With the summer season in full swing, keeping your air conditioner in one piece becomes a full-time job. Part of that job involves looking out for potential problems that could stop your A/C system in its tracks. Read on to learn about five common A/C issues that could lead to premature failure when you need your A/C system the most.
1. Clogged Air Filter
Air flow blockages are one the most common causes of A/C failure. A clogged air filter can cut off a significant portion of an A/C system's air flow, causing the blower fan motor to run harder and hotter to compensate for the lost air flow. If left unchecked, this issue can cause the A/C system to overheat and eventually shut down.
Fortunately, you can easily avoid this problem simply by changing your air filter as needed. Most experts recommend replacing the air filter at least once every three months unless otherwise noted by your A/C manufacturer.
2. Blocked A/C Coils
An air flow blockage at the evaporator or condenser coil can also cause problems for your A/C system. Both coils rely on a steady flow of air during operation. Without that air flow, the coil could freeze over solid and cause the rest of the A/C system to overheat and shut down. Debris buildup and mold growth are two common causes of evaporator and condenser coil blockages.
3. Bad Capacitor
Think of the capacitor as a battery that gives your A/C's compressor the juice it needs to start properly. When it goes out due to age or excessive wear, the compressor may not have enough power available to start successfully, leading to a "hard starting" condition. This issue adds further stress on the compressor, causing it to wear out as well.
4. Low Refrigerant Charge
A low refrigerant charge can result from a service error or a leak somewhere in the A/C system, usually due to a pinhole leak, a failed O-ring, or physical damage to one of the A/C coils. Not having the proper amount of refrigerant in your A/C system not only reduces cooling performance but it could also cause the compressor and other components to prematurely fail.
5. Old Age
Father Time can be a silent but deadly killer for many A/C systems. If your A/C unit was produced within the last 15 to 20 years, it stands a greater chance of failing unexpectedly due to overall wear and tear. You're better off replacing your current A/C system with a more modern and energy-efficient system once it passes the 15-year mark.
If you think it's time to repair or replace your A/C system, contact your local air conditioning repair services to schedule an appointment today.
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