Why Your Air Con Keeps Breaking Down (Plus Fixes)

When your air conditioning breaks down, it can be very frustrating. Not only does it make you uncomfortable, but it's also difficult to fix and figure out what's gone wrong. That's where this guide is here to help. We take a look at some of the leading causes of why your air conditioning system keeps breaking down and what you can do about it. Here's everything you need to know. 


Dirty filters


The number one culprit for air conditioning systems breaking down is dirty filters. When the filters are dirty, it makes it more difficult for air to pass through the system, putting more strain on things like fan motors and compressors. Sometimes, in extreme cases, dirt from the air can also pass into the internals of the air conditioning system, damaging them from within and leading to much more expensive repairs in the future. 


The easy fix for this, according to sites like www.dentechvac.com is to clean out the filter immediately. Cleaning the filter allows air to move more freely throughout your system. Just make sure you choose the correct size and MERV rating for your HVAC. 


Lack of regular maintenance



At the same time, your air conditioning system might be suffering because of a lack of regular maintenance. If you don't take care of your AC unit with tune-ups, it can lead to corrosion on electrical connections, pressure damage, and dirt building up on the coils. Eventually, air conditioning units will break down after years of neglect, so they need regular servicing.


The quick fix for this is to schedule a professional inspection. Experts can tell you whether you need to do any work on your air conditioning unit. They can check things like refrigerant levels, tighten up corrections, and then clean out components. By the end, you should have a system that feels like new. 


Refrigerant leaks

You also want to be careful of refrigerant leaks. These can cause air conditioning systems to break down almost immediately and prevent them from producing any cool air. It can also lead to frozen coils and damage to the compressor due to overheating.


The fix for this is to hire a certified technician. They need to identify the source of the leak, clean up the area of any hazardous chemicals, and then recharge the system. Usually leaks are caused by cracks in the tank that contains the refrigerant, the coolant, or cracks in the hoses that supply the rest of the system. 


Dirty and blocked coils



Finally, you might have an issue with your AC system's dirty or blocked coils. Over time, things like vegetation debris and dust can build up, causing the unit to need to run harder and longer just to produce the same cooling effect. Contaminants act as a form of insulation, making it more difficult for the cooling elements to transfer heat. 


Therefore, clean your outdoor unit and get rid of any debris. If you have an indoor unit, make sure that you get it professionally cleaned by an expert who understands how to take it apart.

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