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5 Common AC Repair Problems

If you have an AC system that’s already showing signs of wear and tear – such as less effective cooling and rising utility costs – you might be wondering “what next?”

If so, we applaud you for wanting that kind of information in advance. That way, you’ll have more time consider your options, especially when it comes to “repair vs. replace.”

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves and instead look at 5 common AC repair problems we tend to all summer long:

1. Frozen inside coil

A frozen coil inside your air handler – usually located in the attic – often indicates a problem with airflow, such as restrictions caused by dirty air filters or a blocked return air ductwork. Frozen indoor coils could also be caused by a water leak or low refrigerant levels. If not caught and repaired soon enough, the cost could be substantial enough that your better move would be replacement.

2. Outside unit not functional

This typically indicates lack of power, contactor problems or even a faulty thermostat. Very often these are repairs that can be made quickly and affordably.

3. Outside fan is not working

The outside fan is responsible for transferring heat from inside your home to the outside air.   If the fan inside your outdoor condensing unit stops running, proper heat transfer can’t occur, thus causing the compressor to overheat and trip the safety overload switch. If not detected and fixed soon enough, your compressor can become damaged.

4. Low refrigerant

Refrigerant is the chemical that cools your indoor air. Low refrigerant may indicate a leak or some other problem with the system. If you’re not getting the cool air you think you should be, contact a professional HVAC repair company as soon as possible to minimize system damage and repair costs.

5. Faulty wiring

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

And now for the good news part of our blog. Way more often than not, each of these problems can be avoided with an AC system cleaning and inspection from Messmer Mechanical. With regular annual service, we can spot most repair problems in the early stages of development, and get them fixed before they can cause any serious problems. In other cases, annual preventative maintenance does just that: it prevents problems from arising in the first place.

So, if it’s been a year or longer since your last AC cleaning and inspection, contact Messmer Mechanical today. You’ll love the added peace of mind our team of home comfort professionals can provide.