Top Ten Maintenance Issues With Air Conditioning Systems In Texas
Home air conditioners are essential for keeping our homes cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. However, like all mechanical systems, air conditioners can experience issues and require repairs from time to time. In this article, we’ll discuss the top 10 most common home air conditioner repairs, what causes them, and how they are most often repaired.
- Refrigerant leaks: Refrigerant is the fluid that cools and dehumidifies the air in your air conditioner. If there is a leak in your system, it can cause a loss of cooling power and even damage your compressor. Refrigerant leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, such as corrosion, wear and tear, and damage to the coils or other components of the system. To repair a refrigerant leak, a technician will first locate the leak and then repair or replace the damaged component. They will also recharge the system with the appropriate amount of refrigerant.
- Clogged air filters: Air filters are designed to remove dirt, dust, and other particles from the air. If they become clogged, they can restrict airflow and cause your system to work harder than it needs to. Clogged air filters can be caused by a variety of factors, such as not changing the filter frequently enough, or having pets in the home. To repair a clogged air filter, a technician, or the home owner will simply replace the filter with a new one. It’s recommended to change the filter every one to three months.
- Faulty thermostat: A faulty thermostat can cause your air conditioner to not turn on or not cool your home properly. A faulty thermostat can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a dead battery, a malfunctioning sensor, or a problem with the wiring.
- Dirty coils: The coils in your air conditioner can become dirty over time, reducing their efficiency and causing your system to work harder than it needs to. Dirty coils can be caused by a variety of factors, such as not cleaning the coils frequently enough, or having pets in the home. To repair dirty coils, a technician will clean the coils and remove any buildup of dirt or debris.
- Electrical issues: Electrical issues, such as a tripped breaker or a faulty compressor, can cause your air conditioner to not turn on or not function properly. Electrical issues can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a power surge, a problem with the wiring, or a malfunctioning component. To repair electrical issues, a technician will first diagnose the issue and then repair or replace the component as needed. A great maintenance tool to help your electrical system last longer is to install a 5-2-1 compressor saver device. You can view a video on that subject here. Our technicians would be glad to come install one on your home.
- Leaky ducts: Leaky ducts can cause your air conditioner to work harder than it needs to, and can also lead to poor indoor air quality. Leaky ducts can be caused by a variety of factors, such as damage to the ducts, poor installation, or improper sealing. To repair leaking ducts, a Proline AC representative will locate and seal any leaks and repair or replace any damaged ducts as needed.
- Clogged drain lines: Drain lines can become clogged with debris, causing water to back up and potentially damage your air conditioner. Clogged drain lines can be caused by a variety of factors, such as not cleaning the drain lines frequently enough, or having debris in the drain lines. To repair clogged drain lines, a technician will clear the debris and restore proper drainage.
- Faulty compressor: A faulty compressor can cause your air conditioner to not turn on or not cool your home properly. A faulty compressor can be caused by a variety of factors, such as overheating, lack of maintenance, or damage to the compressor itself. To repair a faulty compressor, a technician will first diagnose the issue and then repair or replace the compressor as needed. In some cases, the entire air conditioner unit may need to be replaced if the compressor cannot be repaired.
- Worn fan bearings: Worn fan bearings can cause your air conditioner’s fan to make noise and can also lead to the fan not turning at all. Worn fan bearings can be caused by a variety of factors, such as lack of maintenance, improper lubrication, or age of the unit. To repair worn fan bearings, a technician will replace the bearings and lubricate them properly to reduce friction and prolong their lifespan.
- Worn out air conditioner: An older air conditioner that is past its lifespan may no longer be able to keep up with cooling your home and may need to be replaced. A worn out air conditioner can be caused by a variety of factors, such as lack of maintenance, poor quality of components, or age of the unit. In our area of Texas, summer heat can give an AC system a lot of wear and tear. If the air conditioner is getting to the age of 15 to 20 years, you may be approaching the end if life for this system. Also, older version of AC systems utilized freon coolants that are no longer legally sold and must be upgraded. Contacting a NATE certified AC technician at Proline AC and Heating for a consultation is a great first to to solving this common issue.
Where can you get emergency help with your AC repairs?
Preventative maintenance is key in avoiding these common repairs. Regularly changing your air filter, cleaning your coils, and scheduling annual check-ups can help keep your air conditioner running smoothly. Additionally, if you notice any unusual noises or decreased cooling power, it’s best to call a professional to diagnose and repair the issue.
In conclusion, while air conditioners can be a reliable and convenient way to cool your home, they do require regular maintenance and sometimes repairs. By familiarizing yourself with the most common issues, you can take steps to prevent them, or at least detect them early on and have them fixed by a professional before they become a bigger problem.
