11 Things That Could Be Triggering Your Frequent Air Conditioning Repair | Dallas, TX
It’s the middle of summer, and you’re relying on your air conditioning unit to keep you cool. But all of a sudden, it seems like your AC is always broken! What could be causing this? While many factors could lead to your air conditioning repair woes, here are 11 common ones that might be triggering the need for repairs. Keep these in mind so you can try to avoid them and keep your home comfortable all summer long!
Hiring an Inexperienced or Unqualified Technician
If you frequently need air conditioning repair, it could be because you’re hiring inexperienced or unqualified technicians. While it may be tempting to save money by going with the cheapest option, this can often cost you more in the long run. Inexperienced technicians are more likely to make mistakes, leading to further damage to your AC unit.
They may also be unfamiliar with the latest AC technology and best practices, meaning they could miss vital issues causing your problems. In addition, working with an unqualified technician can void your warranty, leaving you responsible for all future repair costs.
In contrast, a qualified and experienced technician will have the skills and knowledge to diagnose and fix any issues with your AC unit quickly. They’ll also be up-to-date on the latest advances in air conditioning technology, so you can be confident that your unit is in good hands. In short, hiring a qualified and experienced technician in Dallas, TX, is essential to ensuring your AC unit stays in good working order.
When searching for someone to fix your unit, be sure to look for someone who is certified and has experience working on air conditioning units. Checking reviews online can also help you find a qualified technician in Dallas, TX.
Taking Actions When It’s Too Late
Another common mistake that triggers frequent air conditioning repair is taking action when it’s already too late. For example, if you notice your AC unit isn’t cooling your home as well as it used to, you might be tempted to wait a few days or weeks to see if the problem fixes itself.
Unfortunately, it’s often already severe when you notice a problem. By waiting to take action, you’re only allowing the issue to worsen and potentially cause more damage to your unit. As a result, you may need more extensive and expensive repairs.
Ideally, you should take action as soon as you notice any problems with your AC unit. This way, you can address the issue before it has a chance to grow and cause further damage. If you’re unsure whether an issue is serious, it’s always best to avoid caution and contact a qualified technician in Dallas, TX.
Failing to Clean or Replace Your Filters
Homeowners who frequently find themselves needing air conditioning repair may not realize that neglecting to clean or replace their filters is likely the root of the problem. Most standard air conditioning units have a filter that needs to be replaced every one to three months, and some newer high-efficiency models may need to be replaced even more often. A dirty filter not only reduces the unit’s efficiency but can also cause it to overwork itself and break down.
In addition, a clogged filter can cause the air conditioner to ice up, leading to a complete system failure. If you want to avoid the need for frequent air conditioning repair, be sure to check and clean or replace your filters regularly. You will enjoy a cooler, more comfortable home all summer long.
Incorrect Sizing
The size of your AC unit plays a big role in its efficiency and longevity. An air conditioner that is too small will have to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, leading to increased wear and tear. In addition, an undersized unit will not be able to remove enough humidity from the air, leading to condensation issues.
On the other hand, if an air conditioner is too large for the space it is cooling, it will cycle on and off more frequently, causing the unit to break down more often. In either case, you’re likely to find yourself in need of frequent air conditioning repair.
To avoid this problem, it’s important to have a professional in Dallas, TX, help you select the right size unit for your home. They will consider the square footage of your home, the number of windows and other factors to ensure you get a unit that is just the right size.
Not only will this help you avoid frequent air conditioning repairs, but it will also help you save money on your energy bills.
Leaky Windows and Doors
One of the main functions of your air conditioning system is to keep cool air inside your home and the hot air outside. But if your windows and doors are not sealed properly, all that hard work goes to waste. Hot air can seep into your home through cracks and gaps, causing your air conditioner to work overtime to compensate.
Not only does this drive up your energy bills, but it can also lead to frequent air conditioning repairs because of wear and tear from overuse. To avoid this, check your windows and doors for any gaps or cracks. Even the smallest gaps can let in enough outside air to affect your AC unit’s efficiency.
Look for any gaps or cracks and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. You may also want to invest in some new window treatments that can help insulate your home against heat loss. These steps can help reduce the need for frequent AC repair and keep your home comfortable all year long.
Skipping Preventative Maintenance
Like your car, your air conditioner needs regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. This includes checking the Freon levels, lubricating the moving parts, and cleaning the coils. Unfortunately, skipping preventative maintenance is one of the most common triggers for frequent air conditioning repair.
When you neglect to have your AC unit serviced regularly, it can cause a build-up of dirt and debris in the system. This can lead to clogged parts and reduced airflow, making your AC unit work harder to cool your home.
In addition, skipping preventative maintenance can also cause your AC unit to develop leaks. These leaks can allow coolant to escape, reducing your unit’s efficiency and leading to higher energy bills. Ultimately, skipping preventative maintenance increases the likelihood that you will need frequent air conditioning repair.
Therefore, it is important to have your AC unit serviced by a professional in Dallas, TX, every year. Not only will this help you avoid frequent AC repairs, but it can also help extend the lifespan of your unit.
Improper Insulation
If your home isn’t properly insulated, that’s one factor that could trigger your frequent air conditioning repair. Insulation provides a barrier that helps keep heat and cold where they belong, saving you money on energy bills and reducing the need for repairs.
When heat enters your home in the summer, it has nowhere to go but down. Thus, your air conditioner must work overtime to get rid of the heat, which puts a lot of wear and tear on the system. The same is true in the winter when the heat from your furnace escapes through gaps in your insulation. Not only does this make your HVAC system work harder, but it also drives up your energy bills.
If you’re unsure whether your home is properly insulated, it’s a good idea to perform an energy audit. An energy auditor will assess your home’s insulation levels and recommend improvements. In most cases, adding more insulation to the attic and walls can make a big difference. You may also consider investing in energy-efficient window treatments to help keep the heat and cold out.
Overuse of AC
In the peak of summer, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to crank up their air conditioners and let them run all day to keep cool. While it’s understandable that you want to stay cool and comfortable, running your AC unit around the clock is a sure recipe for disaster. It can strain the system and trigger frequent air conditioning repair needs. In addition, constantly running the AC can cause it to use more energy, leading to higher utility bills.
So if you want to avoid costly air conditioning repairs and keep your energy bills under control, it’s best to use your AC unit sparingly. So, how can you avoid overusing your AC unit?
Make sure that your home is properly insulated. This will help keep cool air in and hot air out, reducing the need for constant use of your AC.
Take advantage of natural ventilation by opening windows and doors when weather permits.
Consider investing in a programmable thermostat, which will allow you to adjust the temperature based on your schedule automatically.
By taking these simple steps, you can help prolong your unit’s life and avoid costly air conditioning repairs down the road.
Obstructed Airflow
One possible factor triggering your frequent air conditioning repair is obstructed airflow. An air conditioner needs a certain amount of airflow over its coils to function properly. If the airflow is obstructed, the coils can’t do their job, and the air conditioner will have to work harder to cool the air, which puts stress on the system and can eventually lead to a breakdown.
So if you’re noticing that your air conditioner needs air conditioning repair more frequently than usual, it could be due to an obstructed airflow. One way to prevent this problem is to ensure that there aren’t any furniture or other objects blocking the vents in your home. By keeping the airflow unobstructed, you can help extend the life of your unit and avoid costly AC repairs.
Poor Installation
If your air conditioner wasn’t installed properly, that could be another factor triggering your frequent air conditioning repair needs. A poorly installed AC unit can lead to several problems, such as reduced airflow, improper cooling, and increased stress on the system. Some common installation mistakes include failing to level the unit, not properly sealing the ductwork, and not correctly installing the electrical connections.
When the unit is not leveled, the condenser coils can become damaged. This, in turn, will impede the airflow and prevent the AC unit from cooling properly. If the ductwork is not sealed correctly, it can cause air leaks, reducing airflow and leading to improper cooling. And if the electrical connections are not installed correctly, it can create a fire hazard.
In addition to being a safety hazard, poor installation can also void your warranty. When installing your AC unit, use a reputable contractor who will do the job right. It may cost a little more upfront, but it will save you money in the long run. If you’re unsure whether your unit was installed properly, it’s a good idea to have a professional in Dallas, TX, take a look. They will be able to identify any installation problems and make the necessary corrections.
Incorrect Thermostat Settings
If you find that your air conditioner is constantly running, one possible reason could be incorrect thermostat settings. If the thermostat is set too low, it will cause the AC unit to run longer to achieve the desired temperature. And if the thermostat is set too high, it can cause the AC unit to cycle on and off more frequently, which puts stress on the system and can lead to a breakdown.
To avoid these problems, it’s important to ensure that the thermostat is set to the correct temperature. In general, the ideal setting is around 78 degrees Fahrenheit. But during the hottest summer days, you may need to set it a few degrees lower to stay comfortable. If you’re not sure what temperature to set the thermostat, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional. They can help you determine the ideal setting for your home and avoid frequent air conditioning repairs.
Having Trouble with Your AC? We Can Help!
If you need air conditioning repair, installation, maintenance, or replacement in Dallas, TX, our experts at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas are here to help. We are a full-service HVAC company that offers a wide range of AC services to meet your needs. We also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our work, so you can be sure you’re making the best decision for your home.
Don’t wait any longer; give One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas a call today to schedule a consultation! We look forward to serving you!