On a sweltering Southern California day, air conditioning provides welcome relief from the heat — that is, until it suddenly breaks down and stops working.
Although air conditioners can fail for a variety of reasons, many of the most common causes of AC breakdowns are totally preventable. To ensure reliable cooling, system efficiency, and a long lifespan for the equipment, follow the recommended preventative measures to avoid breakdowns.
Why Air Conditioners Stop Working
Eventually, even well-maintained air conditioning systems outlive their usefulness and require replacement. Understanding how to prevent the most common causes of AC breakdowns ensures that you get the most from your investment and stay cool on the hottest days.
Dirty Air Filters
A dirty air filter is the most common reason for air conditioning problems. The filter removes contaminants from the air so they don’t enter the air conditioning unit. If you don’t change it regularly (about every 60 to 90 days), the accumulated debris creates airflow restrictions that cause the system to work harder, causing excessive wear and tear that can cause failure.
If your system stops working, check the air filter first and change it if necessary.
Electrical Faults
From tripped circuit breakers to loose wires and faulty capacitors or contactors, electrical issues can cause your air conditioner to stop working or have intermittent failures. Sometimes, the issue is within your home’s electrical system, while in other cases, the trouble starts with a faulty part inside the air conditioner. For example, a burned-out or weak capacitor won’t deliver enough power to the compressor to start up; replacing it will solve the problem.
Thermostat Malfunctions
The thermostat senses the temperature and sends signals to the air conditioner to control its cycles. Thermostat problems are one of the most common causes of AC breakdowns, but they are often easy to fix. Make sure the setting is on “cool” and that the batteries are fresh to keep the air conditioning working reliably.
If the problem persists, the thermostat may need recalibration or replacement.
Refrigerant Leaks
Without refrigerant, an air conditioner won’t be able to cool your home, and leaks rank among the most common causes of AC breakdowns. If there isn’t enough refrigerant flowing through the lines, the unit will stop cooling, and there’s a risk for severe damage, like compressor issues, that will require replacing the entire unit. If you notice a sweet scent or hissing sounds from the unit, call an HVAC technician to check for a refrigerant leak.
Dirty Coils
When the evaporator and condenser coils in the air conditioning unit are too dirty, they can’t absorb heat and humidity or move cool air as effectively, making your home feel excessively warm. Eventually, too much dirt can also cause frozen coils and a breakdown.
Avoid AC Breakdowns With Professional Maintenance
Many of the most common causes of AC breakdowns, from frozen coils and thermostat issues to ductwork problems, are avoidable with professional maintenance.
Call Kahn Air Conditioning today at (818) 741-2181 to schedule a maintenance visit to inspect, clean, and tune up your system to avoid inconvenient breakdowns and expensive repair bills.
