Common Reasons Air Conditioning Systems Break Down

Lack of Maintenance

The biggest mistake that people make is not having their air conditioning systems maintained on a regular basis by a professional. Maintenance is important because it helps to keep the system running smoothly and prevents small problems from turning into larger ones. A simple tune-up can potentially save you hundreds of dollars in repairs, so it’s important to have routine air conditioning and heating maintenance performed at least once a year. By keeping up with regular air conditioning maintenance, you can help prolong the life of your air conditioning system and avoid a costly AC repair bill.

When it comes to regularly scheduled maintenance, many people put off having their HVAC equipment checked. However, scheduling regular inspections can help you to identify problems before they become major issues.

Dirty Filters

One of the most important things that you can do to keep your air conditioning system running efficiently is to make sure that the filters are clean. If the filters get dirty, it can cause the system to work harder and may reduce its lifespan. You should check the filters every month and clean them as needed. If you find that the filters are dirty, then it is time to replace them.

An air filter that is not cleaned regularly can become a fire hazard due to dust accumulation. Make sure you change the filter every month to keep your air conditioning system safe.

Clogged Condensate Drain

A clogged condensate drain is one of the most common reasons for air conditioning system failures. A blocked condensate drain can cause the system to work harder and shorten its life expectancy. Every month, check the condensate drain for blockages and clean it as needed. If the condensate drain is plugged, it’s time to replace it.

Dirty Air Ducts

Dirty air ducts can be a major cause of HVAC repair. If your air ducts are not cleaned on a regular basis, they can become clogged with dust, dirt, and other debris. This can lead to decreased airflow and increased energy costs.

If you are noticing that your heating or cooling system is running more frequently, then you could have dirty air ducts. Air duct cleaning should be done every five years for residential buildings and even more often if there are pets or smokers in the household. If you have allergies, then you should consider getting your air conditioning unit cleaned every three years.

The reason why regular duct cleaning is important is because your air conditioning unit circulates air through the ducts in order to reach the rooms that they are trying to heat or cool. Ductwork usually contains dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other contaminants that circulate into the air you breathe indoors.

Condensate Pump Failures

The condensate pump makes sure that the water is removed from your air conditioning system to prevent leakage and mold growth, so it is very important to keep this working properly. If you find that the pump is leaking or making strange noises, then it is time to replace it with a new one.

Blocked Lines

A common reason for air conditioner failure is blockages in the refrigerant line or the condensate drain line. If these become blocked, then it can cause your air conditioners to work harder and lead to early failure. You should keep an eye on all of the lines throughout your HVAC system every month to check for blockages.

Dirty Fan Blade

A dirty fan blade reduces the airflow through your air conditioning system and can cause your system to work extra hard or even fail completely. Make sure you clean the fan blades with a brush every month to keep them in working order.

Dirty Coils

Your condenser coils are important because they help with cooling. If they get dirty, then it can cause the system to work harder and reduce its lifespan. Make sure you have your HVAC contractor clean the coils every year so that they stay in good working order.

Incorrect Refrigerant Charge

If there is insufficient refrigerant in the system, it will have to work harder to produce cold air. Because air conditioning systems do not utilize or burn refrigerant, if the amount is low, it is usually because of a leak or an improper fill at installation.