Is your home air conditioner getting a little older? Does it take longer to get going and rattle every now and then?
It might be time to start looking for a replacement, but with a little maintenance, you can get a few seasons more out of the air conditioner.
Top Reasons Why Air Conditioners Fail:
- Refrigerant Leaks
- Poor Maintenance
- Electric Control Failure
Refrigerant Leaks
Over time the level of coolant in your air conditioner drop. The joints and seals in the coolant system are subject to vibration, temperature changes, and other environmental damage. If you have a leak, simply adding more coolant won't solve the problem.
If your air conditioner's coolant levels are low, contact a trained technician to test the system and repair any leaks. Once your cooling system is leak free, the technician will recharge the system with the precise level of coolant require.
Remember, the manufacturer has designed your air conditioner to work with a specific level of coolant. If the system is overcharged or undercharged, it will not work at peak efficiency and it will waste energy and cost you money.
Poor Maintenance
Air conditioners work by dispersing heat through the cooling coils. When the air filters become blocked or the cooling coils become dirty, the efficiency of the system breaks down. The compressor and fans will have to work harder and the overall system will run hotter, increasing wear and tear. These components become more likely to fail prematurely.
Simply checking the coils for dust and dirt and replacing filters will have a significant impact on the performance and longevity of your air conditioner.
Electrical Control Failure
The mechanical systems of your air conditioner are subject to wear and tear. The compressor and fan controls can simply wear out, especially when the air conditioner turns on and off frequently. (This is common when an air conditioner is too big for the space it is cooling.)
Corrosion of wires and terminals is also a problem in many air conditioners. The electrical connections and contacts should be checked regularly by a technician.
A Little Prevention Goes A Long Way
Simple maintenance and a regular check-up will keep your air conditioner working at its best and provide a long life your your investment.
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