Welcome to our Westminster AC Repair & Maintenance Guide. Historically, many Colorado homes didn’t have air conditioning. The milder temperatures and lower humidity made it less necessary than in other parts of the country.
That trend is changing quickly, and as many as 80% of new homes in the state now feature some form of air conditioning.
Today, air conditioning is more important than ever. Temperatures in Westminster can reach 90 degrees in the hot summer months, and air conditioning is the only way to keep inside temperatures cool and comfortable.
Prepare for summer by learning all about AC repair costs and maintenance in Westminster, Colorado.
Table of Contents
The Parts of a Westminster AC Unit
Knowing the various parts of an air conditioning unit can help when you perform basic AC maintenance tasks and troubleshoot issues.
These are the most important components of an air conditioner.
Refrigerant
Refrigerant is a chemical used to cool the air in your home. It absorbs heat from the environment and cools it down as it passes through your air conditioning system. When hot air comes into contact with refrigerant, it vaporizes.
There are two types of AC refrigerants. Many older units use a chemical called Freon, while newer units use Puron.
The use of Freon has declined sharply in recent years, as Puron is a more environmentally friendly substance.
Compressor
The compressor’s primary function is to pressurize the AC system and circulate refrigerant.
It pulls air from outside and exposes it to the refrigerant. This starts the heat exchange process.
Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil is the indoor component of your air conditioning unit. It plays a key role in heat exchange, enabling air conditioners to operate. Its role is to absorb the heat that’s inside your home.
You’ll find the evaporator coil attached to your furnace or air handler.
Condensing Coil
When most people imagine an air conditioner, they think of the box that sits outside their home. This is actually the condensing coil.
It works in conjunction with the evaporator coil and compressor. Once the refrigerant has vaporized inside the compressor, it’s routed to the condensing coil.
The condensing coil uses a fan to cool the refrigerant, returning it to a liquid state. This allows the heat exchange process to continue.
The Most Common Types of Air Conditioners
Installing a new air conditioning unit will significantly improve your in-home comfort. There are several types of units to choose from, each with its own benefits.
Central Air Conditioning
This is by far the most popular kind of air conditioner in America. If you live in a newer home with air conditioning, you likely have a central air system.
These AC units make use of all the components listed above. They use refrigerant to cool outside air and blow it through your home’s ductwork.
A thermostat governs their operation. It monitors the air temperature in your home and turns the system off once the desired temperature is reached.
Central air conditioning is easy to use and cools the entire home evenly. You’ll simply set the thermostat and let the system get to work.
The drawback of these systems is that they require ductwork to operate. If your home doesn’t have ductwork, adding it can be expensive.
Ductless Mini-Splits
If your home doesn’t have the ductwork required for a central air system, a ductless mini-split air conditioner is the best choice.
These cooling systems operate similarly to central air conditioning. They still use a condenser and an evaporator coil, but won’t route the air through ducts.
Instead, the condenser discharges air directly into a wall-mounted indoor unit, which cools the room. Multiple indoor units can connect to a single outdoor compressor.
These systems are well-suited for older homes without ductwork. They are also useful if you want to keep certain rooms of your house at different temperatures.
On the other hand, it’s more difficult to lower the temperature of an entire house with a ductless mini-split system. You’ll need to go room by room and set each indoor unit to the correct temperature.
Evaporative Coolers
This cooling system is slightly different from typical central air or mini-split systems. Instead of using refrigerant, evaporative coolers rely only on water and fans to cool a home.
These systems draw hot air into the home and route it over moisture pads that are water-doused. The water on the pads cools the air, and a fan propels it into the home.
Evaporative coolers are incredibly energy-efficient, but they only work in certain climates. Fortunately, the dry Colorado weather is ideal for this kind of system.
Coolers like these may require more maintenance than other kinds of air conditioning systems. They need to be cleaned regularly to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Basic AC Maintenance Guide
Staying on top of air conditioning maintenance is important. It can extend your AC unit’s lifespan, improve indoor air quality, and reduce your energy bills.
Air Filters
Your AC unit’s air filters are a vital component. They improve air quality throughout the home.
Some air filters can be cleaned and reused, while others must be discarded and replaced. Never attempt to reuse a disposable air filter.
Dirty air filters can reduce your system’s efficiency, so you’ll want to monitor them during the summer months. If a filter is saturated with debris, it can end up in your ducts or be deposited directly on your evaporator coil.
Outside Unit
Keep the exterior of your air conditioner in good condition by cleaning it regularly. Dirt and debris around the condensing coil reduce its ability to cool refrigerants.
Before you begin working, be sure to shut off the power to the unit.
Using a screwdriver, you can open the cage that covers the condenser. With it open, use a vacuum to remove any debris that has worked its way inside.
Condenser Fins
The fins on your AC condenser increase its surface area, allowing it to cool the air more effectively.
However, a build-up of grime on these can restrict airflow.
Take a hose and rinse them clean. If you notice any bent fins, you can attempt to straighten them with a butter knife.
Clean Outside Area
With the condensing unit interior clean, turn your attention to the surrounding area. Rake any leaves and trim any foliage that is growing near the unit.
Leaves can fall between the bars of the unit’s cage, so try to trim your foliage back at least two feet on all sides. When your AC unit isn’t in use during the winter months, use a cover to keep it clear of snow.
Cleaning the Evaporator Coil
With the power to the AC unit still turned off, open the door to the evaporator coil.
Spray a contactless cleaning solution onto the coil and allow it to drip into the pan below.
Then, clean the drainage area with a solution of water and a small amount of bleach.
Common AC Issues
Even with regular maintenance, your AC unit may experience issues over the course of its lifespan.
Air conditioners are major appliances and complex machines that rely on electrical wiring to function, so it’s always advised that you consult with an AC repair service instead of attempting to fix them yourself.
AC Won’t Shut Off
This is the most common issue air conditioners experience, and it needs to be addressed as soon as possible. If your unit won’t shut off on its own, you risk damaging its internal components.
Many factors can cause this, and a Westminster AC repair technician can typically identify the problem immediately.
Short Cycling
If your AC unit runs briefly, then shuts off and turns back on soon after, it’s short-cycling. It can be caused by dirty filters or a faulty thermostat.
Air conditioning service technicians may also inform you that your unit is oversized for your home.
Not Turning On
If your air conditioner won’t turn on, your issue is most likely electrical. The wiring or thermostat may be failing. Hiring AC repair services is the only safe way to remedy this.
AC Isn’t Cooling the Home
If your AC unit is on but not cooling your home, check whether it’s blowing warm air.
You may have low refrigerant levels or an overheating compressor if it is.
You may need a new blower belt or more refrigerant if no air is coming out.
No matter the issue, an HVAC repair service will resolve it promptly.
Trusted AC Repair and Maintenance in Westminster, Colorado
Your air conditioner is an important part of your home. No matter what type of AC unit you use, maintenance keeps it performing as intended. Should an issue arise, don’t hesitate to contact professional services in Westminster.
Looking for the best AC Repair and Maintenance in Westminster, Colorado? JD’s Plumbing offers heating and cooling services to the Denver Metro area.
Reach out to schedule an appointment today. If you’re experiencing issues with your unit, consider these DIY AC troubleshooting tips for Denver.
Knowing how to handle common problems can save you time and money before calling in a professional.
Check your filters and ensure your thermostat is functioning properly to maintain optimal cooling efficiency.
