Causes of AC Failure

Whether you are getting ready to experience your first or fiftieth Texas summer, it is likely that you know how important it will be to have a well-functioning air conditioner. Trying to endure a hot summer day without air conditioning is not only sure to be uncomfortable and miserable, but it can also be dangerous. So, whether you are a homeowner, landlord, renter, or business owner, keeping your AC system in good working order should be a top priority.

At Custom Air Systems, our team of professional HVAC technicians has extensive experience in air conditioning repair and maintenance. One of our goals as a leader in the Texas AC community is to provide residents with education relating to their home or business AC system, empowering them to take the steps necessary to keep it running properly. A common topic we discuss with customers is how they can play a significant part in preventing AC failure, through the proper, professional maintenance of their unit. Just as you need to take care of your vehicle to keep it in good shape, the same is true of an air conditioning unit.

Although many AC problems can be averted with regular maintenance by a licensed professional, there is still always the small chance that an issue can arise. To help you understand more about what can cause these problems, we rounded up the most common causes of AC failure, and what you can do to avoid them.

1. Low refrigerant levels. A refrigerant is a chemical that allows your AC unit to remove heat and humidity from your home or business – essentially, it’s responsible for the cooling. If your unit has any leaks in the lines carrying refrigerants, it will eventually reach a point where the levels are too low to cool efficiently. A technician will need to repair any leaks and top off the refrigerant to bring it back to its optimal level.
2. Frozen evaporator coils. A refrigerant is also found in evaporator coils, where it absorbs heat much like a sponge. In order to work correctly, evaporator coils have to maintain a zone of warm air around them. Sometimes, the coil can become too cold, which allows ice to build up, preventing it from functioning. A technician will be able to pinpoint and repair the cause of the frozen coil, which is generally a symptom of a more significant problem.
3. Broken thermostat. Many Texas homes still have their original, dial-style thermostats, which can often be a surprising cause of AC problems. An older thermostat may not be calibrated correctly, so it does not communicate properly with the unit. Or, you may have a thermostat that is programmed incorrectly. A professional can help you diagnose and correct the issue, whether it is an easy recalibration or an update to be made.
4. Leaky ducts. Your AC unit may be cooling correctly, but if there are leaks in the ductwork that transports the cool air throughout your home or business, then it is an issue. The cool air ends up inside your walls instead of in the main space, and you end up wasting money and putting up with uncomfortably warm temperatures. Ductwork repair can make a huge difference in both your electricity bill and comfort levels.
5. Damaged fan blades, compressor, or electrical contacts. An AC unit is a complex machine with each of its parts serving a critical function. Something as seemingly small as a bent fan blade can lead to severe problems that prevent the unit from working correctly. Because issues such as these often occur within the inner workings of the unit, it is best to contact a professional for diagnosis and repair.
6. Clogged drains. An important job of an AC unit is to remove moisture from the indoor air, with that moisture traveling through a drain line, into a special pan, and then exiting through a drain. However, the line or drain can become clogged, or the pan can become too full, which can then cause a damaging water backup or leak.

If you are experiencing a problem with your AC unit, then Custom Air Systems is here to help you. We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have about your AC unit or the issues you are dealing with. Our team is made up of the best AC contractors in Texas, with many years of experience and specialized training. It has always been our goal to raise the bar for high-quality, professional AC service, and we strive to give every single customer the excellent service they deserve.

Contact us to learn more about how we can help you with AC repairs, provide you with the proper maintenance services to avoid a future issue, or offer you new AC installation to replace one that has reached the end of its life. We want you to be able to enjoy a comfortable home or work environment, no matter how high the mercury climbs, so don’t hesitate to schedule a visit today.