As the summer draws to a close, your air conditioner has likely been working hard for months to keep your home comfortable. But all that work can take a toll on your system, leading to the need for an air conditioning repair in Madera, CA that can appear late in the cooling season. Identifying these issues early can help you avoid costly repairs or a complete breakdown when you need your AC the most. Here are some common late-season AC repairs to be aware of.
1. Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant is essential for your air conditioner to function properly. It absorbs heat from your home and releases it outside, allowing the system to cool the air. Late in the season, refrigerant leaks can become more apparent due to the continuous strain on the system over the summer months. A drop in refrigerant levels can reduce cooling efficiency and cause your AC to run longer than usual, increasing wear and tear on all components.
Common signs of a refrigerant leak include ice forming on the evaporator coil or refrigerant lines, a hissing or bubbling sound coming from the unit, and a sudden decrease in cooling efficiency. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, it’s important to have our professional technicians inspect your system. Running your AC with low refrigerant levels can cause severe damage to the compressor and other components, leading to expensive AC repairs.
2. Clogged Air Filters and Coils
After a long summer of operation, it’s easy for your AC’s air filters and evaporator coils to become clogged with dirt, dust, and debris. A clogged filter restricts airflow, reducing your system’s efficiency and making it work harder to cool your home. Similarly, a dirty evaporator coil can prevent the proper absorption of heat, causing the AC to run longer and struggle to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Late in the cooling season, you might notice your AC is no longer keeping your home as cool as it once did or that your energy bills have unexpectedly increased. These are common signs of dirty air filters or coils. Regular professional maintenance can help prevent these issues and ensure your system runs efficiently.
3. Short Cycling
Short cycling occurs when your air conditioner turns on and off frequently without completing a full cooling cycle. This problem often surfaces late in the cooling season due to accumulated wear and tear. Short cycling not only prevents your home from reaching the desired temperature but also puts extra strain on the system, leading to higher energy bills and potential damage to components like the compressor.
Common causes of short cycling include a malfunctioning thermostat, refrigerant leaks, or an oversized AC unit. If you notice your AC is turning on and off more frequently than usual, it’s important to address the issue quickly. Ignoring short cycling can shorten your system’s lifespan and lead to expensive repairs.
We strive to provide honest answers and solutions to the problems our customers experience while remaining highly competitive in price, and offer the fastest turnaround you can find! Contact Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning to schedule air conditioning repair in Madera, CA, or sign up for Mr. Cool’s Super Saver Program.