The thermal expansion valve in your unit essentially limits the amount of refrigerant that goes into your AC. If it malfunctions, it can lead to a refrigerant leak. The sooner you recognize the signs of a faulty expansion valve, the sooner the issue gets fixed before it can cause serious air conditioner problems.
Symptoms of a Faulty Expansion Valve
If your air conditioner is running, but no cool air comes out, there’s a good chance you have frozen AC coils. This is more likely the case if you also see ice on your AC or condensation around your unit.
When it comes to frozen AC coils, it’s important to check your unit immediately or ask an HVAC professional for help, before moisture buildup can cause more serious problems with your AC.
- Clanging, banging, or squealing sounds
As the expansion valve moves, it may produce a hissing sound that doesn’t last for more than a few seconds at a time.
However, clanging, banging, or squealing sounds are often concerning. If your air conditioner starts producing odd noises while still operational, it’s worth checking for a faulty expansion valve.
- Poor cooling performance/ inconsistent airflow
When your AC doesn’t cool properly, it can be due to a number of reasons, one of which is a defective expansion valve.
Due to the fluctuations in your system’s ability to control the flow of refrigerant in the system, you’ll notice that the air coming from the vents may be too cool or too warm for comfort.
- AC compressor that constantly runs
When the expansion valve is unable to shut off when it should, the refrigerant keeps feeding into the compressor.
The compressor will keep running to deal with it. Due to the additional strain on the compressor, it may require repair or replacement sooner than anticipated. Once the compressor fails, the whole system will fail, too.
Expansion Valve Repair and Maintenance
The expansion valve may be small, but it plays a huge role in the operation of your air conditioning unit. As long as the expansion valve is installed properly, it doesn’t require heavy maintenance.
Replacing it typically costs $100 to $500, and can go up to $700, depending on labor and the price of the valve.
HVAC REPAIR NEAR ME: Fix a Faulty Expansion Valve
Nothing beats a cozy warm home in the freezing winter temperatures. If you’re dealing with a faulty expansion valve, you want the issue addressed as quickly as possible, so you resume living comfortably without risking further damage to your system.
That’s where we come in. Our knowledgeable, experienced technicians quickly and accurately diagnose HVAC issues, then complete the necessary repairs with as little downtime as possible.
Aside from repairs and emergency service, we also offer custom HVAC solutions to turn your home into an oasis of comfort, with your unique needs and budget in mind.
Schedule installs, maintenance, and repairs through our exclusive Good Guys Home Services Mobile app or fill out our online form for faster service.
