When you skip routine AC maintenance, small issues that could otherwise be fixed escalate into a system failure. This is due to wear and dirt causing strain on the AC, which snowballs into major complications. The following is a sample of the problems you may experience.
Dirty and Clogged Air Filters
When your AC’s air filter becomes dirty, it causes the system to work harder. As it tries to pull in air, it increases wear and tear.
If there isn’t enough warm air passing over your AC’s evaporator coils, they can go below freezing. This leads to ice forming, which eventually shuts down the entire system.
Without maintenance, your AC has a hard time moving air. The extra effort it has to exert can cause the blower motor to overheat, leading to a failure.
Dirty Coils
Over time, dirt builds up on the indoor coils. This dirt insulates the coils. If they aren’t cleaned during regular tune-ups, their ability to absorb heat is reduced. This forces your AC to run for longer cycles to reach your desired temperature.
You don’t want your outdoor unit to become covered in dirt. When it’s blocked by debris, it can’t release heat effectively. As a result, the compressor overheats and eventually burns out. Keep in mind that this is an expensive component to replace.
Undetected Refrigerant Leaks
Routine inspections are the perfect way to find small refrigerant leaks. When these leaks go undetected, the refrigerant level drops. This puts extreme pressure on your compressor.
Running your AC with low refrigerant can result in a compressor failure. Once this happens, it’s often necessary to replace the entire system.
Electrical and Mechanical Deterioration
Your cooling system vibrates as it operates, which may loosen electrical wires. Tightening loose connections is a part of routine AC maintenance. Without this service, loose wires can cause a short circuit or create a fire hazard.
A technician will also lubricate moving parts, like the fan and motor, during a tune-up. If these components run dry, they create friction, which leads to motor burnouts.
Small capacitors help start your AC motor. Routine inspections will identify weakening capacitors before they fail and keep your cooling system from turning on.
Clogged Condensate Drains
Cleaning is a big part of routine maintenance. Without it, dust and algae will clog the drain line. Water will back up and result in substantial home damage. It also triggers a safety switch, which shuts down the AC.
Don’t put off routine AC maintenance any longer. If you’re experiencing issues with your cooling system, call We Care Heating & Air Conditioning for AC repairs in Central GA and the FL Panhandle.
