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Why Do AC Units Break Down

January 7, 2026
ac break down

Why Does My Air Conditioner Keep Breaking Down?

Everyone experiences those times where it feels like if it is not one thing than it is another. With summer right around the corner the last thing you need is your air conditioner breaking down repeatedly. It is an experience that will definitely leave you frustrated and can end up costing a considerable amount of money in the end. The big question is, why is it that some units seem to break down over and over again? By knowing what the root of those issues are you may be able to prevent yourself from being in that situation.

Improper Installation

Most of the time the phrase “You get what you pay for” is accurate. When it comes to hiring a contractor to perform HVAC installation, repairs, and upgrades at your home, it most certainly applies. Licensed contractors are required to have training to perform quality, safe, and lawful installations. Hiring someone without that training may feel like a financial win in the beginning, but many times their installations do not stand the test of time.

A good contractor knows that every step of the installation is important to ensure that the air conditioner not only runs properly but works efficiently especially in Northridge.

Age of Unit

Similar to a car, air conditioning units start to break down more frequently as they approach the end of their life span. The symptoms often present as small issues which is what leads to multiple repairs needed over a small span of time. However, multiple repairs often mean that there is a larger more insidious repair needed when the air conditioner is older.

Multiple refrigerant leak repairs may mean that you actually need the whole coil or condenser replaced. Furthermore, multiple fuse replacement and tripped breakers can sometimes be due to a bad compressor. These larger repairs are sometimes expensive and sometimes on older units the parts are harder to locate. For this reason, if your old unit is continuously breaking down or needs a large repair it may be worth considering an AC replacement of the entire unit instead.

Lack of or No Maintenance

It can not be emphasized how vital regular routine maintenance is to your HVAC systems function. Many issues that people experience with their air conditioning systems can be avoided by having maintenance performed at least once a year. It is not just about extending the life of your air conditioner.

The lack of maintenance can also damage your system as well. Continued use of your air conditioner with a dirty and clogged filter will cause the system to work too hard to produce airflow. Running your system with a dirty coil can also have the same affect. Maintenance is always the top defense against having to pay for multiple repairs in one summer.

The great news is maintenance plans are often not very costly and with a quality HVAC contractor taking care of your system regularly you will not have to worry about getting caught off guard by various surprise repairs. If you are looking for a great HVAC contractor in Northridge to replace or install your air conditioner or perform regular maintenance on your system, give LA Heating and Air a call today! (818)341-3406

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