Your HVAC system is a complicated collection of component parts working in harmony to provide environmental comfort in your home. This complex array of motors, fans, compressors, valves, condensers and more are all powered by electricity. Capacitors, contactors, relays and wiring are crucial to the smooth operation of your HVAC system. So, it only makes sense that over 90 percent of all air conditioner and heater breakdowns are related to electrical issues.
Do-It-Yourself Vs. Hiring Professionals
Many homeowners derive great satisfaction from being do-it-yourselfers. The joy of performing routine maintenance, making home improvements and completing home decorating or restoration projects greatly increases their pride of ownership. However, certain types of home repairs are best left to professionals with training and expertise. In the case of air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces and wiring, unless you happen to be an electrical engineer or electrician, you’ll want to hire an expert to handle your HVAC related electrical issues. It’s important to remember, electricity can be dangerous, and it’s very easy to get in over your head.
Here are three of the most common electrical breakdowns we deal with time and again:
- Faulty Capacitors – Capacitors store and release electrical energy and are used to start up or run motors on the compressor, blower and the fan of your air conditioner unit. There are many different types of capacitors, and they require a specific meter to check whether they are working or need to be replaced. Capacitors generally last from five to seven years. Although in Arizona, the extreme climate can push them to the limit, so they may fail sooner.
- Failed Contactors – The contactor is a crucial device that receives information from the thermostat and controls the flow of electricity to your air conditioner’s components. The most common issue is, after years of normal wear and tear, contactors burn out or they get stuck in one position (up or down). Replacing a contactor is not a do-it-yourself job.
- Wiring and Connector Issues – In Arizona, HVAC systems frequently are installed on the roof, which means the unit is exposed to extreme temperatures, intense UV rays, wind, rain and monsoon dust storms. As well, there are squirrels and other furry creatures that occasionally treat wires like chew toys. Frayed wires can be dangerous and cause a lot of damage. Our service technicians are trained to check all wiring and connectors to make sure they are clean, intact and working properly.
If you’ve ever received an electrical shock from a home wiring project, you know it can be a very unpleasant experience. We encourage our customers to be do-it-yourselfers when it comes to replacing air filters and other less challenging jobs. However, when it comes to electrical repairs and the safety of your family and your home, let the experts handle it! Give Cool Blew a call today to set up a full inspection of your HVAC system.
