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Your air conditioner unit is essential for keeping your home cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. But what happens when your AC unit fails? It can be a nightmare, especially if you're not prepared.

There are several reasons an AC could fail in the summer. Some of the most common issues include dirty condenser coils, low refrigerant levels, faulty thermostats, capacitor failure, and compressor problems. By understanding the most common causes of failure and taking steps to prevent them, you can make sure your home stays cool and comfortable all summer.

If you're experiencing AC issues, the experienced pros with Comfortec can get your air conditioner serviced, repaired, or replaced – and get you comfortable in your home again. Give us a call at 888-362-2106 or contact us online.

Now, let’s go over some of these common sources of AC failure in the summer.

Dirty condenser coils

Dirty condenser coils are during the summer. These coils are located on the outside of your unit and play a crucial role in the cooling process. They help to release heat from the refrigerant, which is essential for keeping your home cool and comfortable. However, when these coils become dirty, they can restrict airflow and reduce the unit's efficiency. This can lead to several problems, including:

• Reduced cooling capacity:When condenser coils are dirty, they can't release heat as effectively, which means your AC unit has to work harder to cool your home. This can lead to reduced cooling capacity and higher energy bills.
• Increased wear and tear:Dirty condenser coils can also cause increased wear and tear on your air conditioner. When the unit has to work harder to cool your home, it puts more strain on the compressor and other components. This can lead to premature failure of these components, which can be costly to repair or replace.
• Complete system failure: In severe cases, dirty condenser coils can cause your to fail completely. When the coils are too dirty, the unit can't release heat at all, which can cause the refrigerant to overheat and damage the compressor. This can lead to a complete system failure, which will require professional repair or replacement.

To prevent these problems, it's important to clean your condenser coils regularly. You can do this by spraying them with a hose or using a coil cleaning brush. Be sure to clean the coils both inside and out, and rinse them thoroughly with water. Cleaning your condenser coils regularly will help to keep your running efficiently and prevent costly repairs or replacements.

If you're not comfortable cleaning your condenser coils yourself, you can hire a professional to do it for you.

Low refrigerant level

Another common reason for AC failure during summer is low refrigerant levels. Refrigerant is a vital component of an air conditioner, as it absorbs heat from the indoor air and releases it outside. When refrigerant levels are low, the AC unit loses its cooling power and eventually stops working altogether.

There are several potential causes of refrigerant leaks, including damage to the refrigerant lines, corrosion, or faulty seals. Damage to the refrigerant lines can occur due to physical impact or wear and tear over time. Corrosion can weaken the refrigerant lines and cause leaks, especially in coastal areas with high humidity and salt content in the air. Faulty seals can also lead to refrigerant leaks, as they may deteriorate over time or become loose due to vibration.

It's crucial to promptly repair refrigerant leaks to prevent further damage to the unit. Low refrigerant levels can cause the compressor to overheat and eventually fail, leading to costly repairs or even the need for a complete unit replacement. Additionally, refrigerant leaks contribute to environmental pollution and can result in hefty fines in some areas.

Regular maintenance, including leak checks and refrigerant level monitoring, can help identify and address refrigerant issues early on, preventing major problems and ensuring efficient air conditioning performance throughout the summer. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, it's advisable to contact a professional HVAC technician for accurate diagnosis and repair.

Faulty thermostat

Thermostats play a crucial role in regulating the temperature of your home by communicating with your air conditioning unit. However, several thermostat-related issues can lead to air conditioner failure during the summer months.

One common problem is setting the thermostat too high, which forces the air conditioner to work harder and longer than necessary. This can strain the unit and lead to premature failure. Aim to set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature between 22 and 25 degrees Celsius (72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit) to ensure efficient cooling without overworking the system.

Another issue is a malfunctioning sensor. If the thermostat's temperature sensor is not working correctly, it can provide inaccurate readings, causing the air conditioner to turn on and off frequently or not at all. Regularly inspecting and cleaning the thermostat, including its sensor, can help prevent this problem.

In some cases, wiring issues can disrupt communication between the thermostat and the air conditioning unit. Loose or damaged wires can prevent the thermostat from sending accurate signals to the unit, resulting in improper cooling or complete system failure. If you suspect a wiring problem, it's best to consult a professional for safe and effective repair.

By understanding and addressing these common thermostat-related issues, you can help prevent air conditioner failure and ensure your home remains cool and comfortable throughout the summer.

Capacitor failure

In the intricate machinery of your air conditioning system, capacitors serve as the silent orchestrators, storing and releasing electrical energy to ensure smooth operation. However, these unsung heroes are not impervious to the relentless march of time or the unexpected power surges that accompany summer thunderstorms. When capacitors falter, the consequences can be significant, disrupting your home's comfort during the peak of the sweltering season.

Aging and wear and tear take their toll on these vital components, as the constant electrical stress of the air conditioner's relentless operation gradually degrades their performance. Sudden power surges, often associated with summer's electrical storms, can deliver a fatal blow to capacitors, causing them to fail prematurely.

The telltale signs of capacitor failure are hard to miss. An unusual humming noise emanating from the outdoor air conditioner, like a chorus of discontent, signals that something is amiss. Frequent cycling on and off, where the air conditioner starts and stops repeatedly, resembling a hesitant dance, is another symptom of capacitor distress. If your once-reliable air conditioner struggles to cool your home adequately, leaving you in a sauna-like embrace, or if it refuses to turn on at all, a faulty capacitor may be the culprit.

Confronting capacitor failure demands a delicate touch, best left to the skilled hands of professionals. While replacing a capacitor may seem like a straightforward task, it requires expertise to ensure safety and prevent further damage to your air conditioning system. A qualified technician, like a maestro of electrical intricacies, can accurately diagnose the problem, select the appropriate replacement capacitor, and restore your air conditioner to its harmonious operation.

By addressing capacitor failure promptly, you can avoid costly repairs or even the premature demise of your entire air conditioning system.

Compressor problems

Compressors are the heart of an air conditioning unit, responsible for circulating refrigerant and generating cool air. However, they are also prone to several issues that can lead to air conditioner failure during summer.

One common problem is overheating, often caused by a lack of lubrication or a faulty fan. Without proper lubrication, the compressor's moving parts can generate excessive heat, leading to damage and failure. Similarly, a faulty fan can restrict airflow, preventing the compressor from dissipating heat effectively. Regular maintenance, including lubrication and fan checks, can help prevent these issues and keep the compressor running smoothly.

Another cause of compressor failure is damage from a power surge or lightning strike. These electrical disturbances can overwhelm the compressor's circuitry, leading to burnout or other internal damage. Installing surge protectors and ensuring proper grounding can help protect the compressor from these hazards.

Finally, old age and wear can also contribute to compressor failure. Over time, the compressor's internal components can deteriorate, reducing its efficiency and cooling capacity.

By understanding these common compressor problems and taking steps to prevent them, you can help keep your air conditioner running smoothly all summer long. Remember to schedule regular maintenance and service with a qualified technician to ensure your air conditioner is in optimal condition to beat the summer heat.