With some AC problems you get warning signs that tell you something is wrong: gradual loss of cooling, funny noises, or reduced air flow from the registers. But air conditioning problems can also happen suddenly with no warning. One minute it seems fine, and the next your air conditioner is not working at all.
Find out why unpredictable AC problems can happen, and what you can do to prevent them.
8 AC problems that happen without warning
1. Capacitor failure
Capacitors are small electrical parts that provide a power boost to help start and run compressor and fan motors. A capacitor can burn out suddenly. Depending on the type of capacitor that has failed, your unit may be unable to start up, produce cold air, or blow air.
2. Wire or switch burnout
Especially during high heat conditions, electrical wires, terminals, and switches can burn or even fuse together. Electricity can’t flow past the broken connection, so the unit shuts down. After the breakdown happens, you may notice a tripped circuit, a humming sound or a burning odor.
3. Faulty contactor
A contactor is an electronically controlled switch that helps start and stop the AC unit. When a capacitor wears out, it can cause two different types of breakdowns. When it gets stuck in the open position, power can’t get through and the unit won’t turn on. When it stops in the closed position, the unit gets continuous power so it runs constantly and can’t respond to the thermostat’s signal to turn off.
4. Electrical disconnection
Air conditioner motors and fans cause vibrations. Over time, small vibrations can loosen wires, nuts, or terminals and eventually lead to a disconnect that cuts power to the unit.
5. Frozen coils
There are quite a few common AC problems that cause ice to build up on the coils, including clogged filters, dirty coils, blocked vents, and faulty fans. It can even happen due to running the system when it’s cool outside. Chances are, you won’t see the ice until your system stops cooling and you find damage from water leaks.
6. Pressure spike
A sudden spike in an air conditioning system’s pressure can happen when the system can’t release heat or there’s a blockage preventing refrigerant flow. A fan might have burned out, the coils may be dirty or blocked, or a valve may be stuck. When pressure spikes, the system’s safety lock triggers and shuts down the unit.
7. Refrigerant leak
In the opposite scenario, your system can malfunction due to a loss of refrigerant. That can happen slowly if it’s a tiny leak, and in that case you will notice a gradual loss of cooling. But a large leak can also happen fast if the refrigerant line gets damaged. Your system quickly stops cooling.
8. Blocked drain line
As your AC removes moisture from the air, it produces condensate that drains away via drain lines and pans. It’s easy for a drain line or pan to get clogged with algae and debris, causing a buildup of condensate. Most AC systems have emergency float switches that power off the system to prevent a water leak that can damage your space.
Regular maintenance prevents sudden AC problems & breakdowns
The bad news is, there are many things that cause sudden AC problems. But there’s good news: many of them can be prevented with proper care of your air conditioning system.
Here’s why: your technician can spot worn wires and parts, poor electrical connections, grimy coils and dirty drains and fix them before they lead to a breakdown. Maintenance keeps everything in optimal condition to prevent unexpected problems.
How often do you need AC maintenance? At least once or twice a year, but possibly more often depending on your system size, type, and usage.
TIP: Get the best pricing and more benefits with a yearly commercial or elite residential maintenance agreement.
It’s not too late to get your AC serviced this summer
If you have put off AC service this year, it’s not too late to get started. You can prevent late-season breakdowns due to the extreme demands of the summer season.
Need commercial or luxury residential AC service in the New York City metro area? Give Arista a call and find out why thousands of NYC customers trust us to care for their equipment.
