A variety of problems can arise that will increase the energy consumption of your air conditioner. If energy use is not kept in check, your energy bills can skyrocket.
The five problems below can impact energy use and decrease efficiency:
- Leaks. In order to efficiently produce cooled air, an A/C system needs the appropriate amount of refrigerant. Improper levels can result from leaks in the system, or during installation the technician may have undercharged the refrigerant. Regardless of the reason, recharging refrigerant is a job for the pros, as is fixing leaks – so call your HVAC technician.
- Maintenance. Having your A/C serviced regularly will go a long way toward ensuring efficiency; however, if you neglect to schedule annual preventive maintenance or you fail to change the filter regularly, the A/C’s internal components have a better chance of breaking down, requiring repairs or even a complete system replacement.
- Electricity Failure. It’s common for the electrical controls on an A/C to wear when it cycles on and off frequently. However, wires can also corrode, so it’s important that these components be checked during maintenance checks.
- Drains. Humidity in the air can lead to clogs in the condensate drain, as can heavy rains (i.e., monsoon season). Check the drain regularly to ensure that water and moisture can leave the unit safely.
- Breakers. The power to your A/C is centrally located at your home’s main fuse box to allow safe access to the system, as well as providing a safety measure when electrical surges run through your home’s electricity wires. If the A/C is getting overheated for some reason, the breaker will also shut off.
If you experience any problems with your A/C, and you suspect one or more of the above as the source of the problem, check the breaker. Wait for the system to cool off before resetting it. You can also check the system’s limit switch, as it will automatically shut off the compressor when it gets overheated. To ensure the efficiency of your air conditioner, schedule regular maintenance. For help, contact the experts at Hansberger Refrigeration & Electric.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air conditioners and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Hansberger Refrigeration & Electric Co services the Yuma area in Arizona. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!
