Air conditioning is a part of American life and it’s estimated that 90% of Americans enjoy conditioned air in one form or the other. Still, so few truly understand how these units work and how to maintain them properly. As a result, many end up breaking down way before the end of their lifespan. Lots of owners end up spending way more than they should on repairs simply because of the mistakes that they’re making. Here are some of the most common reasons why AC systems break down.

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Dirty Filters

Many people don’t know this, but the average AC filter only lasts about 30 days. There are some people out there who don’t even know that ACs have filters, let alone that they need to be replaced or cleaned that often. So, if you haven’t had your filter inspected yet, you should do it right away.

This is especially important in places that get hot like Houston where the AC runs practically 24/7. If you live there, we suggest you contact a Houston ac repair company immediately to look over your system. They’ll be able to tell you if your filters need to be replaced or if you have other repairs coming up.

An Overworked System

Another common reason why AC systems fail is that too much stress was put on them. Sometimes, it’s because people don’t use them properly. They might leave one or a few windows open either by accident or intentionally.

Others pick systems that are not strong enough for the space they’re trying to cool down. Or there may be issues with how the unit is installed. Maybe it’s getting beat up by the sun at the time it’s working the most. This will push the unit to work harder and potentially fail.

Coil Issues

Coil problems can also lead to breakdowns and need to be addressed immediately. Dirty evaporator and condenser coils will affect your system’s performance.

The evaporator coil is responsible for absorbing humidity and heat from the air that is being expelled. It then sends fresh air into the house through the duct system. They can’t do their job when they’re dirty, which will send the temperature inside the house soaring.

Condenser coils, on the other hand, are located outside the unit. That’s why they often get obstructed by debris. If left there, these can cause your unit to overheat and fail. In some cases, it’s possible to clean the condenser coils yourself using a hose, but if they’re seriously clogged, you might have to call the pros.

Refrigerant Leaks

AC units use refrigerants to keep rooms cool. If there’s a leak, then your AC may not be able to function as well. These are usually not that major but will still require professional assistance. A professional will come and perform a leak test. Once it’s detected, they will take the steps necessary to make your AC functional again.

These are just some of the reasons why AC systems break down. If yours has been showing signs of slowing down, run a visual inspection and consider speaking with a professional team as soon as possible.