Is your AC acting up again?
Thousands of homeowners face unexpected emergencies every summer that suck thousands of dollars from their wallets. Because when your AC goes out, there’s:
- Hot, sticky days
- Sleepless nights
- Expensive repair bills
Here’s the good news:
Many of these failures can be avoided by performing proper maintenance. Read this article to learn about common AC repairs and their causes.
Let’s jump in!
What you’ll discover:
- Why AC Systems Break Down So Often
- The Most Common Air Conditioning Repairs
- How To Prevent Costly AC Repairs
Why AC Systems Break Down So Often
Air conditioners are complex machines.
They are composed of dozens of moving parts, electrical connections, and refrigerant lines that all have to function correctly together. If one piece goes out of commission, the entire system can fall apart.
And the data backs this up…
Americans spend more than $10 billion each year on HVAC repair and maintenance. Just think about all that money going towards repairing faulty equipment each year.
Why does this happen?
Most AC breakdowns happen because of one of three reasons:
- Wear and tear: Parts simply wear out over time
- Lack of maintenance: Homeowners skip yearly tune-ups
- Dirty components: Filters and coils get clogged with debris
Preventable? Absolutely. Proper maintenance can keep most of these problems from happening to you. However, if they do occur, recognizing the problems early on can be a lifesaver. Whether you need thermostat repair or something larger, having a team of local professionals providing you with comprehensive air conditioning services is your best option.
Now let’s get into the actual repairs…
The Most Common Air Conditioning Repairs
These are the most common reasons AC techs are summoned. Some are inexpensive and simple. Others can damage your pocket.
Thermostat Repair
One of the most frequent – and simplest – AC repairs is a broken thermostat.
Here’s why:
The thermostat is the control center of your AC system. Without an accurate temperature reading your AC won’t cool efficiently. Sometimes it won’t even turn on.
Common thermostat issues include:
- Dead batteries (yes, really)
- Incorrect calibration
- Loose or damaged wiring
- Outdated or broken units
The good news is thermostat repair is generally inexpensive. Maybe you just need new batteries or recalibration. You may have to get a smart thermostat sometimes.
Your AC might not be cooling right, running constantly, or won’t turn on. Before thinking your whole system is faulty, check the thermostat.
Refrigerant Leaks
Low refrigerant is a top complaint that techs hear all summer long.
The refrigerant in your AC allows it to cool air. If you have a leak, your AC will struggle to cool your home. It will continue trying…but it won’t succeed.
Signs of a refrigerant leak:
- Warm air blowing from the vents
- Ice on the refrigerant lines
- Hissing or bubbling sounds
- Higher than normal energy bills
It’s not a DIY repair. Refrigerant is controlled, so a licensed technician must locate the leak, repair it, then recharge it.
Faulty Capacitors
Capacitors are small but mighty.
Capacitors provide the electric boost needed to start your AC’s motor. A failed capacitor may cause your unit to hum or buzz with no movement.
Capacitors typically wear out from:
- Heat exposure
- Power surges
- Old age (most last 10-20 years)
A capacitor replacement is one of the least expensive AC repairs you can make. However, they need to be done right. Capacitors hold a charge even when your unit is off so this is not a DIY fix.
Clogged Drain Lines
As your AC cools your home it pulls moisture from the air. Where does that moisture go? It flows out of your home through the drain line.
When the drain line clogs up, water backs up into your system. You’ll see:
- Water pooling around the indoor unit
- A musty smell coming from the vents
- The system shutting off randomly
Clogs typically occur from algae, dirt or debris accumulation. Regularly flushing out your drain line will eliminate this problem completely.
Compressor & Fan Motor Problems
These are the heavy hitters.
Your compressor is where all the action takes place in your AC system and the fan motor blows air through it. If either component breaks you are in for some expensive repairs.
Industry statistics show that high ticket HVAC services such as compressor failures cost upwards of $2,500. Yep, that’s a hefty chunk of money for anyone’s wallet.
Common causes of compressor and fan motor failures include:
- Overheating
- Electrical issues
- Lack of maintenance
- Low refrigerant levels
Annual tune-ups are the easiest way to prevent these costly repairs.
Dirty Air Filters & Airflow Issues
This one is so common it almost doesn’t get the credit it deserves.
A dirty air filter impedes airflow causing your system to strain. After a while this can lead to frozen coils, blower motor failure, and complete compressor breakdown.
The fix is simple:
- Change filters every 30-90 days
- Keep vents clear of furniture
- Have ducts inspected for leaks
It’s literally the cheapest thing you can do to protect your AC.
Electrical Component Failures
Modern AC units are packed with electrical components.
Capacitors. Contactors. Relays. Fuses. Breakers. They can all fail and shut down your system. Power surges and aged wiring are usually to blame.
Signs of electrical problems include:
- AC won’t turn on at all
- Tripped breakers
- A burning smell from the unit
Only hire a licensed technician to work on electrical things. Taking that chance is not worth it.
How To Prevent Costly AC Repairs
Most AC repairs are completely preventable.
Just a few minutes of preventative maintenance can ensure your system operates at peak efficiency. Follow this maintenance checklist for every homeowner:
- Change the air filter every 1-3 months
- Schedule an annual professional tune-up
- Keep the outdoor unit clear of debris
- Clean the condenser coils once a year
- Flush the condensate drain line every few months
- Check thermostat settings and batteries
It really is that easy. Put forth just a little effort and you will save yourself thousands in repair costs in the future.
Bringing It Home
Air conditioning repairs are just part of being a homeowner.
However, being aware of these signs — and reacting quickly when you spot them — can help you avoid big headaches (and dollars). Review:
- Thermostat repair is often the simplest and cheapest fix
- Refrigerant leaks need professional attention
- Capacitors, clogged drains, and dirty filters cause loads of breakdowns
- Compressor and fan motor failures are the expensive ones
- Routine maintenance prevents most major issues
Maintain your AC equipment, remember to schedule annual maintenance, and heed those warning signs. The result will be welcome when summer arrives.
