6 Common Causes of Air Conditioner Failure

If you’re like most people, you don’t think about your air conditioner until you need it to work and it doesn’t turn on.  We get it.  That’s why we’re here.  We realize not many people are as passionate about air conditioning as we are, so we are here with a cheat sheet to assist you in the event that your system chooses the hottest day of the season to stop working.

6 Common Causes of A/C Failure

1. Faulty Circuit Breaker or Fuse.  In the case of air conditioner failure, the first things you should check are your circuit breaker and fuse.  If you need to replace the fuse or reset the breaker, give your system 15 minutes to cool down first.  If this doesn’t fix the problem, you may have tripped a high-pressure limit switch.  At this point, we suggest you call a licensed technician.
   
   
2. Refrigerant Leak.  If your refrigerant is not at the proper level your air conditioner may not operate correctly.  Because refrigerant is harmful to the environment, any leak will need to be repaired and recharged by a licensed technician. 
   
   
3. Frozen Coil.  Regularly cleaning or replacing your air filter and keeping your ductwork clean are two good rules to follow to prevent a frozen coil.  Dirty air filters or blocked ductwork can cause air flow problems in your system causing a frozen coil You can check by visibly inspecting your unit for frost on or around the coil.
   
   
4. Damaged Fan Blades, Compressor, Electrical Connections and Contacts.  If your air conditioner is over five years old, and cycles on and off frequently your air conditioning system is at risk for premature failure.  Annual maintenance will often catch worn and damaged parts before you need emergency repairs.
   
   
5. Neglecting Annual Maintenance.  Annual maintenance is essential to your air conditioner’s performance.  A licensed technician can identify potential problems before they occur.  You need to have your air conditioning coils cleaned, and your system inspected at least once a year.  Neglecting to maintain your system may also void your manufacturer’s warranty if you do encounter a covered problem.
   
   
6. Faulty Thermostat.  If your thermostat is not working correctly, your air conditioner may cycle on and off frequently or fail to work.  Consider all of the digital and technologically savvy thermostats on the market today.  Many models today can be set to adjust temperatures at set times or even controlled remotely.

Do you live in metro Houston and still need help?

Call our licensed HVAC experts at (713) 481-1305 or schedule service online now. Air Specialist has served Houston and surrounding Texas communities since 1970. Our goal is to continually raise the standard for HVAC excellence and superior customer satisfaction for our friends, family and neighbors.