When summer swings around, the last thing anyone wants to wake up to is a sweltering house. Unfortunately, summer AC repairs are a common occurrence. The good news is that many of the issues that people encounter are preventable with proper air conditioning maintenance. If you’re worried about a summer AC breakdown, learn the steps you can take to avoid these common problems.
Refrigerant Leaks
During the summer, your air conditioning unit becomes one of the hardest working appliances in your house. But every AC needs a special liquid called refrigerant to actually cool the air that blows through it. When your system has a refrigerant leak, this causes the coolant to spill out.
Signs of a refrigerant leak include:
- Hissing sounds
- Warm air coming from vents
- Water puddling by the indoor unit
- Longer run times with little to no cooling
Preventive maintenance is key to preventing refrigerant leaks. During an AC tune-up service, a technician inspects your entire system to ensure there are no loose or damaged components. If your system has a leak or is at risk of developing one, the technician can take preventative action to ensure you don’t spend a day without cool air during the summer.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Evaporator coils absorb the heat from your home. If they become frozen due to low refrigerant or restricted airflow, they can stop working entirely. Lack of cool air is just one problem they cause; frozen evaporator coils also increase the strain on your system and can cause the compressor, which is the heart of your system, to breakdown.
Changing your air filter according to the manufacturer’s guidelines can help prevent evaporator coils from freezing. Most air filters need to be cleaned or replaced every one to three months. You should also keep your vents open and unobstructed by furniture to ensure free airflow around the house.
Clogged Condensate Drains
Did you know your AC has a drain line? Your system collects moisture from the air and releases it through a specialized drain. If this drain becomes clogged, your AC can’t release the moisture, resulting in mold, damage, and a possible breakdown.
Have a technician inspect your condensate drain line as part of annual air conditioner maintenance. In humid climates, this service is even more important since clogs are more frequent.
Electrical Malfunctions
Your AC relies on a network of electrical wires to function, but these parts can wear down over time. Start capacitors and contractors are most prone to breaking, and they can stop your AC from working at all.
Another reason to schedule preventative AC maintenance is to ensure all of your system’s electrical components are inspected by a professional. Experts have the training necessary to safely assess an AC’s electrical system and make any necessary repairs.
Beat the heat with help from the pros; contact Ace Home Services in Phoenix, AZ for speedy AC repair when you need it.
