Air conditioners often have problems are due to neglect or just plain old age. Unfortunately, homeowners know so little about these machines and how they work that by the time we’re called to investigate, it’s just too late.
By being more informed on what actually happens to an air conditioner when it’s in need of repair, homeowners can better prepare for an issue before it becomes something worse. Treating repairs when they’re minor before they become major is one of the most important aspects of our job as HVAC professionals.
So for those in the mood to learn more about their AC systems and prevent problems in the future, keep reading. We’ll go into detail about some of the more common repair needs we see, how they occur, and how they relate to air conditioning in Yonkers, NY.
Common Culprits
When an air conditioner starts to struggle and homeowners panic, the problem really depends on how the system has been treated for the past few years. But most problems with AC units we come across boil down to a few things that homeowners often forget about. Let’s take a look at those usual suspects:
- Replace the air filter. Air filters are interesting because they’re the only component of an air conditioner that’s supposed to be constantly changed and replaced by the owner of the system. Sure, a professional team like ours can help locate where the air filter is and discuss how to remove it, but it’s really up to the homeowner to replace it every 1–3 months. A clogged air filter can stifle a system, causing a wide variety of problems that all lead to a premature breakdown.
- Refrigerant leak. An air conditioner requires refrigerant to run successfully. Without the proper amount of refrigerant, it will struggle to perform even the most basic cooling. If there’s a hissing or bubbling noise coming from the system, or it’s just not able to cool efficiently or effectively, then it’s time for professional help.
- Incorrect installation. Air conditioners need to be sized correctly in order to work appropriately. When they are not installed the right way, it’s easy to encounter issues like short-cycling, where a system has trouble cooling a home and must run multiple short cycles that stress components. Avoid these types of issues by signing up for professional AC installation.
- Too hot. Air conditioners can only cool a home to about 20° below the outside temperature. This is a realistic approach, since trying to push an AC past that point will only result in more energy consumed, higher bills, and not much of a difference in comfort. It’s important for homeowners to make sure they’re not pushing their ACs too hard.
Think There Is a Problem?
It’s not uncommon for someone to read one of these blog posts and immediately assume they’re the victim of one of the mentioned repair needs. After all, that’s why we blog in the first place. Call our team so we can help fix any AC and perform sensible repairs today.
Contact the pros at Yost & Campbell Heating, Cooling & Generators. We can help out.