Why AC Systems Fail in Summer and How to Prevent Breakdowns

Leaking Refrigerant

The air conditioning equipment relies on refrigerants to remove the warmth from indoor air and release it outdoors. Refrigerants tend to leak, and once their levels drop, the cooling process won't work effectively, allowing only warm air to pass through. It is important to know that refrigerant leaks shouldn't be handled by anyone other than a certified professional. If your house becomes hot for no reason, or if you hear a hissing noise from your air conditioning unit, it's best to contact an HVAC service immediately.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

Believe it or not, another reason an AC can stop working during the peak of summer is frozen evaporator coils. This usually happens when airflow is inadequate or the refrigerant level is low, which allows the coils to freeze and form an ice layer. The unit will not heat up properly after freezing and will either blow warm air or go out completely. This will need professional attention to thaw the coils and to determine the root cause. If you can get timely AC repair, you can avoid a bigger, more expensive system failure and keep your home comfortable on the hottest days.

Problems with Electricity and Capacitors

Summers put a strain on air conditioners, and they can take a toll on electrical components. During heavy use, some of the most common components to fail are capacitors, which power the motors that run your AC. A bad capacitor can cause your unit to buzz, have a hard start, or suddenly turn off. Also, circuit breakers can trip, and wiring can become worn, causing power to the system to fail unexpectedly. A professional HVAC service technician can safely inspect, test, and replace these parts, ensuring your system runs reliably before the next heat wave hits.

Failure to Maintain or Neglecting Tune-ups

A large number of air conditioning system failures during the summer are due to neglect or failure of maintenance. A system that hasn't been given a proper check-up in a few months or years can accumulate many small problems that lead to major issues, like worn belts, dirty condenser coils, low refrigerant levels, and more, all happening on a sweltering hot day. The best way to prevent summer HVAC system breakdowns is to have a seasonal tune-up with a reliable HVAC company before summer. During a tune-up, technicians thoroughly clean parts, inspect refrigerant levels, test electrical connections, and detect potential problems before they escalate into an expensive AC repair.

Let's identify why your AC breaks down in the summer so you can avoid it in the coming years. From sudden breakdowns to keeping ahead of potential problems, Aire Serv is here to help. Call us today to setup an inspection or HVAC service appointment with one of our professionals. Our goal is to keep Dallas homes and businesses cool, comfortable, and energy-efficient throughout the year.