As we move into summer, the level of strain on your air conditioner is going to increase. More demand on the system means a higher chance for various problems to occur in the system. Hopefully, you’ve already prepared your air conditioner for summer by scheduling preventive maintenance for it sometime in the last few weeks. Even if you have, though, you still need to keep an eye out for signs that your system is in trouble. Have a look at the following problems that can cause your air conditioner to break down this summer, and what you can do about them.
Refrigerant Leaks
This particular issue can take quite a while to eventually lead to full-system breakdown, but rest assured that it will get there if you’re not sure to have it repaired as possible. Refrigerant leaks rob the air conditioner of refrigerant, which is the fluid it needs to properly cool your home. The lower the refrigerant level in the air conditioner drops, the lower the air conditioner’s cooling output will drop. Eventually, the system will break down entirely when the level of refrigerant in the system drops too low for it to stay operating. So, make sure that you call for repair services if you notice that your air conditioner is leaking fluid.
Short Cycling
If your air conditioner is turning itself on and off without completing a full cooling cycle, that’s called short cycling. Short cycling is often the result of an electrical problem of some sort, and can cause some serious damage to your air conditioner if you aren’t careful. First, it cuts into the output capacity of your air conditioner. The system is designed to operate in cooling cycles, after all. If it can’t finish a cycle, it can’t cool the home properly. That’s not the only issue short cycling causes, though. It also increases the rate at which the system wears down over time. The longer a system is allowed to short cycle, the more likely it will be to develop other problems and break down. Short cycling also shortens the lifespan of the air conditioner if it is allowed to continue for any length of time.
Clogged Air Filter
You should be changing your air filter every three months or so while you’re using the air conditioner. If you don’t, the air filter can become clogged with the dust and other debris commonly found in the ductwork of a home. A clogged air filter prevents air from reaching the air conditioner, which cuts into the system’s output capacity. However, it can also cause issues like the evaporator coil freezing over. If issues like that are not addressed as soon as possible, they cause the entire air conditioner to break down. So, make sure you change your air filter on a regular basis.
Murphy’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning offers a full range of air conditioning services in Broomall, PA. If you need help with your air conditioner, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.
