What Are the Most Common Causes of Air Conditioner Failure?

>When your air conditioner breaks or stops cooling your home, it can be an inconvenient and costly inconvenience. Fortunately, most air conditioning issues can be fixed quickly and affordably. But before you call for service, it’s important to know what common causes of air conditioner failure there are. There are many reasons why your air conditioner might break or stop cooling. If yours has recently gone kaput, you may be wondering what went wrong and when you can expect it to be fixed. Luckily, there are a few things you can do beforehand to increase your chances of having the problem resolved quickly and easily without having to pay for extensive repairs. Here are some common causes of air conditioner failure and tips for avoiding them in the future:

Loose connections

The most common cause of air conditioner failure is a loose connection somewhere in the system. A loose connection can cause a variety of different problems, depending on where it is. Loose connections in the outdoor unit’s condensate line are usually caused by debris and corrosion that makes it difficult to turn the valve properly. Loose connections in the line leading from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit are usually a result of kinking. Kinking can be caused by trees growing too closely to the line, or by debris being blown into the line by strong winds.

Inadequate refrigerant charge

Another common cause of air conditioner failure is an inadequate refrigerant charge. This can be caused by leaks, damage, or degradation of the system components. If your system has a low refrigerant charge, it may not be able to maintain the desired temperature in your home. When this happens, the air conditioner will shut off to protect itself from overheating. However, this will only happen if you have a programmable thermostat. If you have a standard thermostat, the air conditioner will simply stop cooling.

Damaged or dirty components

If a component in your air conditioner has been damaged or is dirty, it may not be able to cool your home effectively even if the rest of the system is working properly. If you notice that your air conditioner is not cooling as well as it did when it was new, you may want to have it inspected. If the components are too dirty to be cleaned, they can be replaced.

Inadequate airflow

Another cause of air conditioner failure is inadequate airflow. If your air conditioner is not blowing cold air evenly throughout your home, it may not be able to cool it effectively. This can be caused by a malfunctioning indoor unit, or by a clogged air filter in the outdoor unit. If your air conditioner is not blowing cold air evenly, you may want to have it inspected. If the air filter is clogged, it can be replaced.

Defective compressor

A defective compressor is another common cause of air conditioner failure. If the compressor in your air conditioner fails, it will not be able to cool your home. This can be a serious issue if you are hosting guests, or if you have sick or elderly people in the house. If your compressor is defective, you will need to replace it.

Conclusion

Air conditioner failure can be inconvenient and costly, but it doesn’t have to be. By taking steps to prevent these issues in the future, you can avoid having to pay for costly repairs. Make sure your air conditioner is properly sized for your home, and clean or replace your air filter regularly to avoid dirty air. If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure it is set correctly. If you have any questions or concerns about your air conditioner, contact us today.