When summer temperatures are at their highest in Corona, CA, this is when air conditioning systems are working the hardest to keep your home cool. Unfortunately, complex systems like ACs require ongoing upkeep to keep them working properly. When homeowners neglect regular system maintenance by a professional HVAC technician, various issues can occur.
Ignoring Maintenance and AC Issues
When regular AC maintenance isn’t performed by a professional, these are some of the common issues that can happen:
Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant is a crucial part of the cooling process for your home’s air conditioning system. Over time, it’s possible for refrigerant lines to wear down and develop a leak. A refrigerant leak will lower refrigerant levels, reducing your system’s ability to sufficiently cool your home. Additionally, when a refrigerant leak is ignored, it can also damage your AC’s compressor. This additional damage can lead to expensive repairs that likely could have been avoided with regular system maintenance.
Reduced System Airflow
When air conditioning system maintenance is neglected, it can cause a noticeable decrease in airflow. This is most often due to dirty air filters you can clean or replace yourself depending on your AC type. Poor airflow can sometimes be due to dirty ductwork or other AC system issues. Ductwork cleaning is often separate from routine AC maintenance due to it being needed less frequently. However, regular maintenance helps ensure air duct clogs are diagnosed and addressed.
Evaporator Coils Freezing
Your air conditioner’s evaporator coil’s primary purpose is to absorb heat from the air within your home. When maintenance is neglected, your evaporator coils can freeze, causing poor performance of your AC system. A technician cleaning these coils during scheduled maintenance can help prevent this issue, increasing system performance and efficiency.
Thermostat Malfunctions
Over time, a thermostat can develop issues. These problems can be with the thermostat sensor or the thermostat control settings not working properly. When a thermostat malfunctions, it can cause:
- Decreased comfort
- Reduced efficiency
- Higher energy bills
During system maintenance, a technician can calibrate a thermostat to help prevent these issues. Additionally, a technician will be able to let the homeowner know if a thermostat replacement is required and can even suggest upgrade choices that would be ideal for your home.
Electrical Control Failure
Air conditioners have electrical components that can experience issues over time. When technicians perform regular system maintenance, they can check the AC’s electrical wiring and other components to ensure they are all functioning properly. This system maintenance can help prevent unexpected system failures.
Clogged Drain Lines
As air conditioners cool your home, moisture is removed from the air. This moisture is moved out of the system through the AC’s drain line. However, the drain line can get clogged due to algae, dirt, and other debris. This blockage can lead to water leaking from the AC and potential system damage.
High Energy Bills
Regular professional AC maintenance helps to keep a system performing optimally and running efficiently. When system maintenance is neglected, the system may need to work harder to cool your home, decreasing energy efficiency. This reduced efficiency can cause unexpected spikes in your home’s energy bills.
Strange AC Noises
When system maintenance is ignored, your AC may begin making unusual noises. These noises typically mean an issue needs attention before problems get even worse. These noises can be loud and irritating. Ignoring them can lead to severe damage that costs more to fix.
AC System Type and Maintenance
While many AC issues are common regardless of system type, different AC types may require different maintenance tasks. Traditional central air conditioning systems have ducts that can develop air leaks, causing a loss in system efficiency. These air ducts need to be inspected during regular system maintenance so any leaks can be sealed. Conversely, ductless mini-splits don’t have air ducts, but they have interior blower units that all need to be inspected and maintained.
Do you live in Corona or the surrounding area and need your air conditioner professionally maintained? Simmons Heating & Cooling is here to assist. We offer maintenance, repair work, installation, and upgrades of heating and cooling systems. Our HVAC services are available to both residential and commercial customers. We can also help your indoor air quality with air cleaners, UV lights, whole-house fans, air purification, air monitoring, and more. Additionally, we can help with plumbing services like drain repair, drain cleaning, water heater repair, and water heater replacement. If you’re ready to schedule AC maintenance or want to hear more about our other services, reach out to Simmons Heating & Cooling today!