8 Common Problems with Older Air Conditioning Systems

Older air conditioning systems often deal with lots of wear and tear. It can be seen in different stages while parts start failing in time or at times, the unit can break down all of a sudden without prior notice.

While there might be hundreds of factors why your air conditioner may have to be checked by certified air conditioning contractors, there are several reasons which are fairly common. Identifying what these may be will make it clearer for you to understand what the technician refers to once they discuss the possible routes to conduct the heat and air conditioning repair.

Below are some of the common issues with older air conditioning systems you have to be aware of to know when you should hire air handler services or get a new unit altogether.

Faulty Wiring

Haphazard, uncertified or short air conditioning wiring can be very risky and pose a potential fire hazard. A bad wiring can also prevent your AC system from getting the power it needs or trip your circuit breaker.

Malfunctioning Outside Fan

The outside fan is the one that conveys the heat from your house to the outside air. When the fan outside your unit fails to perform properly, correct heat transfer will not take place and the compressor of your AC system may overheat and trip your safety overload. The worst thing is that this can also cause internal damage to your unit’s compressor.

Low Refrigerant

The refrigerant refers to the chemical which cools the air inside your AC system. Lower levels of refrigerant may mean that there is a problem or leak with the unit’s refrigerant system. When your air conditioning unit has to be recharged with refrigerant, most of the time, this means that there is some leak somewhere. Every refrigerant leak must be located and repaired right away. Air conditioning service providers can do easily perform this job.

Frozen Coil

Frozen coils often imply a problem with airflow like restrictions due to obstructed return of air ductwork or filthy air filters. Frozen indoor coils may also be due to low refrigerant. This can be avoided through regular duct cleaning.

Not Functional Outside Unit

It often indicates conductor issues, lack of power or faulty thermostat.

Inefficiencies

Damage to the fan, compressor and coil all means that your air conditioner unit must work extra harder in order to keep your house at a more comfortable temperature. It results to higher energy usage. It is not a secret that your 15-year old unit will not be as efficient as those designed today and it might be the cause of your higher electric bill.

Frequent Repair

If you try to save your older AC system for a longer time, higher are the chance for it to break down in times when you need it the most. If you only get repair after repair and all the costs just add up, it would be more cost effective if you just replace your unit entirely.

Slow Performance

Older air conditioners are also likely to take longer time to make your house cooler. It is usually not worth the cost of energy and maintenance.

While AC maintenance is great, there are times when it is best to replace your old air conditioning system to avoid these unwanted repairs.