Air conditioning is responsible for maintaining the temperature in your home during hot summer months. It filters and circulates air, providing you with comfort and clean air. Seek AC maintenance when you start noticing uneven cooling, poor airflow, or strange noises. Here are some AC problems you may encounter and how to prevent them:
Refrigerant Leaks
Problems you may encounter with your AC unit include leaks caused by wear and tear on refrigerant lines. When you improperly install your AC system, vibrations from the operation of the unit can cause leakage. Your AC can also experience refrigerant leaks from corrosion or physical damage.
Refrigerant leaks may cause your AC system to lose its cooling power. You may experience uneven cooling or no cooling at all. The refrigerant is responsible for absorbing heat from the indoor air and transferring it outside. A compressor failure can result from low refrigerant levels due to leakage.
You can prevent refrigerant leaks by scheduling annual maintenance checks for your AC system. Proper installation by a reputable dealer also reduces the chances of refrigerant leaks. Use a leak detector or inspect your AC system for ice formation on the refrigerant lines and evaporator coil.
Clogged Air Filters
A dusty environment could typically result in clogged air filters. If your AC unit is poorly maintained, you are likely to encounter this issue. Infrequent filter replacement might cause your clogged filters to impact the performance of your AC system.
A clogged air filter in your AC unit reduces airflow, which leads to reduced efficiency in your system. Your AC system might need to work harder to reach the desired temperature. The strain on the blower motor of your AC system is a consequence of dirty air filters.
A key step in preventing these issues is regularly cleaning or replacing your air filters. After use, clean your filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Scheduling AC maintenance enables you to replace your air filters as needed.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Dirty filters and blocked airflow can lead to ice buildup on the evaporator coils. When this happens, the system may struggle to absorb heat effectively, especially if refrigerant levels are low. As a result, you might notice weak cooling throughout your home. The system can shut down completely due to high head pressure caused by the frozen components.
Water damage from thawing ice and compressor damage are possible scenarios that can result from frozen evaporator coils. An effective way to prevent frozen evaporator coils is to regularly clean and replace air filters in your AC system. Maintaining your refrigerant levels helps prevent this issue.
Thermostat Malfunctions
A thermostat in your HVAC system is responsible for regulating the temperature in your home. When your AC has a dead thermostat battery or mechanical problems, it causes your system to work inefficiently. Incorrect thermostat placement affects your home’s temperature, making your AC work harder. Using outdated thermostats that don’t allow for programmable settings or remote access causes malfunctions.
A malfunctioning thermostat could mean varying temperatures in different parts of your home. When you encounter constant running of your AC or inconsistent cooling, it could be a sign of a malfunctioning thermostat. Replacing your batteries, recalibrating the thermostat, and resetting it are some ways to troubleshoot a faulty thermostat.
Upgrade your thermostat to prevent it from causing recurring problems. You benefit from improved energy efficiency and better temperature control. Programmable thermostats give you the convenience of setting temperatures according to your schedule.
Damaged Ducts
Ducts distribute the cooled air from the AC throughout your house. Physical damage and poor installation might cause the ducts to leak, resulting in a decrease in cool air reaching your rooms. Leaky ducts also mean that more energy is required to maintain a comfortable temperature. Inspect and seal your ducts to prevent any cool air from escaping.
Invest in Professional AC Maintenance
Protecting your home’s comfort means staying ahead of problems that can disrupt cooling when you need it most. Professional AC maintenance keeps your system clean, efficient, and less likely to break down. Technicians catch early signs of wear, optimize performance, and help extend the life of your unit. Schedule a maintenance visit today to keep your system running.
