During the summer, your air conditioning (AC) system is the most helpful thing you can have in your home to stay cool and comfortable.
But air conditioners are complicated devices, and if they break down, a hot day can become hard to bear. Knowing the most common reasons why air conditioners break down or stop working can help you avoid problems, fix them quickly, or simply replace the unit with a new one. Learn more here https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/heatbeat/what-to-do-if-ac-goes-out-phoenix-arizona/75-50b6b25b-d968-466f-92b2-b36e200bc07b.
Here are 8 common reasons why your AC might fail:
Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant is the substance responsible for cooling the air in your AC system. When refrigerant levels drop due to leaks, your AC’s cooling capacity decreases, eventually leading to system failure. Leaks can occur due to corrosion, damage to refrigerant lines, or poor installation.
Detecting and fixing refrigerant leaks requires professional expertise, as refrigerants are hazardous and require specialized equipment to handle safely. If you notice your AC blowing warm air or see frost on the coils, it could indicate a refrigerant issue, and it’s best to call in a professional.
Forgetting About Maintenance
One of the most common broken ac causes is a lack of regular maintenance, leading to clogged filters, dirty coils, and reduced system efficiency. To keep an air conditioner running smoothly, it’s necessary to clean and inspect it on a regular basis.
Filters, condenser coils, and other parts can become clogged with dust and debris, which reduces airflow and puts more strain on the system. This additional stress can cause components to wear out faster, leading to breakdowns.
Regular maintenance, including cleaning or replacing air filters and checking refrigerant levels, can help keep your AC running smoothly. Many HVAC companies offer maintenance packages, ensuring that your unit receives the care it needs to stay in top shape. Or, you can hire air conditioner replacement services to install a new unit for you.
Electrical Problems
AC systems have complex electrical components, including capacitors, contactors, and wiring. Electrical issues, such as faulty wiring or damaged capacitors, are common causes of AC breakdowns. These problems can lead to system malfunctions or even pose safety risks like electrical fires.
It’s good to know that signs of electrical issues include frequent tripping of circuit breakers, humming or buzzing noises, and inconsistent cooling performance. Given the risks associated with electrical repairs, it’s crucial to have a qualified HVAC technician address these issues.
Dirty Condenser Coils
In your AC system, the condenser coils are the ones that dissipate heat from the refrigerant and allow the system to cool properly. When these coils become dirty or covered in debris, they can’t release heat efficiently and the AC has to work harder, eventually overheating.
This problem can be prevented by getting the condenser coils regularly cleaned. If your AC unit is outside, it is all the more important to keep its surroundings clean of leaves, dirt, and debris. Reduced cooling efficiency and, ultimately, system failure often occur when the condenser is clogged.
Faulty Thermostats
Not all AC problems come from the unit itself. Sometimes it’s your thermostat or other wiring connections in your home. Erratic cooling, cycling, or failure to obtain desired temperature can result from malfunction in a thermostat. Doing so can make your AC work inefficiently or altogether stop.
A simple solution to this problem, however, is to upgrade to a smart thermostat. With these modern devices you will achieve greater precision and more efficient and consistent cooling than you ever could on the fly with these modern devices.
Mechanical Wear and Tear
AC system breakdowns are due to the wear of the mechanical components of the system over time. Parts such as fans, compressors, and belts can wear out, and this can especially be a problem for areas that have high temperatures or where the AC unit works frequently.
Worn out components on your AC system can be replaced on time and maintenance can also help in extending the life of your AC system. If there are strange noises or vibrations you hear, that means it might be a mechanical component that’s about to fail and you should have it checked from a professional.
Improper Installation
An improperly installed AC unit can lead to a host of problems, from inefficient cooling to system breakdowns. If the unit isn’t correctly aligned or if electrical connections are faulty, it can cause premature wear and tear and reduce the system’s efficiency.
Professional installation is crucial to ensure your AC operates smoothly and efficiently. If you’re experiencing frequent breakdowns with a new AC unit, it might be due to installation issues, and a professional inspection is recommended. Find out more here.
Age and End of Lifespan
Every AC system has a finite lifespan, typically around 10-15 years, depending on usage and maintenance. As the system ages, components become less efficient and more prone to failure. If your AC unit is nearing the end of its lifespan, breakdowns may become more frequent.
If you’re constantly repairing an old AC unit, it might be time to consider a replacement. Newer models are more energy-efficient and offer advanced features that can improve comfort and reduce energy costs.
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