Some of the common problems related to non-functioning air-conditioners are improper operating, faults in installation, and inadequate maintenance. For instance, faulty installation invariably results in leaky ducts and low air pressure. Faulty installation could also include low amounts of refrigerant, not up to the amount prescribed by the manufacturer – which impairs unit performance.
AC Repair companies in Riverview, FL and have certified technicians who not only install commercial and residential HVAC systems but also do comprehensive maintenance.
With that being said, it would be wise to take note of the reasons for malfunctioning air conditioning units. They include:
- Low or poor maintenance: Basic tasks such as replacing filters and cleaning air conditioner coils can go a long way in extending the unit’s life. Not doing so could cause the fans and eventually the compressor to fail and lead to expensive repairs.
- Control failure: If the air conditioner unit turns on and off often, it could cause corrosion of the wires and system failures. This can only be fixed after an inspection and by a professional HVAC company.
- Sensor related problems: Individual room units have thermostat sensors which are located behind a panel. These measure air temperature which is drawn into the evaporative coil. If the sensor gets knocked out for some reason, it should be fixed so that proper functioning is restored.
- Drainage issues: If air conditioning is used in humid climates, the condensation drain must be checked regularly to ensure that there are no clogs. If units are not level after installation, they could have drainage issues and malfunction.
- Coolant leak: The coolant may start to leak in the unit leading to poor functioning. Depending on where the leak is, it could be quite expensive and must be done by a trained technician.
- Breakers: These protect the a/c motor from overheating. If a unit stops working, the first thing that gets checked is the breaker.
- Compressor: As one of the crucial elements in an air conditioning unit, many things could impact its proper functioning. For instance, if there isn’t enough coolant, the compressor will seize up and fail. If there is too much coolant, it can cause failure too.
Annual maintenance and checking can reduce wear and tear on HVAC systems and individually mounted air conditioning units. It is not a bad idea to sign a maintenance contract with a reputable, local service company. A technician will come out and check the thermostat, if there is any loose wiring, apply lubricant to moving parts, inspect the condenser, clean the evaporator coils and a check and top off the refrigerant level in the unit.
Doing so will help improve the efficiency of the unit, lower energy bills, cut down on the need for repairs and extend the unit’s life. As a homeowner, doing a few simple things like changing filters regularly, checking and keeping vents clean, cleaning up the area around the a/c unit outside the house can also go a long way in extending the life of the unit.