How to Prevent Common Air Conditioning Problems

There is a variety of problems that can happen with your air conditioner, and thankfully, most are completely preventable. Today's central air conditioner manufacturers make highly durable and long lasting equipment. However, like all equipment, appliances, and machinery, your air conditioner needs maintenance as well. Timely maintenance performed every year can prevent premature breakdowns and costly air conditioning repair service calls. Your local AC service company can sign you up for a preventive maintenance plan, which does not cost too much each year and could save you potentially thousands in parts and labor over time. Lets examine some of the more common AC problems and how to prevent them.

Poor Air Flow

This is an easy problem to prevent. Most often, poor air flow results from one of two things - either your condenser is clogged with dirt, grime, and vegetation, or your air filter has become to dirty. To clear the air filter, simply replace it each month during heavy use months. For your condenser, you should have an AC tune-up performed each year. During an AC tune-up, your technician will thoroughly clean your condenser, removing all of the dirt, grass, leaves, and other vegetation that has gotten stuck in your coil fins and inside your condenser. Once this is done, proper air flow should return. Failure to do this will cause your AC to overwork itself and burn out prematurely.

Low Refrigerant Charge

Your AC's freon will not last forever. Leaks can happen over time, and your freon also dissipates over time. This can result in inadequate cooling, as well as mechanical failures with your compressor and your evaporator unit. During an AC tune-up, your technician will check your freon levels and also look for any leaks. If leaks are found, they will be sealed, and any lost freon will be replaced to exact system specifications.

Leaking Air Conditioner

If your AC is leaking, chances are your drain pipe has become blocked. This happens most often when your drain or condensate pan becomes blocked with algae, dirt, or vegetation that has somehow found its way into your unit. If you ignore water pooling up around your AC, it can cause damage to your air conditioner's electrical components.

If you need AC repair services, or plumbing repair from a certified plumbing contractor, Heaney Plumbing & Heating provides both plumbing services and AC repair throughout Metro Detroit. No matter what your plumbing, heating, or AC needs are, we can help! Contact us today!