Air conditioners are a must-have during scorching summers and, in some parts of the world, they’re required 24 hours a day, all 365 days of the year. Just think of the United Arab Emirates and other parts of the Arabian Peninsula.
What many people don’t realise is that air-conditioners require more care than they typically receive. As a case in point, how long ago was it when you called up a maintenance services company for some AC cleaning? Chances are high that you don’t even remember.
Now may be a good time to get a commercial or residential annual maintenance contract. Make sure it includes quarterly AC checks.
With regular AC maintenance, you can detect and promptly resolve any issues, and any components that are about to give out can be immediately replaced. The result is consistent, sufficient cooling and an air-conditioner that will always perform as well (or nearly as well) as the first day you got it. Ignoring the need for periodic AC upkeep will only lead to costly repairs or, worse, a complete equipment breakdown — which will probably happen during the peak of summer, too, when you need your AC the most.
Below are five common air conditioner problems and practical ways to address them. Regular AC maintenance is still the superior option, however.
1. Refrigerant Leaks
Your air conditioner is low on refrigerant. Refrigerants should remain at a constant level, not diminish over time. If it is lower than spec, there are two possible explanations: either it was below the required level from the start (i.e., undercharged), or it is leaking.
If it’s the former, you can at least charge it with refrigerant to reach the correct level. If it’s the latter, you must have your AC repaired ASAP.
Refrigerant is harmful to the environment, so you don’t really want it leaking out. Low refrigerant levels also lead to poor cooling and strain the compressor, and the harder your compressor works, the higher your energy bill becomes.
How to Prevent It: Look for signs of refrigerant undercharging, like uneven or poor cooling. Leaking refrigerant can lead to frost developing on the coils. Schedule an inspection at the first sign of trouble; professionals can locate and seal leaks before they cause more expensive damage. If there are no leaks, they can at least charge your system with refrigerant until it attains the correct level.
2. Dirty Filters
Dust and dirt on filters obstruct airflow, and this prevents cold air from blowing into your living space and leads to impaired cooling. Consequently, your system has to work harder than necessary, driving up energy costs and reducing efficiency. Over time, this strains internal components, potentially leading to perfectly avoidable breakdowns. Worse, dirty filters can circulate allergens and dust back into your space.
How to Prevent It: Replace the filters if needed. You must clean filters at least once every three months, but in places like the UAE, where the heat is constant — especially during the summer months — clean your filters at least once a month. Keeping filters clean is an easy and inexpensive way to protect your AC unit and improve air quality in interior spaces.
3. Thermostat Sensor Issues
A malfunctioning thermostat confuses your system, causing problems that lead to uneven cooling, your AC refusing to turn on, or your unit cycling on and off repeatedly. A thermostat sensor that can precisely measure air temperature is a must if your AC is to work correctly and achieve your desired indoor temperature.
How to Prevent It: Regularly check your thermostat settings and replace the batteries as needed. Upgrade to a smart thermostat to take the guesswork out of temperature management and avoid unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.
4. Clogged Drain Lines
ACs remove moisture from the air. That’s a significant part of its cooling function because the lower the humidity, the cooler it feels. Where does all the moisture go? It condenses on the evaporator coil, and the condensate water flows through the AC’s drain line.
If drain lines are clogged, the AC’s ability to wick moisture away from the air is reduced, leading to discomfort. The condensate water can spill out and cause water problems in the structure around the unit, render evaporator coils less efficient, lead to mould and mildew growth, and cause parts to rust or corrode.
How to Prevent It: Make sure the air-conditioner is correctly (i.e., level) mounted. You should also regularly clean your drain lines with warm water. Some recommend flushing condensate lines with a mixture of water and distilled vinegar, but this may not be a good idea if your AC’s copper lines are adjacent to its drain lines, as vinegar will corrode the metal in this case.
The best solution, really, is to include condensate line cleaning with your AC maintenance package.
5. Frozen Coils
When evaporator coils freeze, your AC stops absorbing heat, leaving you with warm air where there’s supposed to be cooled air. Frozen coils can be due to a refrigerant leak as well as reduced airflow, which can, in turn, be caused by clogged filters and grime collecting on the coils.
How to Prevent It: Replace filters on schedule, keep air vents unobstructed, and ensure adequate refrigerant levels. If you spot ice on the coils, turn off the AC immediately and call a professional to investigate.
Stay Cool With Preventive Maintenance
Air-conditioners won’t break down if you treat them right. Make sure AC inspection, cleaning and maintenance are a staple part of your regular home or office maintenance services.
