Problem solved! How to deal with an AC that stops cooling

To determine whether your AC should be repaired or replaced, you must look at the individual components of your system. This will help you decide the best course of action, both in the present and in the future. Although repairs are usually less expensive upfront, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they are the best option. It’s not always possible to repair your vehicle. However, spending just a few hundred dollars now for repairs doesn’t guarantee that you will be spending more soon. These are the things that will help you make a decision.

5 Steps to Fix Your Air Conditioning: DIY Fix

1. Thermostat Malfunctioning – Turn your thermostat to AC mode, and reduce the temperature. The furnace fan should be kicking on. Resetting the furnace circuit breaker is a good idea if the fan does not turn on or stops blowing. When thermostats and AC units are shut down, they have delay functions. This delay can last up to 10 minutes. These delays can be even longer if your local power utility subscribes to an Xcel power saving switch. The unit may take longer to reset. The Xcel power-saver switch can shut down your AC during peak hours, when it is most needed. This happens most often between 2 and 7pm on hot summer days. If the disconnect block has been installed and reinstalled, the circuit breaker has been repowered, the furnace switched to AC mode, the thermostat set to the lowest temperature indoors, and the unit still doesn’t start up after 30 minutes it is time to call AC Pros of Denver.
2. Low Refrigerant – Air conditioners may require additional refrigerant. This could indicate a coolant leak. But not all refrigerants work the same. Most newer models have R-410a refrigerant, which is considered a more environmentally friendly alternative for AC refrigerant. Older models still have R-22 refrigerant. This is becoming more costly as it is phased out. R-22 refrigerant won’t be legal after 2020. Most cases require that a R22 refrigerant must have the unit be replaced.
3. Clogged Return-Air Filters – If your AC system hasn’t been serviced in a while, it could be that they have become dirty and clogged. This can cause a reduction in airflow. Filters that are clogged with dust and animal fur can cause the AC to not draw enough air and result in a slow flow of air. If you cannot see the filter on the other side of your return-air filter, remove it. If you can see through the filter the problem is elsewhere.
4. Faulty power cord or outlet – First, consider checking your electrical circuit box to make sure the AC unit’s circuit breaker is not tripped. If it is, flip it back to the on position. Wait a few minutes to see if your condenser comes back on or if the circuit trips back off again. If the condenser doesn’t come back on or the circuit trips again, you could have an electrical issue. If your energy bills are rising but your electric company’s rates remain the same, it may be time to replace your AC. To determine how efficient your home’s energy consumption, you can either do the math yourself or use Energy Star Home Energy Yardstick tool.
5. Your AC’s Capacitor Has Died – Capacitors can slowly degrade, resulting in less startup power over time. They can also fail quickly. A gradual capacitor failure can go unnoticed over a long period of time. This stresses the compressor fan motor windings and causes premature failure. Capacitors are fairly inexpensive so it is worth replacing yours every five years.

So, Should I Replace Or Repair My Broken AC Unit?

It is a good rule of thumb to replace your AC unit if it will be used for more than 10 years. If you’re only using the AC unit for 10 years, you should consider replacing it. However, if your AC unit is being used less frequently than 10 years, you may find it cheaper to repair.
An AC unit’s average life expectancy is between 10 and 15 years. It is important to remember that an AC unit with a lifespan of more than 15 years is considered old enough to be replaced. If you’re unsure about how much you can afford, you can use math to help you make the right decision.
To make this call, many HVAC technicians will use the $5,000 rule. Multiply the cost of repairs by the age and condition of the unit.
Your total cost would be $2,500 if your repairs were $500 and your unit was 5 years old. It would be a good idea to repair your system.
Your total cost would be $9,000. If you have $900 worth of repairs and your unit is 10+ years old, that’s $9,000. It would be a good idea to replace your system in this instance. However, if you’re in Commerce City and your AC has broken down, then in such cases, seeking a professional Air Conditioning Repair Services in Commerce City CO would be the best idea for you.

Are you still having AC problems? Call AC Pros Denver!

All of the above DIY solutions are great for quick fixes to HVAC problems. However, it can be difficult to decide whether to replace or repair your HVAC system. Each situation and each system is unique. AC Pros Denver has a professional HVAC technician who can help you with everything from regular maintenance to making the hard decision about whether or not to replace your system.