressor has burnt out. The compressor is the literal heart of the system, since it’s what pumps refrigerant all around the air conditioner and puts the refrigerant under pressure. Strain on the compressor will lead to its motor burning out. This is a serious problem that may require replacing the compressor or possibly the entire AC system.
Electrical failure
Electrical problems are one of the most common types of AC malfunctions. Wiring trouble can lead to the AC shutting down or cause the thermostat to lose its connection to the fan and compressor so the system can’t be turned on. Technicians can investigate and find out what exactly is causing the trouble.
Failed capacitors
The extreme heat of August can weaken the capacitors in the air conditioner so they can no longer hold an electric charge. Since these components are responsible for sending electric current to the motors, if they fail the AC will stop working. Technicians can replace failed capacitors.
Refrigerant loss
The refrigerant in an air conditioner is supposed to circulate through the system without dissipating. But leaks along the refrigerant line will cause this vital chemical to escape—and eventually lead to a busted AC that can’t cool. Repairs for leaking refrigerant require first sealing the leaks and then restoring the exact amount lost. Too much refrigerant is as bad for the AC as too little.
Summon our experts any time of the day or night for AC repairs. Comfort Flow Heating serves all of Oregon.
