Not maintaining the AC system properly in your Marion County, FL home can lead to a range of problems. Neglecting maintenance will almost always reduce your AC’s efficiency, which can cause your cooling expenses to increase. Failing to invest in regular maintenance can also lead to extreme wear and tear on the system. This translates to frequent repairs and replacements that you could have easily avoided had you simply had the unit maintained. Other common AC problems that result because of a lack of maintenance include frozen evaporator coils, refrigerant leaks, and clogged filters.
Clogged Filter
The air conditioner’s filter screens air as it passes through the cooling system. The air filter’s purpose is to maintain proper airflow and to remove harmful airborne particles such as dust, dirt, and other allergens. If you don’t change the air filter regularly, it will eventually become clogged, which restricts airflow to the AC. This leads to poor indoor air quality and can cause damage to the AC system by making it work overtime to cool your home. You can avoid this problem by simply changing the filter once every four to six weeks, or as needed.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Evaporator coils tend to freeze when it’s especially hot outside and the AC is working around the clock to cool your home. The coil will freeze when not enough air passes over it. A dirty air filter can also lead to a frozen evaporator coil, making it all the more important to change the filter regularly.
Obstructions in ductwork can restrict airflow and lead to a frozen coil, as well. With a regular AC tuneup, one of our technicians can check for ductwork obstructions and address them as needed. A frozen evaporator coil could also stem from a dirty or corroded coil. Always leave coil-cleaning in the hands of a professional HVAC technician.
Refrigerant Leaks
The AC needs coolant to function properly. Any time this coolant starts to leak out, the AC won’t perform correctly, and the temperature inside of your home will likely fluctuate, compromising your indoor comfort. To stop a leak, a technician will perform an inspection to identify its location. Some leaks are fairly easy to fix while others can be more difficult to get to.
Bad Compressor
The AC unit’s compressor sends energy through the refrigerant and ensures the liquid propels correctly through the coils, which is how the heat exchange process takes place. A bad compressor hinders the heat exchange process, meaning the AC can’t cool your home. Insufficient refrigerant can cause the entire compressor to seize. Too much refrigerant can have an adverse effect, as well. The excess refrigerant will flow back into the compressor and cause it to fail.
Clogged Drain Line
Much like the filter on the AC unit, the drain line can become clogged. When this happens, the drain pan connected to the AC will fill up with water. The water will eventually leak out of the drain pan and can cause water damage. Any time you notice a clogged drain line, you should turn the AC off immediately and clear the line yourself or contact a technician to clear the line. Having the drain line unclogged is going to cost much less than what it would cost to repair water damage.
Worn Contactor
The compressor along with the blower motor and the condenser fan motor on the AC unit all have contactor switches. These contactors create an electrical connection that provides the motor and compressor with energy. When the contactors become worn, arcing and pitting can result. This can cause the blower motor, compressor, and condenser to have a hard time getting the electrical connection they need to start. Have a professional HVAC technician replace any worn contactors. Trying to replace them yourself can lead to injury.
Contact Senica Air Conditioning at 866-881-5935 today to learn more about common AC problems and how to avoid them by scheduling regular HVAC maintenance. One of our technicians can go over our different maintenance agreements to find the right service plan for your needs.
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