Everyone wants to stay in a cold place during the summer. If the outside temperature is almost 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius), you just want to remain seated in your office chair or hide inside your abode and be a couch potato. Arguably, people who experience winter are not comfortable with summer and wish that this season would end quickly. Unfortunately, in other countries especially Asia, there are only two distinct seasons – wet and dry. These seasons can be extreme. During the wet (rainy) season, it may rain from sun up until sundown. During the dry (summer) season, the scorching weather is sometimes unbearable and causes dehydration and heatstroke. Good thing there’s an air conditioning system that provides a relaxing mood to those who are confronted with a hot and humid climate. One of the most important benefits of air conditioning is it decreases humidity, thereby creating a comfortable ambiance with less stress.
But what if you encounter problems with your air conditioner? Always anticipate the downside when installing or using any appliance. It can be stressful, especially when it demands costly repairs.
We need to take note of the usual problems that our air conditioning system encounters. Often, it’s the AC that struggles most during dry and hot weather as it hasn’t been kept in optimal condition. Most of the common issues can only be fixed by HVAC service experts.
Dirty Filter
Regardless of the air conditioner type, a clogged or dirty filter prevents airflow, reducing the capacity to efficiently cool the air. Make it a point to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation on how often should the air filter be changed. Some units have to be changed every month, others every three months or six months. As a general rule, filters need to be replaced every three months. Avoid using them longer than recommended as they accumulate dust, dirt, and allergens that can cause health problems. Once the airflow is blocked, the air conditioner will have to work harder, which can lead to mechanical and electrical damage to the parts sooner than expected. Thus, expect costly maintenance. Contact the HVAC experts right away to evaluate the air conditioning filter replacement needs.
Defective Thermostat
The thermostat needs to function properly as it keeps the room at the desired temperature. If it is incorrectly calculated, it indicates that the unit does not get the appropriate instructions from the control system. This can be fixed by recalibrating or replacing the thermostat. Replacing it with a more precise and energy-efficient system is a smart decision.
There are two major reasons for the thermostat to malfunction. First, the need for new batteries, and second, an issue with the sensor. If the problem persists after changing the batteries, it’s time to have it checked with a service expert to ensure that the temperature sensor is in the correct location. Otherwise, it can lead to short cycling. It’s a condition where the air conditioner turns on and off often.
Evaporator Coil Corrosion
The role of the evaporator coil is critical in the cooling process. It provides indoor temperature when the weather is hot. When it extracts heat from the air and lowers temperature it causes condensation. Evaporator coil corrosion usually happens when contaminants like formaldehyde and acetate mix. Surprisingly, these come from household products like adhesives, deodorizers, cosmetics, and any other goods that contain the same substances. The aluminum tubing of the coil or the thin copper starts to weaken when both substances mix. The decline in the performance happens once the damage starts eating through the coil.
One way to check if the evaporator is damaged is the occurrence of a disgusting stench. This is instantly noticeable the moment you turn on the air conditioner. This is what you call dirty sock syndrome. You can’t even decipher if the smell is coming from a mold, mildew, or dirty socks. The dirt, dust, and moisture build-up in the system’s evaporator coil and becoming prone to bacteria and mold. Once this happens, it’s highly recommended to take preventive measures and have it checked right away by a technician.
Refrigerant Leaks
If your AC does not provide enough cooling power, and you hear gurgling or hissing sounds from the unit, these are common indications that your refrigerant needs. These leaks are due to the acid penetrating and damaging the copper and high-efficiency tubing of the system. Other factors contributing to the leaks include the weakening of the joints or connections of the AC and vibrations. If you have been using the AC for quite some time, it becomes susceptible to leakage as the tube walls become thin over time. This problem has a huge impact on your electric bill. So, make sure to have it repaired or serviced to avoid spending a hefty amount on both worst system issues and power bills.
Failing Capacitors and Compressor
Capacitors and compressors are major parts of the air conditioner that need proper care. The role of the capacitor is to supply and store electrical energy. Once the AC is powered on, it immediately releases a high-voltage jolt to the compressor, fan, and blower motors. The capacitor blows up new energy every time you turn on the unit. Once this component fails, it will result in the malfunctioning of the entire conditioning system. Heat exposure is one of the common causes that trigger its deterioration. In Phoenix, AZ, for instance, the hot weather is the primary culprit for failing capacitors. Also, the voltage rating can affect its performance. Do not attempt to replace it if you’re not competent enough to understand how it works. Always ask the ac technicians.
The compressor, on the other hand, is important in raising the pressure of the vapor refrigerant so that the refrigerant can flow properly. Once a liquid enters the compressor, it decreases its capacity and efficiency to perform, thereby causing mechanical damage. It also accumulates dirt, dust, and other contaminants that may damage the coils and block the suction lines.
The air conditioner is one of the appliances that are relatively expensive. There is no need to argue on its benefits and advantages. We don’t mind extra expense as long as we are in a comfortable condition. But taking care is ultimately important if we want our AC to have a longer lifespan. We need help from HVAC technicians for our air conditioning needs and maintenance.
