It’s unfortunate, but heatwaves kill more Americans than any other natural disaster. However, more than 70,000 people died in the 2003 European heatwave, where ACs are less common.
Air conditioners have not only saved lives and made heatwaves a breeze for most Americans. The AC is an invention that, while amazing, took a lot of convincing to get into practically everyone’s home and office.
It isn’t only the upfront cost of installation that gave people in the past pause. Rather it was the many AC issues that could go wrong with a technology they didn’t understand. Today, we don’t have an excuse for a broken AC unit.
Keep reading to see the top six reasons for AC problems and how to solve them.
1. Dirty Filters
It’s very likely that dirty filters are the number one cause of most home AC unit problems. They account for the most air conditioner problems and air conditioner repair service calls.
Fortunately, any on call heating and air conditioning company worth their salt knows the cause almost instantly.
Dirty filters cause larger problems, but they also cause health problems with allergens like pollen, dust, and mold. Getting into a monthly filter replacement schedule will keep the air clear, even if you’re using the heat instead of the AC.
2. Icey Coils
Your coils can build up ice for a variety of reasons, but most often because of blocked airflow. That blocked airflow, you guessed it, is most often caused by dirty filters.
In the end, your coils turn into iceblocks because of low airflow and low coolant levels. Dirty filters, low temperatures outside, blower motor issues, low coolant levels, bad airflow, or stuck contacts are common reasons for this.
3. Clogged Drains
Your AC has a condensation drainage line that leads outside. It starts at the drain pan. Your coils pull moisture from the air in the form of condensation on the coils.
In normal operation, it drips down into the drain pan, and then through the condensate line.
When the drain pan freezes or the condensate line gets clogged, this water backs up. Keeping the line clear and coils healthy with seasonal maintenance is essential to prevent massive water damage.
4. Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant can get corrosive over time on many of the elements of your AC unit. Even a pinhole leak will cause refrigerant to very quickly leave your system and drop internal pressure.
This, ironically, can cause icing problems in one part of the AC and warm air to blow out of the vents. Refrigerant isn’t always safe to breathe and often bad for the environment.
New R-410a is healthier and more eco-friendly but still can cause headaches and more.
5. Broken (Or Old) Thermostats
Thermostats are the brain of the operation, but they don’t last forever. Issues like stuck contacts are common here. Smart thermostats have replaced almost all thermostats in new installations and quite a few existing systems for a reason.
Older thermostats, even digital ones, are a central role in wasted energy and system wear if they’re poorly positioned or recording inaccurate air temperatures.
6. Blower Motor Is Loud or Not Turning On
If thermostats are the brain, then blower motors are the heart. They push cold or hot air through your system. Over time, motor mounts or other hardware loosen due to vibration.
As hardware loosens, things rub against each other causing noise and friction. If the problem goes on too long, more wear than expected will get caused, and may even burn your motor out prematurely.
Common AC Problems Everyone Can Avoid
These common AC problems are not insurmountable. The answers to maintenance questions that previous generations were confused about are only a click away. Or, even more easily, you can let your local HVAC companies do the heavy lifting for you.
Learn something new about your system? Keep browsing our articles for the latest news and tips on home health!
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