Photo: Philip Bump, Flickr Creative Commons

There is nothing worse than losing your air conditioning on a hot, humid summer day. It makes you miserable and desperate for relief, and in some cases it can even be dangerous for sensitive groups in your home, such as infants, the elderly, and pets.

Understanding how your air conditioner works and the factors that affect its efficiency can help you prevent or spot many of the issues that lead to breakdowns. Today we’re going to look at the top reasons for air conditioner breakdown and show you how to avoid losing your cool in the summer heat.

The 4 Most Common Reasons for Air Conditioner Breakdown

1. Poor Maintenance – It’s tempting to buy into the old saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” when it comes to regular maintenance for your air conditioner, but poor or sporadic maintenance is the number one cause of repair calls. This is because your air conditioner, like any mechanical system, has parts that wear out or accumulate dirt over time. This leads to decreased cooling ability or a complete system breakdown. Regular maintenance keeps your system running at peak efficiency and catches small problems before they become major headaches. If your system hasn’t had a tune-up in a while, call your Newark air conditioning repair technician to schedule an appointment today.
2. Overtaxed Systems – The air conditioner in your home has a limited cooling capacity; it is only effective for a certain-sized home under certain conditions. If your air conditioner is not properly sized to your home, the system will be operating under excess strain. This is true for systems that are both too small and too large for your home. Bigger isn’t always better! Be sure to choose the right size unit for your home, rather than trying to save money with a smaller unit or going overboard with a larger one. Overtaxed units wear out prematurely, especially the compressor and blower motor.
3. Refrigerant Leaks – The coolant lines that carry refrigerant are most prone to leaks where they are exposed to harsh conditions. These include severe weather, wildlife activity, or direct sunlight. Coolant leaks will lead to your system losing refrigerant, either over the course of hours or months. Loss of refrigerant leads to lowered cooling efficiency and will put strain on your system. Additionally, running your air conditioner on low refrigerant can lead to a complete system breakdown. This is why your Newark air conditioning repair technician checks your refrigerant level and inspects for leaks as part of a routine service call.
4. Moisture and Corrosion – Over time, moisture and dirt inside your air conditioner can lead to corrosion of its electrical components. While operating, moisture should drain away from a unit’s interior. However, if the drain line is clogged or ice has accumulated on the coils, moisture will collect and begin causing problems. A routine maintenance call clears built-up dirt and clogged drain lines, preventing moisture build-up. If your unit is turning on and off frequently, it may be a sign of an electrical issue. If you suspect an electrical problem with your system, call your Newark air conditioning repair technician immediately.

The #1 Air Conditioning Repair Company in Newark

When it comes to keeping your home cool, regular maintenance is the best way to ensure your Newark air conditioning is ready for summer. This is why we offer maintenance agreements that give you peace of mind and priority pricing. Trust your home to the Newark air conditioning experts: Call Gold Star today at 1-302-947-8694.