Older air conditioners will eventually start requiring more maintenance and repairs than newer models, but if you aren't ready to replace your air conditioner just yet, it helps to know what to expect. Wear and tear means replacing more components, keeping your ducts in good shape, and safely managing electrical problems. Staying on top of these repairs will keep your air conditioner running efficiently through summer and beyond.
Component Replacements
As an air conditioner gets older, many of its parts will eventually need to be replaced. While the failure of many of these parts could stop your air conditioner from working temporarily, these failures are rarely so serious that you'll need to think about replacing your entire air conditioner.
Moving parts are especially prone to needing replacing as they age. Belts can dry out, loosen and fall off, or crack, and motor bearings can lose their lubrication. Fan blades can also suffer physical damage or lose their alignment. Many issues with moving parts can be avoided with regular maintenance, as signs of wear and tear are often easier to detect.
Apart from moving components, parts like capacitors, fuses, and contractors will also eventually need to be replaced. These parts are responsible for providing and regulating power to your air conditioner, and can usually be replaced during a quick service visit. Because demand for these parts can surge during summer months, keeping a few spares handy can help you avoid wait times for part replacements.
Electrical Work
Along with electrical components, circuits are susceptible to wear and tear, especially if you've experienced any pest-related issues. Electrical problems aren't always tough to diagnose, but because they can be dangerous to your air conditioner and your home, it's worth getting a professional involved right away if you suspect your air conditioner might need electrical work.
One common problem is when the breaker for the circuit your air conditioner is installed on starts tripping repeatedly. When this breaker trips over and over again, this is a sign your circuit itself could have an issue, such as a ground fault or short circuit. In these cases, the breaker will trip to prevent damage to your home that can come from electrical fires.
If you don't have a dedicated circuit, this can happen when the circuit is overwhelmed. You may also experience this problem if there's something wrong with your capacitor which can overwhelm even a dedicated circuit if the part itself is malfunctioning or failing. If your breaker trips repeatedly, stop using your air conditioner and contact a technician as soon as possible.
Duct Work Repairs
Your home's air ducts are one of the most important parts of your air conditioner. If there are any issues with your ducts, you will start losing cool air through gaps and holes, you may see a spike in your utility bills, and you might even smart smelling foul odors or experiencing more pest-related issues.
Ducts commonly start losing efficiency as they age as seals start to fade and as insulation starts getting old and falling away. This can cost you upwards of several hundred dollars a year as your air conditioner runs more often to keep your house cool.
Holes and gaps in your ducts can also let in pests, which can contaminate your ducts as they use them to build homes and travel through different vents. Pests in your ducts can be a health hazard, and they can also cause additional damage by nibbling on nearby cables or making gaps wider.
Typically, ducts should be inspected every three to five years. Older ducts are more likely to need repairs, such as insulation or resealing gaps. Depending on the extent of damage and wear, it may be more cost-effective to replace certain sections if not all of your ducts. If they have been infested, they may also need to be cleaned to prevent the further spread of contaminants in your home.
To learn more information, reach out to an air conditioning repair service near you.
Share22 July 2020
Hi there, my name is Shelley. Welcome to my site about electric heating systems. Electric heat has recently fallen out of favor due to the efficiency of natural gas systems. Electric heat is still suitable for small buildings that do not need the high temps provided by upgraded systems. I will use this site to explore all of the building types that can benefit from electric heating systems. I will also share information about system components, installations and repairs. I welcome you to come by often to learn more about this exciting topic. Thanks for coming by. See you soon.