Summer is just around the corner and people are looking for ways to beat the heat. Not everyone can afford a pool or swim in the sea. Perhaps one of the most effective ways of keeping cool at home is using an air-conditioner.
Ensuring that your AC unit is in good working condition is essential to keep your home cool. In preparation for the summer, contact a credible technician to help you assess the condition of your unit, including the support system that comes with it, so they can inform you of any potential issues before they become an urgent problem.
Here are some of the most common issues that your AC unit might encounter throughout the course of its life.
Faulty wiring
Faulty wiring may cause the intermittent operation of your unit, and in the worst case, result in a complete system shutdown. Your unit is equipped with electrical defences that will stop the unit working if the electric current fluctuates and peaks too high.
Exposed wiring also leads to faults and can quickly turn into a fire hazard. Another reason bare wire can permanently damage your unit is that it allows moisture to interfere with the unit’s sensitive electrical components.
Low refrigerant
If your unit fails in keeping your space cool, then it might have low levels of refrigerant. The refrigerant, also called Freon, is responsible for absorbing heat from the indoor air and then expelling it outside. Without adequate levels of refrigerant, your unit will not be able to effectively cool the indoor air. In addition, low levels of refrigerant can cause overheating of the unit’s compressor as the motor works harder to reduce the temperature to the set level.
Refrigerant reduces over time, but sometimes leaks may be the cause of poor cooling. Check for signs of leakage, which can be identified by a hissing sound in your unit or a frozen evaporator coil. Frozen coils do not seem alarming at first, but if left unfixed, can cause a system breakdown.
Outside fan not working
Proper heat transfer cannot take place with a broken outside fan. This breakdown can also cause the compressor motor to overheat causing further internal damage.
The run capacitor helps correct the power factor of the motor and makes the condenser fan motor more efficient. If you hear the compressor running but the fan isn’t working properly, it is likely that your unit’s run capacitor is weak or failing.
Leakage
A leaking AC unit occurs when the condensate drain line is clogged with dirt or mould. Water that is supposed to drain from the unit to the outside, instead leaks inside the building. Another cause of leaks is damage to the drain pan. This is particularly common for units that have been in operation for more than five years.
An AC unit requires regular maintenance to prolong its life and ensure effective operation. Maintenance should be carried out at least twice a year, and quarterly if used heavily. Neglecting basic maintenance may cause simple flaws to develop into expensive repairs.
