Air conditioning systems provide comfort and indoor climate control for residential and commercial spaces. However, AC units require maintenance and repair, especially as they age. Your AC unit’s lifespan and efficiency can be increased with routine maintenance and prompt repairs.
Common Air Conditioner Problems
Several issues can arise with air conditioners. Here are some of the most common air conditioner problems:
- No cooling or insufficient cooling: This is often due to a refrigerant leak, a clogged filter, or a faulty thermostat.
- Excessive noise: Noises from grinding, knocking, or squealing can indicate problems like a bad capacitor or bearing.
- The frequent circuit breaker or fuse trips may be due to a loose electrical connection or a bad compressor.
- Water leakage: Leaks can come from the condensate drain, drain pan, or connection hoses.
- Failure to turn on: Check the thermostat settings and confirm the circuit breaker is on.
How to Repair an Air Conditioner
Here are the steps to take to troubleshoot and fix basic issues with your air conditioner:
- Check the circuit breaker and thermostat. Reset the breaker and confirm the thermostat is set properly.
- Clean or replace the air filter. A dirty filter can reduce airflow and efficiency.
- Inspect drain lines for leaks or blockages. Clear debris from drain lines and seal any leaks.
- Look for obvious physical damage. Inspect electrical wiring, thermostat wires, and ductwork for damage.
- Add refrigerant. A technician can add the correct amount if the system is low on refrigerant.
- Replace faulty parts. Reproducing any damaged thermostats, capacitors, or compressors will be necessary.
You can contact an HVAC technician from the Air Conditioning Repair company if you live in Livermore & The SF Bay Area for diagnosis and repair issues beyond basic maintenance. Regular maintenance and quick fixes can help your air conditioner last longer and work more efficiently.
Scheduling Maintenance for Residential AC
For residential AC units, it is recommended to have yearly maintenance checks. During these checks, an HVAC technician will:
- Inspect and clean air filters
- Replace or add refrigerant if needed
- Lubricate moving parts
- Check electrical connections
- Test controls and thermostats
Cleaning or replacing air filters monthly can also help keep your system running efficiently and reduce the need for repairs.
Commercial AC Maintenance
Commercial AC systems require more rigorous maintenance due to the larger scale of operation and near-constant use. Maintenance for these systems includes:
- Filter changes every 1-3 months
- Refrigerant topped off quarterly
- Inspection of electrical components monthly
- Complete system checkups twice a year
Unscheduled repairs for commercial AC systems are typically more expensive due to the use of speciality parts and equipment. Thus, preventative maintenance is especially important.
Common AC Repairs
Some common AC repairs for both residential and commercial units include:
- Replacing or fixing a broken compressor
- Fixing refrigerant leaks
- Repairing or replacing clogged or damaged filters, fans, and coils
- Fixing electrical issues in thermostats or controls
- Adding refrigerant
Conclusion
Whether you have a residential AC unit or a large commercial system, regular maintenance and timely repairs can help improve efficiency, lower energy bills, and extend the lifespan of your air conditioning equipment. Following your specific unit’s maintenance schedules and service guidelines, you can keep your AC operating at peak performance all year round.
