When summer hits hard in Cathedral City, CA, your air conditioner needs to be in top shape. However, it can be the most minor parts that cause the biggest headaches. One of those parts is the AC expansion valve. It might be out of sight, but when it fails, it can seriously impact how well your AC cools your home. Spotting the early signs of trouble can help you avoid a major breakdown, especially when you need your system the most.
What Exactly Does the AC Expansion Valve Do?
The expansion valve plays a key role in your AC’s cooling process. It controls how much refrigerant flows into the evaporator coil, reducing the pressure so the refrigerant can expand and cool properly before it circulates through your home. If the valve isn’t working right, your system struggles to regulate temperature, and its efficiency can take a hit.
Signs Your Expansion Valve Might Be Failing
Since the expansion valve operates quietly behind the scenes, it’s not always easy to tell when something’s wrong. However, there are a few red flags that can tip you off:
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Uneven or inconsistent temperatures from room to room
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Ice or frost building up on the evaporator coil
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Strange noises like hissing or banging coming from the unit
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Cooling that doesn’t match your thermostat setting
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A compressor that runs nonstop or turns on and off too often
What Happens When the Valve Malfunctions?
When the expansion valve isn’t doing its job, the refrigerant flow gets out of balance. That puts extra strain on other parts of your system, especially the compressor. Over time, you might notice your energy bills creeping up, humidity levels rising, or hot and cold spots throughout your home. Left unchecked, a faulty valve can eventually lead to complete system failure.
Don’t Wait to Get It Checked Out
Cathedral City summers don’t leave much room for error when it comes to your AC. A bad expansion valve might start as a small issue, but it can quickly turn into a costly repair if it’s ignored. Getting a professional to inspect your system at the first sign of trouble can help prevent bigger problems and keep your home comfortably cool.
Trust Vic’s Air Conditioning to Help
At Vic’s Air Conditioning, we know how to track down issues fast and fix them right. Our skilled technicians are trained to spot the signs of expansion valve trouble and recommend the best fix, whether it’s a minor tweak or a more in-depth repair. We’re here to get your AC running smoothly again so you can stay comfortable all season long.
Have you noticed strange sounds coming from your air conditioning equipment or uneven cooling throughout your home? If so, schedule an AC repair with Vic’s Air Conditioning and let our experts bring your system back to life.