Why The AC Keeps Breaking And What You Can Do About It

It's that time of year again. The days are hotter, the nights are becoming less bearable, and more importantly — the AC is breaking! Whether you can't afford a new AC unit or you're just tired of paying to repair something that should last much longer, there are several steps you can take to ensure your existing AC lasts another year. Here are five things you should watch out for to improve the longevity of your AC this summer.

Outdoor Unit Is Making Noise

The most common reason why the AC keeps breaking is because of the outdoor unit. The outdoor unit is what circulates the air in your home and is responsible for cooling it down. If your unit is making noise when it is turned on, then there could be a problem with the fan or compressor.

If you believe that your outdoor unit is making an unusual noise, then you should immediately contact an HVAC contractor to diagnose the issue and give you an estimate for repairing or replacing it. In some cases, replacing the outdoor unit can save you money as opposed to repairing it.

AC Unit Turns Off Too Quickly

This is one of the most common problems with air conditioners. When your AC unit turns off too quickly, it's not cooling your home at all. This can be frustrating for a number of reasons: The temperature inside your home will rise to uncomfortable levels, and you'll need to reset the thermostat again and again.

When an AC unit turns off too quickly, it's usually because there's a problem with one or more components in the system. In most cases, there are two main issues that cause this type of problem: The compressor is not working well enough, or there is insufficient refrigerant in the system.

Water Is Leaking From the Unit

If your AC is leaking excessive amounts of water, there are a few things that could be causing this problem.

If the condensation line is leaking, it might need to be repaired before it causes damage to your home. If the pipe is not damaged, there may be something wrong with your compressor or condenser unit.

If there are parts inside the AC unit that have been damaged by corrosion, they will need to be replaced immediately. This is because they contain oil and other materials that can cause damage if they leak out onto other areas of your home or garage.

If you notice any rust or corrosion on these parts, make sure that you call an HVAC technician right away so that they can inspect them and replace them if necessary.

Strange Smells Coming From the AC Unit

When your AC unit is running, you may notice a strange smell coming from the vents. Strange smells coming from the AC unit can be caused by any number of things, but the problem is usually due to a refrigerant leak.

A refrigerant leak is when there's a hole in the system that allows air to bypass the filter and enter your home. This air contains moisture and ammonia, which smells like rotten eggs. It can also cause your AC to blow cold air when it should be blowing warm air (or vice versa).

Ductwork Is Damaged

Another problem with AC systems during the heat of summer is the ductwork getting damaged. Sometimes, this can be due to simple issues with wear and tear, or it could be due to pests. No matter what the reason is, the damaged ductwork can cause air leaks, and your AC may be cycling more frequently. You want to repair any issues with the ductwork to ensure your AC is cooling your home efficiently during the hot weather. 

The more you know about your AC problems and solutions, the better equipped you will be to deal with them when they arise, which will save you money and hassle in the end.

Contact an AC repair service for more information. 


Share