Furnace Fiascos Avoided

5 Causes Of Residential Air Conditioning Not Working

Air conditioning is a modern pleasure that many homeowners get used to having. When air conditioning systems stop working, it can create more than an inconvenience. Routine maintenance is one of the best ways to prevent this from happening. There is understandable panic associated with having a non-working AC system. Here are a few things that can cause this phenomenon to occur.

Air Duct Leaks

Air ducts in homes age over time. When they do, they lose some of their insulative properties. The seals can also loosen over time. This can lead to cool air seeping out of the air ducts. The air conditioning system might be working correctly, but the cool air escaping can make it seem as though it is not. 

Refrigerant Leak

This is an issue that must be addressed by an HVAC contractor. Unlicensed individuals cannot legally purchase refrigerants for AC units. The refrigerant is a necessary portion of the cooling process. Units that are low in refrigerant cannot produce cool air. If the refrigerant is not topped off and a unit runs out of refrigerant, it is possible for damages to occur. Homeowners with older AC systems might experience refrigerant leaks due to normal wear and tear. It might also be hard to locate refrigerant for older units since the refrigerant for some older AC systems has been phased out. A new residential air conditioning system might be the only option.

Clog In Outdoor Unit

There are a number of things that can cause clogs in the outdoor unit. Debris is a common culprit. However, it is not uncommon for certain animals to build nests in or near outdoor units. One way to prevent foreign materials from entering the outdoor unit is to invest in a cover. 

Dirty Evaporator Coils

Grime can build up on evaporator coils and interfere with the process of removing heat out of the outdoor unit. The coils can be cleaned, which will correct the issue. If a unit with dirty coils continues to operate, it is possible for overheating to occur. This can cause significant damage to the unit.

Tripped Circuit Breaker

Most homes have two circuits for the AC systems. One of them controls the outdoor unit, and the other is responsible for cooling indoors. Both need to be in the correct position in order for the AC system to work properly. 

An HVAC contractor is the best resource to use to diagnose issues with residential air conditioning systems. They can troubleshoot and make AC repairs if needed. 


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