We all rely on our air conditioners when summer hits in the Lehigh Valley. There is nothing worse than a broken air conditioner on a hot summer day. While there are hundreds of reasons your AC may have stopped working, we see several common ones.
Below is a list of some of the most frequent causes:
Dirty Air Filter
If your air filter is clogged with dirt, it will reduce airflow causing a decrease in efficiency making it hard to keep your home cool. If you have not replaced it in a while, do it now. We recommend checking it once a month and changing it if necessary.
Faulty Thermostat
If your thermostat is not operating correctly, this may cause your AC unit to cycle on and off more frequently or stop working altogether. Simple things like dead batteries, dust, or having your thermostat next to your television can cause issues. Your thermostat can pick up the heat generated by your TV and cause your air conditioner to work harder to cool down the room.
Frozen Coil
A frozen coil could mean there is an issue with airflow like a dirty air filter. It could also be caused by low refrigerant. You can check if your coil is frozen by looking for frost build-up in your unit.
Low Refrigerant
If your system has low refrigerant aka Freon, this means there is a leak. Freon is harmful to the environment and should only be handled by a professional. Be sure to bring in a certified HVAC technician to test and repair the leak. Depending on the age of your system and the type of refrigerant it uses, it may be a good time to consider replacement. Learn more about the rising cost of Freon and phase-out of R-22 here.
Faulty Wiring
A wiring issue can trip the circuit breaker preventing your AC unit from getting power. If you believe your air conditioner is not working because of a wiring issue, be sure to call a professional.
Outside Fan is Broken
The fan on the outside of your unit pulls the heat from your home to the outside. If it is not working properly, it can’t transfer the heat. This can cause the compressor to overheat.
Covered Compressor
Make sure to keep at least 2 to 3 feet of space between your outdoor AC unit and any plants, landscaping or structures, and at least 5 feet of clearance above. Your compressor needs adequate airflow to work properly.
Remember, preventative maintenance on your AC system once a year is the best way to catch potential problems before your system breaks down. A refrigerant leak, faulty wiring, and other problems mentioned above can be found during routine maintenance.
If you like to schedule a preventative maintenance check to make sure your system is in tiptop shape, contact us today!