Stay cooler than a polar bear when your AC is running full speed.
In South Florida, air conditioning is big business. And it’s not just because it’s so hot and humid, but also because so many people do not take the time to perform proper maintenance on their AC units.
From Miami to West Palm Beach, air conditioning repairs are an everyday occurrence. And here are the ten most common ones.
10. Replace Fuses. The main purpose of an air conditioner fuse is to ensure that the system never overloads. It can be struck by lightning, or it can fail over time due to bad electrical connections and old age.
9. Replace Air Filters. A clogged filter decreases the flow of air. Not only will a dirty air filter reduce the amount of cool air that is produced, but also the unit could freeze up if the air filter is not replaced.
8. Replace the Thermostat. Adjusting the thermostat will provide the desired amount of airflow and temperature. The home becomes too hot and uncomfortable when the thermostat is broken.
7. Repair The Defrost Control. A properly functioning defrost control makes it impossible for frost to build up on an air conditioner unit. Ice can also build up in hot climates if this device does not function properly.
6. Empty The Condensation Drain. Condensation generally drips into a pan and then drains out. However, the pan can clog up and cause condensation to overflow into the home. The pan has to be cleared out and put back into position.
5. Replace The Condenser Fan. This fan works to draw air into the unit so that it can cool down. This fan is found on outdoor units, and it is subject to plenty of harsh weather conditions that can cause wear and tear. Once the condenser fan starts to fail, replace it quickly so that it does not cause problems for the compressor.
4. Replace or Fix Compressor. The compressor works to move the refrigerant through the rest of the air conditioning unit. It can fail due to wear and tear, but usually breaks down because of stain that comes from other air conditioner parts.
3. Clean The Coils. Both indoor and outdoor coils can collect dust due to an excessive amount of dirt, dust or lint in the air. There are also chemicals in the air that cause coils to corrode and eventually leak. Coils should be cleaned on a regular basis so that leaks do not occur.
2. Replace Capacitors. Capacitors help various motors in your air conditioner system to start and run. They tend to fail over time and need replacing. Motors run hotter when capacitors wear down. This decreases the life of the motor.
1. Replenish Refrigerant. An air conditioner cannot work without the right amount refrigerant. The refrigerant level decreases when the compressor has a leak. This stops the flow of cool air. The refrigerant levels are replenished once the leaks are found and repaired.