360-499-6604 Prevent Hot Weather Breakdowns with a Spring Checkup
Air conditioner inspections are critical for identifying issues and correcting them before they can cause damage to your system. An HVAC technician will thoroughly inspect your air conditioner to ensure it is in optimal working condition.
Regular inspections can also reduce costly repairs by catching minor issues early, before they turn into bigger, more expensive ones.
Wondering about the most common problems discovered during this process? We’re going to share the top six problems commonly found during an air conditioner inspection. Read on for information on common issues, how they impact your system, and what to do about them.
Dirty/Clogged Filters
The number one most common issue HVAC technicians typically find during inspections is dirty or clogged air filters. Dirty or clogged air filters reduce airflow which significantly impacts system performance. They can also cause system strain, increasing wear and tear on your AC. Lastly, clogged filters result in poor indoor air quality.
Standard air filters should be changed every 30-90 days (about 1-3 months) depending on foot traffic in your home, pets, and allergens. Changing your filters regularly helps prevent system strain, improves efficiency, and keeps indoor air quality high.
Dirty Evaporator or Condenser Coils
Evaporator and condenser coils play a key role in transferring heat. Over time, they may get caked with dust, dirt, and debris. This buildup reduces their ability to absorb and release heat efficiently.
How does this impact your air conditioning system? You may see reduced cooling performance, longer run times, higher energy bills, and an increased risk of your system overheating. That’s why it’s important to have professional coil cleaning done during routine maintenance to restore heat transfer efficiency.
Leaks
Leaks and low refrigerant levels are also common issues found during air conditioner inspections. Refrigerant is vital to effective cooling, and low levels often indicate a leak. Refrigerant leaks can cause warm air to come from the vents, reduced cooling capacity, frozen evaporator coils, or potential damage to the compressor.
An HVAC technician will identify and locate the leak, then repair it before refilling the refrigerant. Just topping off the refrigerant without fixing the leak leads to repeated issues and costly repairs.
Clogged Drain Lines
As your air conditioner removes humidity while cooling the air, the moisture exits through a condensate drain line. If the condensate drain line is clogged, it can reduce system efficiency. Dust, algae, and debris can build up over time and cause clogs to form.
Clogged drain lines can lead to water backups or overflows around the indoor unit and an increased risk of mold and mildew growth. Additionally, homeowners may see system shutdowns due to safety switches.
During an air conditioner tune-up, an HVAC technician will clear and flush the drain line to remove debris and ensure proper drainage. Routine maintenance helps prevent water damage and improves system efficiency and indoor air quality.
Thermostat Issues
Many times, thermostat issues are overlooked by homeowners. But thermostat issues can drastically impact indoor comfort and system performance. These issues range from improper placement to outdated technology to internal malfunctions.
Your AC may get inaccurate temperature readings, short cycle, have extended run times, provide uneven cooling throughout the house, or use more energy.
An HVAC technician will check your thermostat calibration, wiring, and placement. Sometimes, if you have an older thermostat, it might be worth investing in a newer programmable smart thermostat to improve energy efficiency and comfort.
Component Issues
Internal air conditioner components, such as capacitors, contactors, fan motors, and electrical connections can be worn out over time. An AC inspection often reveals aging or failing mechanical or electrical components that need replacement.
Component issues can lead to reduced performance or intermittent operation, increased strain, and higher risk of sudden system failure. Replacing aging or worn components ensures your air conditioner can deliver consistent cooling effectively and extend the unit’s lifespan.
What Happens if I don’t Get My AC Checked and It Breaks Down?
Summer is when nearly all breakdowns occur. So, waiting until everyone else is experiencing the same problem could lead to you waiting a long time for a repair or a replacement.
Contact Us to Schedule an Assessment
If you’re in the Olympia, WA area and need an air conditioner inspection or tune-up, give us a call at 360-347-9841. We’re the experts in HVAC systems and AC repair, and our skilled technicians will uncover any issues impacting your AC’s efficiency.
Schedule an air conditioner inspection with G & G Heating today.
