Common Reasons for Your AC Unit to Go Out This Summer

The last thing anyone wants in the middle of the summer is for their air conditioning unit to go out. But accidents are bound to happen, and when they do, it’s best to know why. When your air conditioner is on the fritz, Air Tech of Humble can repair or replace your unit. Even better, they offer AC tune-ups so that you never have to worry about your unit failing when you need it most.

What Makes Your AC Stop Working?

There are many reasons why your air conditioning unit may suddenly stop functioning. Here are six of the most common issues:

Blown Fuse or Circuit Breaker

When your AC unit fails, the first thing to investigate is your circuit breaker or fuse box. A circuit may have been flipped, or a fuse could have blown. It’s best to wait around 25 minutes for the system to cool down before rebooting the power.

Frozen Coils

Frozen evaporator coils are a common issue caused by a dirty system. Air filters and ducts can become clogged with dust, making it difficult for air to vent through. This can freeze the coils, something that can be noticed upon inspecting your unit for frost.

Thermostat Problems

A faulty thermostat will cause an AC unit to cycle on and off or fail altogether. The batteries may have died, or the thermostat may have been turned off. Loose screws or wires may also be the cause of a thermostat malfunction.

Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant is a cooling fluid in an AC’s coils. Your air conditioning unit won’t work as it should if the refrigerant level is too low. But this fluid doesn’t get used up. If your AC is low on refrigerant, it means there’s a leak somewhere. An AC professional can also help identify if your unit is needing more fluid.

Internal Damage

There are many parts within an air conditioning unit that makes it operate. One damaged part could halt the machine entirely. This usually occurs to a unit that’s over five years old. There could be damage to:

– Fan Blades
– Electrical Connections
– Compressor

End of Lifespan

The problem could plainly be that your unit has reached the end of its lifespan. Appliances aren’t meant to last forever. It’s possible your AC failure is due to what most people assume is wrong when it suddenly fails. If your unit is over a decade old and you’ve experienced recurring problems before the failure, this is a sign your AC has run its course.

How Can You Prevent AC Failure?

Many of the issues that cause units to stop working can be easily prevented without ever having to call an AC company. Cleaning, maintaining and monitoring are all surefire methods to keep your unit from suddenly failing.

A dirty unit is an at-risk unit. Air filters accumulate dust over time and must be replaced monthly to keep the internal components from freezing. Dirty filters put a strain on the system, making it work harder at a lower performance level. This can decrease its lifespan and raise your utility bills. Filters can be purchased at hardware and department stores and don’t need a professional to replace them.

Regularly maintaining your unit can help you to pick up on and solve problems sooner. If a part is frozen or busted, a technician can identify the issue and work to remedy it. Tune-ups should be scheduled for every Spring so that you know your AC will work optimally during some of the hottest months of the year. Some estimates claim that a properly working air conditioning unit can even help save up to 45% on utility bills.

Finally, it’s a good idea to monitor the performance of your unit throughout the year. Being aware of its usual performance can alert you to problems earlier. If you hear unusual noises from your unit or suspect its performance level is dropping, it may be cause for concern. Catching a problem early can prevent any long-lasting damage.

Do You Need Your AC Replaced?

Unless your unit shows signs of total failure, there’s no need to replace it when a problem arises. Most preventive measures include cleaning and checking your unit so that there’s no build-up of dust or wearing down of parts.

Sometimes a quick clean or repair is all that’s needed to get an AC running like normal again. Routine tune-ups and maintenance are also shown to help keep your system running better for longer. Air Tech of Humble offers a tune-up service that includes:

– Component Evaluation
– Thermostat Calibration
– Coil Cleaning
– Refrigerant Level Inspection

We also offer repair and replacement services. For all of your Humble air conditioning and heating needs, contact Air Tech of Humble and their team of seasoned technicians!