We are now officially in the air conditioning season. As the days continue to warm up, it is important to make sure that your air conditioner is ready for the increased strain of daily use. Part of keeping your system in top condition is recognizing when it’s developing a major problem. The sooner you recognize and react to these problems, the better condition your AC will be in. The following are 3 common air conditioning problems that can cause a major breakdown if left unaddressed.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil is the part of your air conditioner that is actually responsible for cooling your air. It is a long, copper tube that evaporates refrigerant to absorb heat from the indoor air. Condensate forms on the coil during this process, which then drains out of the system. If the coil is not kept clean, however, it will malfunction and lower the temperature below what it is supposed to be. This freezes the condensate on the coil before it has a chance to drain, forming ice that further blocks the coil’s access to the air it needs. If not dealt with quickly, the weight of the ice can permanently damage the coil by twisting it out of shape.
Damaged Compressor
The compressor is arguably the most important part of your air conditioner. It is responsible for circulating the refrigerant through the system, keeping the heat transfer constant and maintaining rhythm and pressure. If the compressor becomes damaged in any way, often by a separate problem like a refrigerant leak, it will not be able to maintain proper pressure levels. This will throw off the rhythm of the air conditioning system, increasing stress on it significantly and shortening its lifespan.
Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant is the fluid used to absorb heat from inside your home and release it outside. It is not meant to be consumed during normal operation of the air conditioner. If a leak develops in the refrigerant line, it will drain the system of the refrigerant it needs to operate. A refrigerant leak needs to be repaired as soon as possible, and any lost refrigerant replaced, in order for the system to operate properly.
If you suspect that your air conditioner has a problem, call SPS Mechanical Inc. We provide air conditioner repairs throughout Southern New Jersey.
