Why do major air conditioner problems occur?
Air conditioning units always seem to choose the hottest day to stop working.
While many homeowners see this as unfortunate luck, it is likely that the failure is due to one or more long-standing AC issues that they ignored or never bothered to investigate or address.
Here are three common oversights that are certain to result in inevitable problems for your air conditioning unit.
Are you guilty of any of these?
1. Never replacing the Air Filter
- Change the filter every 4-6 weeks during peak use to keep your air conditioning unit running smoothly at its highest efficiency
A dirty air filter causes the unit to work harder, because once too much dirt and debris gets on the filter, air can’t pass through as easily.
This not only decreases its energy efficiency (and costs you more in monthly bills) but it also puts unnecessary stress on the system.
2. Ignoring Low Refrigerant
- If you notice ice build-up on the outside of the condenser, it is likely your refrigerant is low
Refrigerant is a liquid agent contained in the coils of the air conditioner that helps the unit maintain cool airflow.
Without enough refrigerant, the unit will struggle to maintain optimum temperature.
Low refrigerant could also indicate a leak, which should be repaired as soon as possible to avoid potentially dangerous chemicals seeping into the ground as well as the possibility of unit failure.
3. Never Cleaning the Condenser
- Keep the outside unit clean and free of debris – it should be done seasonally so add it to the list of yard work!
The outside unit of your air conditioner helps disperse heat from the unit’s condenser coil.
If the coil is dirty or covered in debris, that heat cannot escape as efficiently.
This prevents the refrigerant from properly cooling and could lead to poor operating performance or additional strain on the system.
Conclusion
If you think your air conditioning system is due for a tune-up or worse – your unit has stopped working entirely – we can help.
Contact Us at (651) 294-7798 to schedule an air conditioner maintenance visit.
We cover Blaine, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Eagan, Edina, Hastings, Maplewood, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Roseville, North Saint Paul, Saint Paul, Saint Paul Park, South Saint Paul, Stillwater, West Lakeland, West Saint Paul, White Bear Lake, Woodbury, and many more locations.
Can’t find your town listed? Contact us at (651) 294-7798 to tell us where you live, so we can help you.