Weird things can happen that cause your air conditioner to fail. We aren’t talking about anything too bizarre, but they can definitely be unexpected for homeowners who aren’t too familiar with HVAC equipment or how their air conditioners operate.
But any need for AC repair in Union, NJ is no surprise to our HVAC technicians, who have seen it all. The average homeowner is rarely aware of what can cause an air conditioning system failure—and it can definitely sneak up on you. So without further ado, here are a couple unexpected reasons for AC repairs, and a couple not-so-surprising reasons for AC problems.
1. Too Much Refrigerant
Yes, it is possible to have too much refrigerant, or rather, the fluid that makes the refrigeration process possible. Refrigerant is a heat transfer fluid that goes through a process of evaporation and condensation that enables it to move heat from inside your home and deposit it outside.
This “heat exchange” is basically how an air conditioner works. The amount of refrigerant an air conditioner needs to effectively operate is called its charge. If you try to install an AC system on your own or trust an amateur to the job, you could end up with too much refrigerant in the system, which can cause the compressor to break down. This would be the end of your air conditioner.
2. Too Much Excessive Heat
True, your air conditioner is designed for hot days. However, intense heat can have a negative impact on it. Specifically, prolonged heat can cause your capacitors to fail. Capacitors are tasked with sending electrical voltage to the motors of the compressor and fans.
Too much heat reduces the ability of the capacitors to hold an electrical charge. Eventually, they won’t be able to turn the motors on or keep them running once they are on. If your compressor stops working (essentially the heart of your air conditioner) then you’ll have a nonfunctioning air conditioner.
The Not So Surprising Causes of AC Trouble
There are a couple other factors that can cause AC problems that probably won’t come as a surprise to you, but bear mentioning nonetheless. Take routine maintenance, for instance. Maintenance is essential to your air conditioner—without regular tune-ups, your air conditioning system can suffer from repair needs and even end up shutting down years before its manufacturer’s estimated service life.
You may be surprised that your air conditioner has to be replaced after only 6 years when you thought it may go for a decade or more. But this can definitely happen if your AC system isn’t maintained on an annual basis (or twice a year, if you have a heat pump).
A frozen evaporator coil is another somewhat common reason for AC repairs. The problem is, homeowners might assume this is a normal sight, since an air conditioner cools. However, ice on the evaporator coil could be due to a refrigerant leak or clogged air filter, and ultimately that ice can cause a number of problems. If you notice ice anywhere on your system, be sure to give us a call for repairs right away!
Max Sr & Paul Schoenwalder Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, A Corp. has been providing reliable services for over a century. Contact us today!