Air conditioners are more than just major purchases, they are investments into our comfort and safety for years to come. The best way to protect your air conditioning unit is to stay on top of routine maintenance by scheduling annual tune-ups with an HVAC professional. This can help identify early warning signs of a problem with your AC unit such as water leaking, condenser fan motor problems, dirty drain lines, and more.
In some cases, even if you stay on top of your routine maintenance you still may face AC problems. These issues do not go away on their own and will typically get worse the longer you wait to schedule an air conditioning repair for your system.
Working with a professional air conditioning and heating company can help you to quickly identify and correct problems affecting your AC system. Reach out to the team at LoneStar Heating and Cooling to schedule your maintenance appointment or have your air conditioner repaired to your satisfaction.
5 Common Air Conditioning Problems to Look Out For
Refrigerant Leaks
If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, either it was undercharged at installation or it leaks. If it leaks, simply adding refrigerant is not a solution. A trained technician should fix any leak, test the repair, and then charge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant. Remember that the performance and efficiency of your air conditioner is greatest when the refrigerant charge exactly matches the manufacturer’s specification, and is neither undercharged nor overcharged. Refrigerant leaks can also be harmful to the environment.
Inadequate Maintenance
If you allow filters and air conditioning coils to become dirty, the air conditioner will not work properly, and the compressor or fans are likely to fail prematurely.
Electric Control Failure
The compressor and fan controls can wear out, especially when the air conditioner turns on and off frequently, as is common when a system is oversized. Because corrosion of wire and terminals is also a problem in many systems, electrical connections and contacts should be checked during a professional service call.
Sensor Problems
Room air conditioners feature a thermostat sensor, located behind the control panel, which measures the temperature of air coming into the evaporative coil. If the sensor is knocked out of position, the air conditioner could cycle constantly or behave erratically. The sensor should be near the coil but not touching it; adjust its position by carefully bending the wire that holds it in place.
Drainage Problems
When it’s humid outside, check the condensate drain to make sure it isn’t clogged and is draining properly. Room air conditioners may not drain properly if not mounted level.
Other warning signs to look out for include:
If you notice your air conditioning unit is short cycling or blowing hot air when you have the AC set to cool, this is a sign that you have an issue with your unit. This can, in some cases, be due to a sensor problem but should be addressed by a professional to ensure it is not part of a more serious issue.
Additionally, if your AC unit fails to come on at all, you will want to check to make sure it is not because of a tripped circuit breaker before calling a professional HVAC company to save you time and money.
How Often Should I Schedule AC Maintenance?
If you are a homeowner, it is recommended that you have your air conditioning system tuned-up at least once a year. However, if you have an older unit, or a unit that is prone to problems it is recommended to schedule your maintenance every 6-9 months. This can help keep your unit operating efficiently for longer. If you have any questions about AC maintenance or wish to schedule an appointment with one of our HVAC technicians give us a call today!
Schedule Your Air Conditioning Maintenance Appointment in Houston Today
The dedicated HVAC technicians at at LoneStar Heating and Cooling have been serving Houston and its surrounding communities for over 30 years. In this time, our company has established itself an industry leader and proud member of the Houston community. We work with both commercial and residential clients providing affordable HVAC repairs, maintenance services, and installations to help you maintain total control over the climate in your home or business. We also offer commercial refrigerant repair, maintenance, and installation services. If you are looking to take control of the climate in your space, schedule an appointment with our team today.
LoneStar Heating and Cooling
7941 Katy Fwy #287
Houston, TX 77024
713-266-2552
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