As the weather starts to heat up, air conditioning installation is no doubt at the forefront of many people’s minds. After all, an air conditioner can make those hot summer months more bearable and provide a much-needed respite from the sweltering temperatures. Unfortunately, even the best-installed air conditioners can suffer from common problems that require repair work. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most common reasons why your AC needs repair and what you can do about them.
1. Blocked or Dirty Air Filters
One of the most common causes of AC malfunctions is a dirty or blocked air filter. The filter on your system helps to keep dust and other allergens out of your home, but when it becomes clogged with particles it can cause several issues such as poor airflow which results in reduced cooling efficiency. To rectify this problem, replace the filter periodically according to the manufacturer’s instructions or have it professionally cleaned by an HVAC technician.
2. Low Refrigerant Levels
Another issue that often requires AC repairs is low refrigerant levels caused by leaks in the system or incorrect amounts during initial installation. When this happens, not only will your unit struggle to cool properly but it may also start making strange noises due to inadequate lubrication of moving parts within the compressor. It’s important to get these issues fixed quickly as they could lead to further damage if left unchecked for too long so always employ a qualified HVAC technician who knows how to identify and fix such problems accurately and safely.
3. Malfunctioning Thermostat
A faulty thermostat can be another source of air conditioning problems, and repair work is often required to get it working properly again. This may involve replacing certain components or calibrating existing ones, depending on the type of thermostat you have installed – digital or manual types tend to be more prone to technical faults than their modern counterparts, so always check thoroughly before attempting any DIY fixes yourself!
4. Blocked condenser coils
The condenser coils on the outside of your home are responsible for transferring heat away from the inside, so if they become clogged with dirt, cooling efficiency will be greatly reduced, meaning higher energy bills and uncomfortable temperatures inside! To prevent this from happening, make sure that these coils are cleaned regularly using either compressed air or a garden hose attachment – however, if there appear to be any major blockages then professional help should be sought immediately as attempting DIY repairs could result in further damage instead!
5 . Worn parts
Finally, over time, parts of your system will naturally wear out from regular use – bearings in motors can wear out, while belts may also need replacing every few years, depending on how much they’re used (and abused!). It’s important that any replacement parts are approved for use with your specific model, otherwise serious malfunctions could occur – always check with an experienced HVAC technician before attempting anything yourself to ensure everything is done safely and efficiently without causing additional problems down the line!
The bottom line
At the end of the day, there are many reasons why your air conditioner might need repairs, ranging from simple maintenance tasks such as cleaning filters to more complex fixes such as replacing worn parts or accurately recalibrating thermostats – however, always seek the help of a qualified HVAC technician if you’re ever unsure about anything, as attempting DIY solutions without knowing exactly what you’re doing could very well make existing problems worse rather than better!