When your house is cool and your AC seems to be working correctly, you don’t usually consider calling an HVAC company. However, it is important to get your air conditioner serviced regularly. According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), lack of proper regular AC maintenance is one of the main issues leading to HVAC failure. Check out these common air conditioner breakdowns, which could lead to costly repairs and uncomfortable living conditions.
1. Clogged Air Filters
Air filters catch dust, dirt, and allergens before they spread into the air you breathe. After a while, air filters clog up with the impurities they capture, restricting airflow into your home. This means your HVAC system has to work harder to cool down your rooms. When your air conditioner works harder, it puts more stress on the blower motor and other components, which could lead to a breakdown or overheating. Even if your system does not entirely fail, it can raise your energy usage, which means you pay more than you would pay with a clean air filter.
2. Dirty Coils
Air filters are not the only part of the air conditioner that collects dirt. The evaporator and condenser coils can also accumulate dust and grime over time. If you don’t clean them regularly, dirt can interfere with the coils’ ability to transfer heat. Once again, this causes the system to work harder, putting more stress on certain components and increasing your overall energy consumption.
3. Leaky Refrigerant
Air conditioners need refrigerant to cool down the air that goes into your home or business. If there is not enough refrigerant in your system, it does not work as efficiently as it should. In fact, many air conditioners have issues with refrigerant leaks. You may not notice a slow leak in the refrigerant line because it will gradually lessen the cooling effectiveness of your system. If allowed to leak for an extended period, the lack of refrigerant could eventually cause your evaporator coil to freeze and your compressor to fail.
4. Electrical Problems
Your air conditioner runs on electricity; sometimes the electrical components wear out. Electrical wiring can become corroded, contactors can burn out, and thermostats can break. Electrical malfunctions are a potential fire hazard. Besides that, they can cause your air conditioner to shut down unexpectedly. Spotting and fixing electrical problems requires specific tools and specialized equipment. Therefore, we highly recommend having a professional do regular AC maintenance. Doing so helps ensure that any issues are addressed before they become a major problem.
5. Clogged Condensate Lines
Your air conditioner helps to take moisture out of the air, ensuring that your home or business maintains the perfect temperature and humidity levels. The moisture that it removes is drained through a condensate line. This line can easily become a breeding ground for mold and algae. If the line is not regularly maintained, it can become clogged, which causes the moisture to back up into the system, causing the unit to leak water. Water inside the unit could also activate a safety switch that shuts off the system.
How Preventive Maintenance Helps
Scheduling regular maintenance for your HVAC system keeps your air conditioning system in good working condition. A professional technician can check all the standard parts that fail over time to ensure they are still working effectively and are not wearing down. Regular AC maintenance includes checking refrigerant levels, cleaning out the condensate lines, replacing dirty air filters, and cleaning the coils. It’s also good to examine electrical connections.
Regular AC Maintenance Keeps You Comfy and Saves Money
If your air conditioner is working at peak efficiency, you could save a whole lot of money on your energy bills. You can also prevent your air conditioner from breaking down, and save money on emergency service calls and expensive repairs or replacement costs.
It is worth your time, money, and comfort to schedule a maintenance service call for your air conditioner. The trained technicians at Kabran Air Conditioning & Heating can help keep your system running efficiently for years to come! Become a member of the Kabran Cool Club, and enjoy extra savings on tune-ups and service rates.
