It’s easy to take air conditioning for granted. Thanks to continuous technological improvements, modern AC systems are as reliable and energy efficient as ever. That said, every piece of equipment, from your car to your air conditioner, requires routine servicing to perform at its best.
Air conditioners are complex machines that rely on several key components to keep your home cool at an affordable price. If one part is compromised, there’s a cascade effect. The next thing you know, you’re sweating it out on a 90-degree day wishing you’d scheduled maintenance earlier in the season. So, what causes an AC system to fail? Let’s take a look at some of the most common culprits.
Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant, a critical fluid that flows through your air conditioner’s evaporator coil, helps the coil absorb heat from inside your home so it can be released outdoors. If your system develops a refrigerant leak, it loses its ability to cool effectively.
In addition to reduced comfort, running an AC with low refrigerant puts extra strain on the compressor for two reasons: it must work harder to compensate for the reduced cooling capacity, and because refrigerant carries lubricant, a leak increases friction. The end result is significant wear and tear that can cause expensive damage (or total system failure) if not addressed promptly.
Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
Indoor air quality (IAQ) relies heavily on your air filter. This simple but essential component traps dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles to keep your air clean and safe to breathe.
Over time, a filter will become clogged with all the contaminants it has trapped from your air. The good news is that it means the filter is working. The bad news is that if you don’t replace it, restricted airflow can cause serious problems. A clogged filter makes your AC work harder to push air through your home, leading to increased energy use and the potential for the system to overheat or freeze up.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Evaporator coils are responsible for much of the heavy lifting in the air cooling process. With the help of refrigerant (the fluid mentioned earlier), they absorb heat from indoor air. If airflow is restricted or refrigerant levels drop, these coils can freeze.
A frozen coil blocks the heat exchange process, causing your AC to stop cooling. The downstream effects of a frozen coil may involve damage to the compressor, resulting in costly repairs.
Electrical Component Failures
Electrical parts like capacitors, contactors, and wiring power your AC unit’s operation. Over time, these components can wear out, corrode, or become loose, causing the system to short cycle (turn on and off frequently) or fail to start altogether.
Faulty electrical parts can also pose a serious safety hazard, including increasing the risk of fire. Regular maintenance includes inspecting these components, giving you a chance to catch and fix problems before they become dangerous.
Compressor Wear and Tear
Often referred to as the heart of your AC, the compressor pressurizes the refrigerant and circulates it through the system. Because it runs constantly during hot months, it wears down over time, even under ideal conditions.
The compressor is often the most expensive part to repair or replace in your AC system. But with regular servicing from a certified professional, they can last up to 15 years.
Thermostat Issues
In some cases, your AC issues aren’t the fault of the unit itself but rather the thermostat that controls it. Malfunctioning thermostats can cause systems to cycle too often, fail to maintain the desired temperature, and generally run inefficiently. Proper calibration is key to optimizing functionality and energy consumption.
Drainage Problems
Your air conditioner produces moisture as it cools the air, which normally drains outside through a condensate line. If this line becomes clogged or blocked, water can back up into the unit, potentially causing damage or mold growth.
Think back to the section on electrical components. You don’t need to be an expert to recognize that a combination of excess water and electrical components can pose risks including electrical shorts or even fire. Proper drainage is critical to ensuring your system operates safely.
Maintenance Is Your Best Defense. Contact the Experts at Hoock’s Today!
Your air conditioner is most vulnerable when it’s overworked. That usually means during a stretch of extremely hot weather when you need it most. Our mission is to prepare your system for long and hot summer months so you and your family can stay comfortable.
Hoock’s Heating & Cooling technicians utilize an extensive maintenance checklist to ensure peak performance, efficiency, and most importantly, reliability. Take control of your comfort by scheduling a routine maintenance appointment today.