When it’s getting chilly during September, your central air conditioning system may deteriorate faster than usual. Seasonal changes affect not only the occupants of the building but also components inside the AC unit. Although wear and tear cannot be avoided for these devices, it is important to know the cause of your AC problem at home so you know the best process to handle the issue. Ultimately, it is better to call a licensed technician for cooling, heating and furnace services at Pro Heat and AC Repair Arcadia.
- Mechanical Issues – As mentioned, an air conditioning unit has certain internal components that may need extra maintenance. These five basic components include a fan, evaporator, compressor, condenser, and expansion device. Unfortunately, any of these components can fail at any time, especially with the lack of maintenance. The worst part is that the air conditioning process won’t be completed if one of these components fails. It will cause your unit to overwork and consume more energy than needed.
- Clogged Air Filter – Even with the manufacturer’s instructions to regularly change air filters twice yearly. Some homemakers may still forget this crucial maintenance procedure for their AC unit. A clogged air filter may cause the slow airflow of their air conditioning unit. It will cause the unit to use more power to cool the entire house with the hindered airflow. A clogged filter can also circulate allergens and pollutants in the indoor air, reducing the air quality and may cause airborne diseases to the building’s occupants. If you have an asthmatic resident or own pets, then regular air filter changes should be a priority for the homeowner.
- Low Refrigerant – The refrigerant is one of the main reasons your air conditioning system can make cool air. It is a liquid that turns into a gas and starts the cooling process of the air conditioning unit. However, low refrigerant issues are a rare case for air conditioners. Usually, this problem never happens, but there are two reasons your unit may have low refrigerant. When your AC unit is installed, there may not be enough refrigerant added by the AC technician.
On the other hand, your refrigerant level is low because your system leaks. Unfortunately, if your AC issue is the latter, adding more refrigerant may not be enough to fix the problem. It’s better to get your AC unit repaired by a licensed HVAC unit to repair the leak before adding the right amount of refrigerant to your system. Additionally, your AC system must also use the new type of ozone-safe refrigerant. R-22 or freon are both phased out by the government for environmental reasons. If your AC unit is still using freon as a refrigerant, it’s better to get your AC unit replaced so your device is more energy-efficient.
- Blocked Outdoor Condenser Unit – Outdoor landscaping can also be the reason why your AC system or central HVAC system is encountering issues. Most homeowners with outdoor condenser units use shrubs or other plants to hide the device in the yard. However, when these shrubs are neglected, they can also grow so much that they can obstruct airflow, which hinders the normal operation of the AC unit. The best maintenance for outdoor condenser units is to use a garden hose to remove dirt and debris caught in the device’s fins. Other than dirt and shrubs, lawn clippings can also cause this issue. Many manufacturers recommend 2 to 3 feet of space between the condenser unit and any plants or major structures found in the backyard. If your condenser unit is damaged because of overgrowth, it is better to get a replacement.
- Old Thermostat – The thermostat is the central brain for any cooling or heating system in your household. Although analog or old thermostats are generally not defective, upgrading a digital thermostat for maximum efficiency of your AC unit is still better. An old thermostat can also be improperly calibrated, affecting your HVAC system’s performance. A digital thermostat lets you program a temperature for certain weather conditions and is also very reliable when it comes to calibration. Avoid overworking your AC unit by recalibrating your thermostat or upgrading to a digital thermostat. If you do not want to use a thermostat, you can have separate cooling and heating systems installed in your home.
Suppose you want to avoid recurring issues in your air conditioning system. In that case, it’s best to consult a professional HVAC technician at Pro Heat and AC Repair Arcadia regarding maintenance services for your unit.
