Keeping your dwelling cool and comfortable in the hot-weather months is a necessity. Whether you use a window air conditioner, a stand-alone unit or a central cooling system, you will eventually experience some kind of minor malfunction or major breakdown. In some cases, such a mishap may require a simple adjustment. In other cases, extensive repairs might be needed.
The following are some of the most common reasons that an air conditioner may have stopped working properly:
1. The Refrigerant is Leaking
An air conditioning unit operates in a manner that is similar to the way a refrigerator works. Therefore, if your unit is leaking refrigerant, you will initially feel air that is quite cool (probably cooler than normal). However, the amount of air coming out of the vents will eventually decrease. This is a problem that a professional will need to fix.
2. The Thermostat Stops Functioning Properly
If your thermostat stops operating as it is supposed to, you may believe that the cooling system has ceased to function. This problem can arise as a result of something as simple as the placement of your thermostat. If the device is located near a window, excessive sunlight can cause it to sense a much higher temperature than the actual temperature in your home.
Before you contact a professional, you might check to see whether the batteries in your thermostat need to be replaced. You might also remove the outer cover and dust the device. If the thermostat does not require new batteries, a simple cleaning or relocation, you should probably consult a qualified professional.
3. Wiring and Electrical Problems
According to Energy.gov, “corrosion of wire and terminals” is not uncommon. This is something that an air conditioning repairman should look for during tune-up visits. Certain electrical components may also wear out due to much use, and when this happens they need to be replaced. Wiring and electrical problems should always be taken seriously and dealt with by a professional as soon as possible.
4. The Filter or Coils are Dirty
The air conditioner filter should be cleaned or replaced regularly (approximately every three to six months). You can do this task yourself, or a professional can do it during a routine maintenance inspection. Running an air conditioner with a dirty filter wastes energy and raises your power bills. A clogged filter may even lead to equipment failure, and the repair cost for that is apt to be much higher than the cost of a cheap filter replacement. Another maintenance task that can improve efficiency is wiping off the coils every time the filter is cleaned or replaced.
By scheduling periodic maintenance visits with a trained AC repair professional, you could prevent your cooling unit or system from breaking down prematurely. Routine upkeep is generally far less expensive than major repairs or replacing the entire unit. If your air conditioner stops working, the fastest way to get it back in optimal condition is to contact an experienced professional.
