Air conditioner repairs are not always a result of damaged components. Repairs are regulatory when ensuring the projected lifespan of a unit. However, as a homeowner, you’re most likely curious about how, why, and when air conditioners need repairs. Don’t worry! More often than not, AC problems are to be expected when units have been working for a number of years.
To clarify the importance of AC repairs, our specialists have listed the key reasons air conditioner repairs may be necessary. In Hawaii, air conditioners typically run year-round. So, it’s no surprise why a homeowner should have their system inspected—or even require AC repairs from a professional—every once in a while. Here you will find the top problems that may require professional air conditioner repairs.
Top 5 Air Conditioner Problems
1. Refrigerant Leaks
Sometimes, AC units begin to run low on refrigerant. It should be noted that this depletion of coolant isn’t the result of normal AC processes. Low refrigerant levels are often a result of leaks or undercharging during the installation process. If your system is experiencing a leak, adding more refrigerant is never a sound solution. The leak will ultimately need to be fixed and the AC system itself will need to be recharged.
It’s important to utilize the expertise of a trained and licensed AC technician near you who can identify the issue, fix the leak, inspect refrigerant lines, and properly charge the air conditioning unit with the appropriate amount of coolant. Your system should never be undercharged or overcharged with refrigerant, which is why this process is best left to HVAC experts.
2. AC System Corrosion
It’s no “shock” that when wires and other components are exposed to high levels of vapor or moisture, they are prone to corrosion. Don’t worry, this exposure will not be a cause for any immediate safety concerns. Instead, this exposure will cause your AC to struggle to reach optimal efficiency due to the effect corrosion has on the terminals and wires of your unit.
In some cases, corrosion may cause your system to come to a complete stop altogether. While corrosion isn’t a dangerous issue to deal with, it’s still best practice to leave relevant repairs to a professional HVAC technician.
3. Clogged Drains
When your unit is functioning normally, it removes moisture from the air and disperses it via drain lines. Moisture then drips into the pan underneath the AC unit, and eventually travels down a pipe that drains the excess moisture outside of your home. If your pan is full or the drain has become clogged, the condensation can accumulate and begin to overflow. This can damage floors or ceilings, and even stop your system from cooling altogether.
4. Dirty Air Filters
Air filters should be changed at least once a month to ensure proper airflow and avoid any health problems, ranging from trouble breathing to dizziness and headaches that result from inhaling debris. Too much debris coating or lining specific components of your unit can reduce system efficiency. Air blowing through dirty filters can even pump dirt, dust, pollen, and dander into your home, causing poor indoor air quality. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable about changing or cleaning your filters, an experienced HVAC technician can clean or replace your filters during a tune-up for optimal efficiency.
5. Frozen Evaporator Coils
Evaporator coils in an air conditioning unit are responsible for capturing hot air. These condenser coils require warm air circulating around them in order to avoid freezing over. Too much cold air on the evaporator coils will create ice buildup, which can be harmful to your AC unit’s efficiency. It’s best to have frozen coils diagnosed and treated by a professional in air conditioning system repairs.
Do You Need HVAC Service?
The air conditioning repair specialists of Island Comfort have been offering their expertise and professional HVAC system services to Hawaii residents for years. If you require AC repairs, you can count on us to solve the issue fast and restore indoor comfort! Contact us for a service call today! Be sure to ask about your preventative maintenance services to avoid common air conditioning problems in the future.
