Many people don’t give their air conditioners much thought until something goes wrong, which is why it’s quite shocking to so many when they need service. After all, shouldn’t your air conditioner last forever? As wonderful as that would be, it’s simply not the case. Air conditioners experience mechanical problems from time to time and need repairs. It’s something that people need to prepare for, so they’re not taken by surprise by a costly repair. Keep reading to learn more about the common causes of AC failure.
Tripped Fuses and Faulty Breakers
If your air conditioner stops working suddenly, don’t panic. Check your circuit breaker to see if the fuse was tripped. Sometimes this happens if there is a power surge. If the circuit has been tripped off, turn it back on. Did the air conditioner start up again? If not, call a technician to come take a look.
Frozen Coil Problems
When there are air flow problems, the coil in the unit tends to freeze. This problem is easy to identify because frost will be visible on the coil or around it. The easiest way to avoid this problem is to make sure your air filters get replaced regularly and that the ductwork is clean.
Refrigerant Issues
Have you had trouble getting cool air to flow from your vents? This is likely a refrigerant issue. There’s probably a leak in the system that may or may not be visible. Or, the refrigerant is low and needs refilling. Both of these situations require a professional HVAC technician.
Worn Parts
Older air conditioners, those that are five years or older, tend to cycle on and off more frequently. When this occurs, the unit is at risk of becoming overly stressed and parts start to break. Common parts that need replacement includes fans, blowers, contacts, and electrical connections. Homeowners can catch these types of problems early by having annual maintenance service performed on their HVAC unit. Replacing damaged parts before they break down entirely helps you avoid emergency repair services.
Faulty Thermostats
This is one of the easiest and most inexpensive air conditioning repairs. Unfortunately, it’s often overlooked by people who think the worst when their air conditioner isn’t working right. However, if your thermostat is broken or not wired correctly, it can’t maintain the temperature in your home. Depending on the signs you describe to your technician, the thermostat may or may not be the first thing they check.
Don’t Neglect Annual Maintenance
Many serious HVAC problems are avoidable with regular maintenance. Some of these maintenance tasks you can do yourself, such as replacing the air filters regularly and cleaning the outdoor condenser unit. Other maintenance services, such as checking for loose parts, refilling the refrigerant, and replacing broken components, need to be done by professionals. If you suspect there’s a problem with your air conditioner, don’t wait to get a service professional out to your home to take a look.
If you’re having problems with your home’s air conditioner and need professional HVAC service, call Cox Air at 727-442-6158 today!
Leave a Reply