There are, unfortunately, a number of calamities that can impact an air conditioner at any time. Of course, you can prevent most of these with regular professional maintenance—in fact, professional maintenance prevents approximately 85% of the repair needs your air conditioner may need throughout its lifespan!
But what about unexpected air conditioner problems—problems you should never even have or are so rare you don’t hear about them much? They do happen, and it’s a good idea to be aware of them so that if you’re affected, you won’t be surprised, and you’ll know to call for professional repairs right away. Read on to learn more!
Too Much Refrigerant
Refrigerant is the fluid within your air conditioner that allows the cooling process to even happen. It is a heat transfer fluid that goes through the process of evaporation and condensation that enables it to move heat from inside your home and expel it outdoors.
Upon installation, there is a set amount of refrigerant already in your cooling system. Refrigerant is not something that “runs out,” like gasoline in a car. Rather, it is recycled throughout the system—ideally throughout its lifespan. If you lose refrigerant, it means you have a leak. But, what if there’s too much refrigerant to begin with?
Though rare, this is a possibility. It usually only happens if you’re dealing with an amateur installer who is not trained on how much refrigerant is needed for the system. Unfortunately, too much refrigerant can cause the compressor to break down, which could very well be the end of your air conditioner.
The signs that you have too much are similar to the signs you have too little—loss of cooling power, a rise in your cooling bills without explanation, and odd noises coming from your system. If you suspect a problem with your refrigerant or any other component of your cooling system, the best thing you can do is to call our pros.
It’s Too Hot Outside
Wait, but aren’t all air conditioners designed to handle excessive heat? That is quite literally their job!
Well, intense heat for too long can have a negative impact on your air conditioner, especially if it is an aging system. It can cause your capacitors—the components tasked with sending electrical voltage to the motors of the compressor and fans—to overheat and fail.
Too much heat reduces the ability of the capacitors to hold an electrical charge, and eventually they’ll cease being able to turn the motors on, or keep them running once they are on. The best way to prevent this is with a professional inspection as part of your maintenance session, as we can check to make sure your system is ready for the heat ahead this summer. It’s also a good idea to call our pros if you notice any AC functionality changes after a major heat wave.
When you need reliable air conditioning repair in Cherry Hill, NJ, look no further than Ambient Comfort. Contact us today!