Various problems can arise with an overcharged AC system. However, there are ways you can fix it. So, how can you troubleshoot your AC system?
Fix an overcharged AC system by checking the outside condenser unit inside the evaporator coil and the thermostat and temperature control. Look at wires and connectors on the AC system for any signs of damage. Ensure you recharge your system once every three years.
Before starting any repairs, it’s important to determine if your unit is overcharged. If your AC unit is overcharging, taking care of the problem as soon as possible is essential. An overcharged AC unit can lead to a few problems, including decreased efficiency and increased wear and tear on the unit. We’ll show you how to fix an overcharged AC unit.
How Can An AC System Overcharge?
A common misconception is that an AC unit can’t be overcharged if the indoor fan is running and there are visible water droplets on the evaporator coil. While it’s true that these two signs do not mean your unit is overcharging, they do indicate that the condenser fan is working harder than it should be.
If these two signs are present, look for other signs of overcharging, such as increased noise from the indoor fan or condenser and a decreased temperature rise from the evaporator coil.
How To Fix An Overcharged AC System
Once you’ve determined that your AC unit is overcharged, take steps to fix the problem.
1. Shut Off The Power To The Unit At The Breaker Box
Remove the outdoor panel. With the panel removed, locate the two wires leading from the capacitor and Use wire cutters to cut these two wires close to the capacitor. Be careful not to cut the wires close to the fan, as this will make it difficult to replace the fan in case you need to do so later.
Now take out your replacement AC unit and disconnect the two wires from the capacitor on the new unit. Slide these wires into the old unit and secure them with a wire nut. Next, connect the power cable from the outdoor box to the new AC unit.
Before installing the new fan blades, ensure your condenser is clean and dry. If there are any liquids or dirt on it, use a soft cloth to wipe them off. Use caution when doing this since most AC units have sharp edges that can cut you if you’re not careful.
Once you’ve completed these steps, install your new AC unit, and turn on the power. Check to ensure that everything works properly before proceeding with additional repairs. One thing to keep in mind when fixing an overcharged AC unit is that you may need to replace the entire condenser fan. If this is the case, it is best to hire a professional who can do the job quickly and efficiently is best.
2. Check The Outside Condenser Unit
Look for hints of frost/ice on the outside coils and check to see if the fan is blowing correctly. If there is no movement from the fan, then there is an issue with the motor, and if there is no flow through the coils, then there is an issue with the Fan-Induced Draft (FID) module or the circuit board controlling the FID module.
3. Check The Inside Evaporator Coil
Remove any panels from the AC system to expose the evaporator coil. If there is ice on the coils, there is a problem with the fan motor or FID module. If there is no movement from the fan, then the motor has an issue.
3. Check The Thermostat And Temperature Control
Ensure the fan is switched to “Auto” and the temperature is between 32-34 degrees Fahrenheit. If not, adjust them both. You should hear the fan running for at least 3 seconds after activating the thermostat. If there is no sound, there is an issue with the motor or circuit board.
4. Check All Wires And Connectors On The AC System For Any Signs Of Damage.
The most common problem when an AC system is overcharged is that moisture has gotten into some of the wirings and caused corrosion. Look for discoloration, burns, cuts, cracks, and loose connections. If you find any of these complications, you should have the system looked at by a professional.
5. Turn Off The Power To The AC System
Let it cool down for 24 hours. After cooling down, turn on the thermostat and set it to “auto.” Leave it alone for 5 minutes and check to see if the fan comes on automatically. If so, then there is no issue with the system. If not, there is an issue with either the thermostat or the fan motor.
How Often Should I Recharge An AC System?
If you have an AC system, you know that it needs to be recharged from time to time. But how often should you do it? There are some aspects to consider when making this decision. Let’s explore what those factors are and help you figure out how often you should recharge your AC system.
Let’s discuss what recharging your AC system means. Recharging is adding refrigerant (also known as coolant) to your AC unit to replace any fluid that may have been lost during normal operation.
This is necessary because the coolant allows the compressor in your unit to function properly by creating a vacuum so that the condenser can efficiently pull heat from the air inside your home and transfer it outside the system.
If enough coolant is lost, the compressor may not be able to pull enough heat and can overheat. In addition to replacing any lost coolant, recharging your AC also helps you avoid a costly replacement. If you don’t recharge your system at least once every three years, you risk permanently damaging your compressor.
If your unit needs to be replaced soon anyway, it makes sense to recharge now to save money down the road.
Now that you know why it’s critical to recharge your system, you’re probably wondering how often you should do it. There are a few things that will determine this. You first need to consider the type of AC unit you have.
Different systems require different amounts of refrigerant and may even use different types of coolants. If you aren’t sure what type of system you have, consult with an expert. They can help you determine what kind of system you have so that they can give you the greatest advice on how often to recharge.
But if you do know what type of system you have, here are some factors that can help you determine how often you should recharge:
1. How Old Is Your AC Unit?
If it’s an old model, it may require more coolant than newer models do. Older units also tend to use a different type of refrigerant that isn’t as efficient as the coolant used in newer units. As such, these units lose more coolant than newer models do.
2. How Often Do You Use Your AC Unit?
Suppose you stay in an area with mild weather; you probably don’t need to run your AC very often. In this case, less frequent recharging will be sufficient for the life of your unit. Then again, if you stay in a place that experiences a lot of hot and humid weather, you may want to recharge more frequently to avoid replacing your system sooner than necessary.
3. What Type Of Humidity Do You Have In Your Area?
If you stay in an area with low humidity, you’ll probably only need to recharge every two or three years. In this case, the amount of coolant lost is minimal and can easily be replaced by simply running your AC for a few hours each month.
If you have high humidity, where it rains often, you may want to consider recharging more frequently because there’s a higher chance that moisture has gotten into your system.
4. What Kind Of Fan Setting Do You Use?
If your AC has a fan setting that constantly runs at high speed, this can cause unwarranted wear and tear on your system and increase the loss of coolant over time. If you have a setting that runs constantly, consider switching to a lower speed so that your AC will run less frequently and save you time and money in the long run.
Conclusion
If you are uncomfortable doing any repairs yourself, consider hiring a professional. A professional can do the repair work quickly and affordably, saving you time and money. The most common problem is that the system will not cool properly.
Other problems can include the system freezing up, the compressor overloading and shutting down, and the system making strange noises. If you suspect your AC system is overcharged, go over the list of ways you can fix it.