With the south Texas cooling season in full swing, your air conditioner is working hard. Unfortunately, most air conditioners break down when they’re working the hardest. You can prevent his unhappy situation by making sure you get an annual tune-up. Regular tune-ups can prevent many problems and catch others before they become big issues. If you haven’t scheduled your tune-up yet, it’s not too late. Here are some common A/C problems.
Low refrigerant
Low refrigerant levels considerably lower your system’s cooling power and may cause an ice buildup on your unit. If your refrigerant is low, there’s likely a leak. A benefit of an annual tune-up is that your technician will check the refrigerant level. If it’s low he’ll check for a leak and take care of the problem. Then he’ll recharge your system.
Electric control failure
Corroded wires and terminals, loose connections and improper cycling can interfere with the efficiency of your system and cause serious problems down the road. During a routine maintenance visit, your technician will clean the terminals, tighten electrical connections and test the electric controls to ensure that your A/C is operating efficiently.
Drainage problems
During periods of high humidity, your condensate drain can become clogged and overflow, causing a system shutdown. If your drain becomes clogged, turn off the power to the system, and remove the clog with a plumber’s snake or a wet/dry vacuum. Annual maintenance includes flushing the drain to remove obstructions.
Dust buildup
Over time, dust builds up in your system and can cause the premature failure of essential components. After your maintenance visit, you can help to prevent dust buildup by keeping the area around your indoor unit clean, hosing down your outdoor unit and inspecting your air filter monthly. Replace the filter as soon as it looks dirty.
For more expert advice on common A/C problems or to schedule a tune-up with one of our expert technicians, contact Mathews CCAC Inc. We serve your neighbors in South Texas, and we’d like to help you with your home-comfort needs, as well.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about A/C problems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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