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The 7 Most Common AC Repairs Explained
In the United States, 87% of all homes have air conditioning.
With so many air conditioners out there, it is only natural that there are a lot of annual repairs.
Common AC repairs happen every day, and the chances that you’ll need one will continue to grow the older your AC gets.
As with any major appliance, common AC repairs are often not expensive or time-consuming.
However, there are a few common problems that will require a bit more investment from both you and the technician.
The best thing you can do, if you notice anything wrong with how your AC is operating, is to call a professional.
1. Changing The Filter
This is an easy one to do yourself, but many people overlook the vital necessity of it.
An air conditioner requires a full and steady amount of airflow to work properly.
If you limit this flow, the air conditioner simply won’t work right and it will have to run a lot harder to maintain temperature.
The filter is a square or rectangular piece that most often features a cardboard rim with the filter inside.
Most often filters can be found with the air conditioner unit, but occasionally they are found in air returns.
Wherever yours is, make sure that it gets changed regularly to avoid any problems.
2. Thermostat Repair
Often when a thermostat fails it is because people who are not trained attempt to install it.
This is not always the case, and as with any piece of equipment or electronics failures do happen.
A properly installed thermostat will be centrally located so that it has an accurate measurement of temperature.
If a thermostat has failed or wasn’t installed right, the fix is obvious and happens all the time.
Replacing a thermostat is not the most expensive thing that could go wrong, but it does take money and time to repair.
Make sure if you’re getting a new thermostat that you let a trained professional install it for you.
3. Refrigerant Leaks
As careful as modern systems are to be closed and secure, leaks do happen.
Even the tiniest hole is enough for your system to go dry.
If you notice your air conditioner freezing up, or blowing warm air, a refrigerant leak is always a strong possibility that an HVAC tech will check for.
The difficulty with AC refrigerant leaks is finding out where they are.
A trained technician will have the tools and tricks to get to the bottom of it, but the reality is a hole can be no bigger than a pinhead.
Not only is a leaking AC bad for your system, it pollutes the environment and will continue to fail until repaired.
4. Electrical Fuse And Breaker Issues
One of the most common problems air conditioners have is that many are installed but not properly wired.
Whether the fuse is too weak or not correctly installed, a flipping breaker can cause no end of headaches for you.
If you have an air conditioner that won’t stay on, get someone out to check it fast.
There are a ton of different reasons why a breaker may be flipping.
Unless you have the knowledge and experience to diagnose the problem, leave it for the professionals.
Messing with electricity is inherently dangerous, and can also pose risks like causing a house fire.
5. Compressor Failure
If the compressor fails to come on, the air that is coming out will feel the same as the outside air.
This is because without compressors an air conditioner can’t function.
Unfortunately, this is among common AC problems that cost the most to fix.
You’ll know if your compressor isn’t working if you’re familiar with how your AC sounds.
There is a very distinctive sound that most AC units make when the compressor comes on.
If you’re not hearing that secondary startup sound, then there’s a good chance that something is wrong with the compressor.
6. Clogged Drain Line
Condensation and liquid that build up during the process of cooling air have to go somewhere.
If a line gets clogged, that means often the water will be coming out in your basement, or wherever you keep your AC unit.
By itself, this is an easy repair that won’t take much time.
However, if not caught early, it can lead to water damage.
Water damage is among the most common types of damage experienced by most homeowners.
Keep a close eye on your HVAC system, so you can avoid having more problems in the future.
7. Bad Connections
Inside your AC system are a lot of contacts, one for each of the major pieces that require electricity and on-off functionality.
When these contacts get damaged or stop working as well over time, it can cause a lot of problems.
A technician will be able to get this problem fixed without too much hassle for you.
This is one of the many problems that start to happen as your AC ages.
Over time with constant use the electrical components can break down, though sometimes they are defective this is rare.
Don’t forget to have your AC unit checked and have regular maintenance performed on it.
Fixing An AC Unit
It isn’t easy to fix an AC unit, but the quicker problems are discovered the easier and cheaper it can be.
If you have a noisy AC or think that something isn’t working right, call an HVAC technician to help.
You will save yourself a lot of time and trouble by acting fast and getting the problem cleared up.
Let a Professional Handle Your Common AC Repairs
As dependable and long-lasting as AC and HVAC systems have become, there will always be common AC repairs that have to be addressed.
As long as you don’t let them linger, get help when you need it, and stay on top of maintaining your HVAC system should last for years.
If you have any questions, contact us today!
Are you looking for a trusted Gilbert Air Conditioning company? Contact your 5-star, emergency HVAC experts at Mark Daniels Air Conditioning & Heating. We’ve been serving the Valley Since 1996. Call (480) 571-7219 or request service online today!
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