They happen to everyone—air conditioner repairs. They creep up when you least expect it but more frequently as you head into the spring and summer. As you start using your air conditioner more in the warmer months, sometimes your air conditioner shows warning signs of needing a repair, especially if it’s older or hasn’t been properly maintained in a while.
In the end, even the best air conditioners need to be repaired at some point, but staying on top of any repairs can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. So you don’t end up in the thick of summer without a well-functioning air conditioner, we’ve pulled together a list of air conditioner repairs to keep an eye out for. If you notice any of these problems or have any concerns about your air conditioner’s performance, contact our team of Bozeman air conditioning repair professionals for help.
9 Common Air Conditioner Repairs
1. Faulty Thermostat
A malfunctioning thermostat can cause your air conditioner to run too frequently, not enough, or not at all. Without proper repairs, an improperly functioning thermostat can cause your energy bills to skyrocket, lead to uneven cooling of your home, or result in your home not being cooled at all when you need it most. A few causes for a malfunctioning thermostat include wiring issues, incorrect thermostat placement, a broken thermostat sensor, and power problems.
2. Drainage Issues
Your air conditioner’s drain line—responsible for carrying away condensation on the evaporator coil—can often be the culprit for needing a repair. Drain lines can become clogged or obstructed over time, which can lead to water backing up into the HVAC system and causing damage.
3. Electrical Problems
Electrical issues can cause a wide range of problems that could lead to you needing air conditioner repair services. From faulty wiring and loose connections to a tripped circuit breaker and corrosion, electrical problems can cause your air conditioner to wear out too quickly and need repairs.
4. Faulty Capacitors
Capacitors are essential to air conditioning units. Without them, the motors that power the fans and compressor won’t function properly. If you have a faulty, old, or dirty capacitor, it can cause your air conditioner to fail and need repairs.
5. Low Refrigerant or Leaks
Refrigerant is the substance that circles through your air conditioning system and is responsible for cooling the air that is blown into your home. If you have low refrigerant levels, your air conditioner will blow warm air or not cool the air at all. Sometimes, a leak in the evaporator coil, condenser coil, or connecting lines can cause your refrigerant levels to get low and cause damage to your HVAC system. Regular air conditioner maintenance can help you avoid low refrigerant levels and leaks, extending the lifespan of your air conditioner unit.
6. Dirty Air Filters
One of the main culprits for why your air conditioner isn’t working properly is your air filter. Dirty or clogged air filters reduce airflow through your air conditioner and, in severe cases, can cause your unit to freeze. Regular maintenance and changing of your air filter can help keep your air conditioner in tip-top shape and avoid the need for intensive repairs.
7. Dirty Air Conditioner Coils
Your air conditioner has two coils: the condenser coil (located outdoors) and the evaporator coil (located indoors). Both of these coils have refrigerant running through them and help regulate the cooling functionality of your air conditioner unit. However, when these coils become dirty, the coils are unable to properly cool your home, resulting in your unit running longer than it should and pushing hot air into your home. An experienced HVAC technician can clean your air conditioner’s coils and return them to an optimal state.
8. Failing Blower Motor
The blower motor is essential to your air conditioner, as it’s responsible for circulating cool air throughout your home. When the blower motor fails, you experience reduced airflow and poor cooling performance throughout your home. Sometimes, you can even hear that your blower motor is failing, as your air conditioner may produce a humming, grinding, or rattling noise. If you suspect your blower motor may be failing, reach out to an air conditioning repair technician immediately to assess and remedy the issue. Delaying repairs can lead to further system damage and costly repairs.
9. Bad Compressor
The compressor is one of the most expensive components of your air conditioning system. The heart of the air conditioning unit, the compressor circulates refrigerant throughout your air conditioning unit. They can typically last between 10 and 15 years with proper maintenance, but lack of proper care can lead to harsh wear and tear on your compressor. Debris, dust particles, and refrigerant leaks can lead to the breakdown of your compressor, so having your compressor regularly maintained can save you expensive repairs in the long run.
Should I Repair My Air Conditioner Unit or Replace it?
If your air conditioner starts having problems, sometimes repairing your air conditioner unit is the best option. If its age and warranty are still good and the repairs are manageable, you likely do not need to replace your entire air conditioning unit at this time. However, there are cases when it is better to buy a new air conditioner rather than invest money in upkeeping your current unit. Here are a few signs it’s time to replace your air conditioner:
- Odd noises are coming from your unit
- The air smells strange
- Your energy bills are higher
- Your home’s air quality is poor
- Your airflow is weak
- The AC unit needs frequent or expensive repairs
- Your AC unit is over 10 years old
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant
If you need advice selecting a new air conditioner for your home, check out our resource on how to choose the right air conditioner type for your home and our recommendations for the best air conditioner brands. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give our Bozeman HVAC team a call or shoot us a message—we can help you pick the best air conditioner for your needs!
Bozeman Air Conditioning Installation & Repair Services
Are you in the market for a new air conditioner or need your system repaired before the warm weather hits? We’ve got you covered! At Mountain Heating and Cooling, our team of NATE-certified technicians is here to diagnose and solve every air conditioning problem you may encounter. Whether you need your Trane air conditioner serviced before the long summer months, an air filter replacement, or a full air conditioner installation appointment, you can depend on our team to make sure your home stays comfy and cool. Schedule an appointment today!