What Are the Most Common Problems with Air Conditioners?

>If you’ve purchased or leased an apartment or condo with the expectation of having an air conditioning unit that keeps the place cool in summer, it’s important to understand that owning or renting an air conditioner is not like owning or renting a car. Air conditioners are not appliances that will last a lifetime without any problems; they are machines that are constantly breaking down and need maintenance to keep running optimally. In fact, studies show that up to 80% of all AC units break down at some point – and for good reason. The problem with air conditioners is that they are exposed to the elements in a way that no other appliance is – and when you think about it, it makes perfect sense why this would be such a problem. After all, who wants their car to break down because they drive it in the rain? Or their laptop to fail because it gets wet? But why does an air conditioner fail so much more often than these other appliances? The answer is that air conditioners are exposed to a variety of different elements that put them at risk for breakdowns – and all of these problems can be prevented with the right preventative maintenance program.

Mistake #1: Neglecting to change the air filter regularly

One of the most important parts of owning or renting an air conditioner is changing the air filter. This is because the air filter is the first thing that is exposed to the air that comes into your home or office – and if it is dirty, it will not only reduce the efficiency of your unit but can also cause it to break down sooner. The best way to go about changing your air filter is to do it once a month. Depending on the type of filter you have and your usage, you may need to change it more often. This may seem like a lot of work, but it is actually very easy, and it will save you money in the long run by reducing the amount of time your air conditioner has to run in order to cool your home or office.

Mistake #2: Neglecting to clean the coils

Another part of your air conditioner that needs to be maintained regularly is the coils. The coils are what come into contact with the air inside your home or office, and they are what actually cool the air. The problem is that they can become dirty over time and require cleaning in order to operate at an optimal level. The best way to clean the coils is to use a coil cleaner. You can also use a mixture of water and vinegar to clean them, but make sure to avoid using any harsh chemicals that could damage the metal in the coils. If your unit is particularly dirty or if you have pets, you may need to have a professional come in and clean the coils for you. This is particularly important if you have pets, as their urine can cause the coils to rot and become very dirty.

Mistake #3: Neglecting to change the refrigerant in your unit

Another thing to keep in mind when maintaining your air conditioner is to make sure you are always using the correct type of refrigerant. There are three different types of refrigerants that are used in air conditioners – and each one has its own benefits and drawbacks. The most common mistake is to use the wrong type of refrigerant, which can cause your unit to break down much sooner than it should. The best way to make sure you are using the right type of refrigerant is to have it tested by a professional and then to change the refrigerant in your unit once a year. You can find a list of the different types of refrigerants that are used in air conditioners here.

Mistake #4: Not cleaning the fan blades regularly

Another part of your air conditioner that needs to be regularly maintained is the fan blades. The fan blades are what actually push the air through the unit, and they are what make the air come out of the air conditioner cool. The best way to clean the fan blades is to use a small brush and a cleaning solution such as water and vinegar. You can also use an air filter brush to clean the fan blades. Make sure to clean the fan blades regularly to ensure they are running efficiently and not causing your unit to overheat.

Mistake #5: Neglecting to clean the ductwork

Finally, another part of your air conditioner that needs to be regularly maintained is the ductwork. The ductwork is what connects your air conditioner to the different rooms in your home or office, and they can become dirty over time. The best way to clean the ductwork is to use a hose and a cleaning solution such as water and vinegar. You can also use an air filter brush to clean the ductwork. Make sure to clean the ductwork regularly to ensure your air conditioner is running as efficiently as possible.

Conclusion

When it comes to owning or renting an air conditioner, there are a few things that you should always keep in mind. First of all, you should make sure to change the air filter regularly to ensure your unit is running at its optimal level and not causing you to pay more in energy bills. You should also make sure to clean the fan blades regularly to ensure they are running efficiently and not causing your unit to overheat. Finally, you should make sure to clean the ductwork regularly to ensure your air conditioner is running as efficiently as possible.