Air conditioning repair needs seem to crop up at the most unexpected times for homeowners—particularly if you skip out on your routine maintenance appointment. Following our air conditioner maintenance checklist is important because periodic checks performed by a professional is the number one way to ensure that your cooling system runs as effectively and efficiently as it should for as long as it should.
Otherwise, you could find yourself on one of the hottest days in midsummer with a malfunctioning system. Of course, even if you do invest in maintenance as often as you should (once a year, or twice a year if you have a heat pump), there is still a chance that you will need summer AC repairs. Fortunately, the majority of these are usually relatively minor—as long as they are taken care of right away.
Delaying the summer months, when your system is working at full steam, AC repairs can sometimes turn into emergencies, and potentially even a full system breakdown. So what are some of the most common AC repair problems you may run into as a homeowner? Keep reading to find out.
Refrigerant Leak
What is refrigerant, and why would it be it leaking? There is a common misconception among homeowners that refrigerant is something that runs out naturally—like gasoline in a car. On the contrary, your air conditioning system is supplied with enough refrigerant upon installation to ideally last its entire lifespan. If you find that you are losing refrigerant, chances are that you have a leak.
Sure, you can have the refrigerant refilled (which is technically called having your system recharged), but this doesn’t solve the root of the problem. The source of the leak must be located, and then repaired, so that you don’t lose any more of this important substance. How do you know you are losing refrigerant? Signs of refrigerant loss include a drop in cooling power, lukewarm air coming from your vents and the development of ice on your evaporator coil.
Clogged Condensate Lines
When your AC system’s condensate lines get too clogged up, water can back up into your home, simply due to a buildup of debris—definitely a problem you want to avoid. You can usually identify this problem if you notice water that appears to be leaking from your air conditioner. In most cases, this liquid is coming from your clogged condensate line.
Checking for blockages in your condensate line is something that is checked during maintenance. Depending on your circumstances and given how much our AC systems are used during the summer, however, you might run into this as an AC repair during the peak season.
Damaged (Or Worn) Fan Belt
Among all the summer AC repairs you may encounter, a deteriorated fan belt is probably the easiest to take care of. When a fan belt wears down, a trusted AC technician can easily remove it and install a new one. Your fan belt is a small part and typically available widespread—and thankfully, relatively inexpensive when compared to other AC components.
Just like any other malfunctioning component, however, ignoring the problem can lead to a bigger issue in the future. So if you hear a squeaking noise in your air conditioner, or if you even suspect that something is loose within the system, be sure to give a professional a call to conduct an inspection. Keep in mind, too, that the fan belt is also something that’s checked during your regular maintenance appointment.
Major System Component Replacement
Of course, just like any other homeowner, you’d prefer not having to deal with a major component failing in the middle of the summer. Finding a part that’s the right match for your AC equipment can be a challenge and getting someone out to perform the repair can be costly. Since you will likely end up spending way more than you planned to this summer, most homeowners would agree that they would prefer to find out sooner rather than later that a major component needs replacement. Again, the way to avoid these unexpected surprises is through regular system maintenance.
ABC Can Resolve Your AC Problems
Although we’ve discussed some of the more common air conditioner problems and solutions, the truth is that there are many reasons your AC isn’t working as it should. The experienced pros at ABC Home & Commercial Services can come to fix a problem you may be having with any make or model of heating and cooling system. Whether it’s the middle of the summer, the start of spring or when fall is just beginning, ABC’s skilled technicians can help get your AC back up and running quickly so that you can stay comfortable in your home.
