What Are the Common Parts Repaired by an AC Technician?
A Salt Lake City, UT summer with its hot and dry conditions tests an air conditioner to the maximum. This makes a breakdown feel inevitable at any moment. The temperatures here often climb into the 90s and can exceed 100°F. This means that your AC is working at the limits of engineering design. It takes a toll on many parts of the unit. Let us look at which parts of the system take the hardest hit in this climate.
The ‘Big Two’ Electrical Failures
Capacitors
Most repairs performed by professionals involve capacitors. These parts give the electric jolt needed to start and operate the compressor and fan motors, ensuring they operate smoothly.
The problem? High outdoor temperatures can cause the electrical cabinet inside the outdoor unit to become extremely hot. Over time, this heat can damage the capacitor, causing it to swell and eventually fail. When a capacitor fails, it may produce a humming or clicking noise, and the fan may not spin up or may spin slowly. This may need replacement parts to ensure the AC works efficiently.
Contactor
The second most common failure is the contactor. It is a high-voltage power switch that controls the flow of high-voltage power to the compressor and fan. In the arid conditions of Utah, systems cycle often, which can gradually wear down the contacts. Over time, carbon deposits may build up, causing the contacts to burn, pit, or even weld shut. When this happens, the outdoor unit may continue running continuously.
Airflow and Refrigerant Levels
Airflow Levels
A dirty air filter is one of the most common causes of central air conditioning problems. Winter inversions in the Salt Lake Valley bring fine particulate matter into the ductwork and onto the dormant evaporator coils. In summer, this grime attracts dust and restricts airflow, and the indoor coil can freeze into an ice block, even in July. The experts in AC Repair in Salt Lake City, may recommend cleaning the evaporator coil or clogged condensate drain lines. The clogged drain lines can back up and trip the safety float switches.
Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant leaks are also a big concern. Unlike what most homeowners believe, refrigerant is never ‘used up.’ In our bone-dry climate, rubber seals and O-rings can dry out, shrink, and lose their elasticity. This allows leaks to develop around AC valves and service ports.
Household VOCs combine with moisture to cause formicary corrosion in copper lines, which produces tiny pinhole leaks. Since modern ACs operate at a much higher pressure than older models, even a small leak can severely impact cooling performance. Technicians use electronic leak detection to locate and fix leaks. The system is then recharged to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Mechanical Components Under Stress
Fan Motors
Both the outdoor condenser fan and indoor blower motors may break down often as they run for long periods during heat waves. When these motors begin to struggle, you may notice weak airflow or unusual noises.
Compressor
This component is often referred to as the system’s heart. Depending on its health, you may consider whether to replace the compressor or go for a new AC system altogether.
To Conclude
These were some parts that are prone to damage with overuse during the heat. The experts in AC repair in Salt Lake City will be able to determine the right fix for an AC issue. They will also recommend whether the unit can be repaired or if a new AC purchase is a more cost-efficient decision.