Unfortunately, air conditioners can break down at any time of year, especially toward the end of summer. You’ve most likely gotten a lot of use out of your unit this year, which means that the parts of your AC may be slowly beginning to wear away. And when this happens, your AC has to work harder, which means you’re paying more on your energy bills. And any component of your air conditioning system could fail without warning, which is why it’s important to call for repairs as soon as possible.
Common Problems at the End of Summer
Many homeowners don’t know how serious a problem with their air conditioner could be. To help you understand the potential severity of damaged components, here are a few of the most common problems air conditioners develop at the end of the cooling season.
- Low Refrigerant: Low levels of refrigerant may have to do with how your unit was installed. Upon installation, a technician should take care to measure out the exact amount of refrigerant for your unit. However, sometimes this is done incorrectly and may need to be recharged. Often, low refrigerant is due to leaks that must be sealed to keep any more from leaking out of your unit. This can cause reduced cooling and, possibly, compressor damage.
- Frozen Evaporator Coil: Low refrigerant may also cause the indoor evaporator coil to freeze, or this could be due to low airflow. As the warm air from your home blows over the cool evaporator coil, the refrigerant is able to absorb heat. However, if there is not enough airflow, the coil may freeze, reducing its ability to absorb heat. Other components will have to work harder to compensate, which could cause irreparable damage.
- Compressor Trouble: Another repair need technicians see at the end of summer is compressor damage. Unfortunately, the compressor is subject to a lot of wear, especially with little maintenance. Often, the only solution is to replace this portion of your air conditioner, which is why it’s important to have a professional look at your system once a year for a tune-up.
For professional, dependable maintenance or repairs, or if you have questions about air conditioning service in Austin, TX, call Intelligent Air Services today!