Like all mechanical devices, air conditioners can malfunction for various different reasons. These problems usually lead to reduced efficiency, uneven cooling, and strange noises from the unit. Sometimes, however, they can cause your AC to stop working altogether. To say that this can cause major inconvenience would be putting it mildly.
In previous articles, we discussed the importance of air conditioning tune-ups and explained what exactly happens during AC maintenance. We’ll now explore the 4 most common reasons behind air conditioner failures and how to perform the necessary AC repair in Cherry Hill, NJ. Read on.
Why would an AC suddenly stop working?
Lack of maintenance is the most common reason for air conditioner failures. Since most AC issues develop slowly, they can be hard to identify. Without annual tune-ups and inspections, these problems will go undetected and eventually result in catastrophic failures that may irreparably damage other components.
Here are 4 reasons why an AC may abruptly fail:
No refrigerant
Refrigerants are special chemicals that enable air conditioners to transfer heat from one area to another. However, refrigerant leaks and years of use can cause your AC to start running low on refrigerant. When this happens, it will no longer be able to do its job and may begin malfunctioning in other ways.
Frozen evaporator coils
Dirty air filters, clogged ductwork, low refrigerant, and other problems can cause the evaporator coil in your air conditioner’s interior unit to freeze over. This can cause all sorts of electrical and mechanical problems within the AC.
Electrical problems
Faulty circuit boards, bad fuses, or malfunctioning breakers can cause your AC to fail. If you suspect this may be the case, refrain from attempting to turn your cooling system back on and call in the experts.
Excessive wear and tear
Old units and units that have seen heavy use may start working less efficiently or even break down entirely because of worn or damaged parts. In these cases, it’s best to call in a professional to examine your unit and recommend the optimal course of action.
Can you fix an AC by yourself?
Only if you’ve been trained as an HVAC professional and have access to specialized equipment. If this isn’t the case, it’s highly recommended that you leave actual repair work to an expert. Attempting the DIY route is unlikely to yield satisfying results, but it may also cause further damage to your AC and even lead to hazardous refrigerant leaks.
Some of the tasks you can perform on your own include:
Check if the filters are dirty. If they are, replace them and see if that helps.
Check the batteries in your thermostat or AC remote has died. Replace them as needed.
Check if the air conditioner is properly plugged in. Plug it back into the outlet if it’s not.
Check the breaker box. If the fuse powering the AC has tripped, flip it back on and see if that solves the issue.
Carry out a visual inspection. Look for obvious signs of damage or leaking. Make sure the outdoor unit isn’t infested by pests or clogged with grime.
Where can I book reliable AC repair in Cherry Hill, NJ & the nearby area?
Allied Experts is a renowned provider of HVAC repair, installation, replacement, and tune-up services that cater to private and public clients across Cherry Hill and its surroundings. Our technicians are selected for their can-do attitude and commitment to providing the best possible service every time.
Contact us today and have the key systems in your home serviced by expert AC technicians with a long history in the industry.