Are you ready for the scorching heat that this summer brings? It is just around the corner and is coming real fast! Some of us may be excited about all the summer getaways, but have you checked your home’s air conditioner? Since we will be facing a heatwave, it is essential that our air conditioners are in their best condition and working efficiently.
We all know that no matter how much we take care of our appliances, there will come a time when they degenerate and encounter problems. How much more if we do not know how to properly maintain them? This article will tackle the common air conditioner problems and their causes, along with tips and techniques on how to prevent them to prolong the lifespan of your air conditioner and make use of it.
Common Air Conditioner Problems To Watch Out For
Stay away from Dirty Filters
Having a clogged air filter is one of the most common causes of air conditioner problems. Clogged air is caused by the accumulation of dust, dirt, and other air particles over time. This reduces the original airflow and obstructs the air conditioner’s efficient cooling. To prevent this from happening, make it a habit to clean your air filters regularly, at least once a month, and replace them depending on the advice of your favorite local HVAC service provider.
Check any AC Refrigerant Leaks
There are different reasons for a refrigerant leak, and here are some of them:
Poor Installation
Some jobs that are not done properly can cause refrigerant leaks, which is one of the major problems of common air conditioner problems.
Physical Damage
Damage from accidental impact can cause leaks in your refrigerant, or an event that is related to extreme weather conditions, like a strong wind or falling branches.
Oil Corrosion
Corrosion of coils or other factors in the air conditioning system causes exposure to moisture, humidity, and other environmental factors.
It must be noted that refrigerant leaks must be addressed as soon as possible because low refrigerant levels can lead to bad cooling performance, which will then result in higher energy bills. Have it checked by a qualified technician to detect and repair it before it costs you a bigger problem.
Watch out for any AC Electrical Problems!
There are several causes of electrical problems in an air conditioner. Some are listed below:
Wear and Tear
Wires, connectors, and other materials degrade over time due to their continuous use and exposure to heat. Once they become soft and tear, damaged wires will create problems like a higher electrical bill and may pose a danger to your health.
Power Surges
Some areas experience power surges or electrical spikes that may lead to electrical problems.
Overloading
When there are too many electrical devices connected to the same circuit, it causes the circuit breaker to stop.
To prevent these problems, ensure that your AC unit’s electrical components are regularly inspected and maintained. Tighten loose connections and replace any visibly damaged wires.
Sway away from Dirty AC Condenser Coils
The purpose of condenser coils is to release heat from your home. Just like filters, they accumulate dirt, dust, and debris on these coils, and the heat transfer gets affected, reducing the cooling performance. This air conditioner problem can also be prevented by cleaning the condenser by a technician at least once a year. They have the proper tools like a soft brush to clean the coils properly. Regularly checking and cleaning condenser coils can prolong the lifespan of your air conditioner.
Importance of Regular Maintenance for Your Air Conditioner
Overall, the main idea in keeping your appliances strong for a longer period is to regularly check and prevent these common air conditioner problems by proper maintenance. Understanding the problems and their causes will give us an idea of what kind of preventive measures we can conduct. However, still the best advice we can give you is to contact a quality technician to have your units checked and determine if any maintenance cleaning is required to prepare your unit for the upcoming summer season.
For those who are around the Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, we highly recommend Aire Energy. They have a set of experienced technicians that will surely give you a comprehensive service to help you with your AC concerns. You can contact them at 1(855)-847-7892 or visit their website: www.aireenergy.com.
Don’t wait until prevention can no longer be an option and have your air conditioners checked and fixed!
