Is your air conditioner experiencing problems that you can’t explain? Call Georgia Air Heating & Cooling today at (912) 513-3741 for assistance!
Things are less than peachy if your air conditioning system suddenly stops working. Living in Georgia, you know as well as we do how hot summer months can get, making cooling system problems especially frustrating. If your AC seems to always have another problem, you’re likely asking, “Why does my AC keep breaking down?”
In this guide, we’ll go over some of the most common reasons you’re experiencing frequent air conditioning breakdowns. If your air conditioner constantly breaks down, consult a trained professional to get to the bottom of the issue. Some problems are easy fixes, while others require an expert with years of experience, proper training, and high-quality equipment to yield the best results.
Keep reading to learn about 10 reasons for AC breakdowns, then contact Pooler’s reliable AC repair company in Richmond Hill, Georgia.
1. Faulty or Broken Parts
One or more loose, broken, or faulty parts can compromise the performance of your air conditioning system. Your cooling system might struggle with a part problem and work harder to make up for the issue. Several parts can impact the function of your air conditioner and need immediate replacing that include, but aren’t limited to, the following:
- Blower motors
- Evaporator coils
- Condenser coils
- Capacitors
- Contactors
You can also have a bad electrical connection or an issue with your circuit breaker. If a bad part isn’t the problem, your HVAC team will see if electrical concerns are to blame. No matter what, working with a trained technician is the best way to fix a struggling air conditioning system.
2. Dirty Evaporator or Condenser Coils
Evaporator coils have essential roles to play in the function of your cooling system, as do condenser coils. Evaporator coils take in heat and provide your property with the cool air you crave in hot weather. Unfortunately, the buildup of dust and dirt can block proper airflow and heat absorption, resulting in a hot and uncomfortable property. You can have a skilled service professional clean your evaporator coils to avoid future problems.
The condenser coils in your air conditioner easily become covered with dirt, outdoor debris, and other blockages, preventing the proper running of your system. Getting your condenser coils clean is possible in two ways:
- Washing off the dirt and grime with your garden hose.
- Having a service technician remove persistent buildup and muck with their equipment.
3. Incorrect Thermostat Settings
A faulty thermostat, or having your thermostat on the wrong settings, can lead to a struggling air conditioner. Since your thermostat affects your air conditioner, a thermostat problem often leads to one for your AC. You should check that your thermostat has batteries and is in cool mode.
You can potentially resolve thermostat problems with simple HVAC technician troubleshooting. In other cases, they may need to come out to your property and adjust the programming or perform repairs. Don’t hesitate to contact a professional if your thermostat is still not working correctly.
4. Lack of AC Maintenance
Are you still wondering, “Why does my AC keep breaking down?” If you can’t recall the last time you scheduled maintenance for your air conditioner, or have never included it in your annual routine, this could indicate a clear cause of frequent breakdowns. Small problems that require easy fixes turn into more serious issues if you don’t address them, snowballing until your system finally stops working.
Here’s why keeping up with air conditioning maintenance at least once a year is beneficial:
- Improved energy efficiency
- Longer air conditioning lifespan
- Fewer repairs or breakdowns
- Better performance
- Save money on energy bills
If you haven’t already, it’s time to book your annual AC maintenance appointment with your local HVAC team! Since the same holds true with your heating system, remember to schedule a service appointment for heating maintenance too. You will save more money in the long run by doing so.
5. A Clogged Drain Line
It’s easy for an air conditioner’s drainage line to experience clogs from dirt, dust, and other debris. If you don’t remove the clog, you’ll experience drain pan leaks and pooling water around your unit, potentially leading to water damage and mold growth. Overall, a clogged drain line can result in multiple problems and cause your entire cooling system to break down.
You could remove the clog yourself in some cases, but a professional can help too. Your service technician will also address clogs in the drain line during your annual maintenance appointment, but you can call them at any time if you’re concerned about this issue.
6. It’s the Wrong Size
Fortunately, most homes end up having the right size air conditioning system for their property size and needs. However, there are some cases where someone installed a cooling system that was too small or too large, leading to extended wear and tear and costly bills. Improperly sized systems will struggle to provide the appropriate amount of cool air to your space; this means they’ll short cycle or run constantly, eventually burning out early.
Having a professional take a look at your system is the best way to tell if your AC is repeatedly breaking down due to size. While this isn’t the most common issue, you would need to replace your air conditioner if you have the wrong size. Oversized air conditioners will usually short cycle, while small cooling systems continue to run as they struggle to achieve the desired temperature for your home.
7. Clogged Air Filters
A dirty air filter can significantly impact the performance of your air conditioning system as it can block airflow. It can also cause your air conditioner to blow warm air and result in a frustrating breakdown. It’s best to replace your air filter every 45 to 90 days, depending if anyone in your home has allergies or respiratory issues.
Although this is one of the easiest maintenance steps for your air conditioning system, it’s one many homeowners often overlook or forget. Clean air filters set up your AC for success and help them run normally. We actually resolve many air conditioning problems by changing our air filters, so give yourself a reminder to avoid constant breakdowns.
8. Old Age
Old air conditioners are more likely to break down and experience frequent issues. While repairing small issues here and there is good for the performance and efficiency of an air conditioning system, it’s not always enough. All air conditioners eventually break down and reach the end of their lives, where no amount of repairs will restore them to top shape.
Most air conditioners last 1020 years, though it depends on the type of unit. At this point, you’ll need to consider replacement if yours is old and repeatedly requires costly repairs that don’t actually improve its function.
9. Refrigerant Leaks
An air conditioner could frequently break down if it’s leaking refrigerant. You’ll notice uncomfortable humidity throughout your home, but the solution is not to simply top off what’s missing and hope for the best. Here’s one way your service technician might try to resolve this issue:
- Inspect your air conditioner and look for leaks
- Repair the leaking area, then add more refrigerant
- Test the function and efficiency of your cooling system
Where the leak is in your air conditioner and how much refrigerant is gone will affect the service price. Depending on the cost of addressing the leak, you might consider replacing your air conditioner if you find the price costly. The service team will always compare both options with you.
10. Poor Quality Installation
It’s essential to work with a licensed, insured, and trained professional for air conditioner installation. If you worked with someone that didn’t know what they were doing, you could experience an air conditioning breakdown due to faulty connections, loose parts, and more. One wrong area of installation can affect your air conditioner’s entire performance, so choose wisely when calling a service technician for installation.
Georgia Air Cooling & Heating provides dependable cooling system installation services to guarantee your air conditioner is the right size and properly corrected from the start. We work on a wide range of air conditioning systems, including window units and central air conditioning systems.
Consulting a reputable HVAC professional when purchasing and repairing air conditioners will always give you the best results. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Georgia Air Cooling & Heating for assistance with any of your cooling and heating needs.
Contact Georgia Air Cooling & Heating for Air Conditioning Services in Richmond Hill, Georgia
We hope you now understand the answer to, “Why does my AC keep breaking down?” At Georgia Air Cooling & Heating, we answer many common questions our clients ask, including what to do if an air conditioner is overheating. We also provide consultation appointments and easy scheduling.
Georgia Air Cooling & Heating proudly serves Richmond Hill, Georgia, and the surrounding areas. You can call (912) 513-3741 or book an appointment online for air conditioner services!