The hot summer months are fast approaching. Although it may seem far away now, soon it will be time for your air conditioning unit to be put to use. If you are like most people you might now worry about your air conditioning system until you go to use it. However, turn your system on before you need it on a hot summer day to ensure it is working properly. If it is not working properly, take a look below for common reasons for air conditioner repair calls.
Electtrical and Control Issues
These types of issues are usually more rare and simple checks and fixes, make sure your breaker is on and has not been tripped. A thermostat is usually not an issue but can sometimes go bad and cause your air conditioner not to work.
Faulty Circuit Breaker
If your air conditioner fails to operate, the first thing to check should be your circuit breaker. After you reset your circuit breaker give your system sometime to cool down. If resetting the circuit breaker does not fix the problem, then a high pressure limit switch may be at fault. In this case it is best to call a professional to repair the issue.
Faulty Thermostat
If your thermostat is not working as it should it may cause issues with your HVAC system. Make sure your thermostat is turned on, level, not affected by sunlight and is on the correct setting. Also consider investing in a newer programmable thermostat or even a smart thermostat. These newer models will allow you to adjust the temperature at set times or even allow you to control it remotely.
Cooling Performance Problems
These are the most common issues and span everything from issues with refrigerant, issues with fans, or drain line issues. These issues usually require a professional to come and diagnose.
Refrigerant Leak
If you have a refrigerant leak in your air conditioning system, your system will not operate as properly and efficiently as it should. If a refrigerant leak is the cause of your system not working like it should, you will need to contact a professional to do the repair. A refrigerant leak cannot be simply fixed by adding additional refrigerant. A professional will repair the leak, test the system and make sure your system is charged with the proper amount of refrigerant. Furthermore, refrigerant is harmful to the environment so it will need to be repaired as soon as possible.
Frozen Outdoor Coil
A frozen outdoor coil is usually a sign of obstructed airflow or a dirty clogged filter. To prevent a frozen coil regularly clean or replace your air filters and make sure the return air ductwork is not obstructed. Furthermore, if the blower fan is not operating properly it can also lead to your air conditioner freezing, because the cold air will remain inside of the ac unit. On the other hand, a frozen indoor coil could be the result of low refrigerant.
AC Drainage Issues
The purpose of the drain line is to carry excess moisture out of the home. However, just like a filter the drain line can become clogged with dirt and dust. A clogged drain line can lead to water pooling inside of the system potentially causing damage to the ac unit such as corrosion and even electrical issues.
Outside Fan Is Not Working
The outside fan is responsible for distributing heat from your home to the outside air. If this fan fails to perform as it should, it is possible for the compressor to overheat causing internal damage. If your ac unit cycles on and off frequently it is at risk for premature failure. Regularly scheduled maintenance can detect worn and damaged parts before it turns into a costly extensive repair.
An Overworked AC Unit
Running an ac unit continuously on the hottest days of summer to keep your home cool can also cause damage to the ac unit. An overworked ac unit can lead to severe damage, resulting in a costly major repair especially if the ac unit is not properly maintained.
Installation and Maintenance Issues
Depending on how old the system is, it may make sense to get an inspection on your recent installation to make sure it was installed properly and up to code. Maintenance is the second most important aspect of keeping your unit running for a long time because it allows the system to be cleaned and checked and helps to avoid extremely large repair costs by finding issues before they become extremely costly.
An Improperly Sized Air Conditioning Unit
If your ac unit was not properly sized for your home it can lead to premature failure of the compressor and a call to a repair technician. To prevent this from happening it is important to hire a contractor who will determine which unit will work best for the size of your home and keep up with regular maintenance. Keep in mind, that if your current unit is undersized the unit will need to be upgraded or supported by additional air conditioning units.
Your Air Conditioning Unit Has Not Been Properly Maintained
HVAC maintenance is like car maintenance. If you neglect to keep up with your car’s maintenance schedule you cannot expect it to run for long. The same goes for the air conditioning system in your home. If you neglect to perform regular HVAC maintenance, it can lead to dirty filters and coils. As a result, the unit will not operate properly or efficiently and can lead to compressor failure. Neglecting to maintain your HVAC system may also void the manufacturer’s warranty. Regularly scheduled maintenance is essential to keep your air conditioner operating at its most optimal levels. A licensed professional will be able to identify any potential issues before they cause complete damage to your system.
About LA Heating and Air
Give LA Construction Heating and Air a call today at 818-341-340 or contact us online and we will be more than happy to help you with your air conditioning needs. The best practice to minimize costly repairs is to sign up for a maintenance plan. Minor issues can be caught during regularly scheduled maintenance. We provide air conditioning repair, installation and maintenance for your HVAC system. Learn more about other services we offer.
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