AC Not Working? Here are some Common AC Problems

Although there are potentially hundreds of reasons why your Longmont home’s central air conditioner may need to be repaired, there are several reasons that are quite common. Identifying them may create some personal understanding what a technician means when they address the choices for resolving the problem. Here are the 5 most common problems that may cause your air conditioning system to break down. Check out the list below and consider whether your home has any of these issues. If so, schedule an HVAC inspection.

1. Wrong wiring

   Incorrect, haphazard or uncertified A/C wiring is dangerous and a potential fire hazard. Bad wiring often prevents the system from getting power or can trip the circuit breaker.

2. Leaking refrigerant

   Refrigerant (also known as Freon) is the chemical that cools the air within your air conditioning system. depleting levels of refrigerant may imply a leak or problem with the refrigerant system. If your air conditioning system needs to be recharged with refrigerant, 90% of the time that means there is a leak. All refrigerant leaks should be detected and repaired. To read about the phase out of R-22 refrigerant in the United States, we suggest that you to visit the U.S. EPA website.

3. Outside fan is not functioning

   The fan on your air conditioner outside is responsible for conveying the heat from your Longmont home to the outside air. If the fan on the outside unit doesn’t perform correctly, proper heat transfer cannot take place and the air conditioning compressor may overheat and trip the safety overload. The consequence of this action could result in internal damage to the compressor.

4. Outside unit not functional

   This often indicates a loss of power, contactor problems or even a broken thermostat.

5. Frozen inside coil

   A frozen coil often indicates a problem with the airflow, such as restrictions caused by old air filters or obstructed return air ductwork. Frozen indoor coils could also be caused by low refrigerant.

Best practices suggest that the most effective way for a Longmont area homeowner to prevent these common problems is by participating in a preventive maintenance program. Bad wiring, low refrigerant and airflow problems can be found during routine maintenance tune-ups. For all these common issues, a professionally qualified, NATE-certified technician can promptly review the problem area and implement the necessary repairs. Call or contact us today for an evaluation!