It's inevitable for your air conditioner to deteriorate as it approaches the end of its lifespan. However, you can still take measures to ensure you get the best out of your unit before it finally breaks down. For instance, you can change the air filters regularly, clean the coils, adjust your thermostat, and schedule regular repairs.
This article will discuss some most common issues you should expect with an older air conditioner.
Icing on the AC Unit
One of the things you will experience with an older AC unit is icing on its components. So, how does this happen? The evaporator coils on your unit are responsible for cooling the refrigerant so that it can eliminate heat in your home's air. When the coils are too dirty, they prevent proper airflow through the AC system, reducing the unit's temperatures.
With time, the cold air will accumulate and condense into liquid as the temperatures drop. The liquid will then freeze as the temperatures fall further.
Icing on the AC unit can also be due to low refrigerant levels caused by leaks. The insufficient refrigerant will then result in a drop in the temperatures and pressure inside the AC system. This phenomenon will lead to the freezing of condensed air in the AC system.
Reduced Energy Efficiency
Does an older air conditioner consume more energy? The answer is yes. With time, the AC unit's compressors will become less efficient due to wear and tear, affecting your unit's overall efficiency. Therefore, the components will consume more energy to compensate for the system deficiency.
An older AC system will lose some of its refrigerant due to leaks. Low refrigerant means your air conditioner will lack the capacity to cool your home's air efficiently. Hence, your AC system will start to blow warm air. This anomaly further strains your overall AC system, increasing energy consumption.
Electrical Problems
An older air conditioner will most likely have faulty wiring, which makes it susceptible to short-circuiting. This problem can be hazardous as it can trigger a fire. Also, you should expect other electrical components to be damaged. For example, the capacitors could be faulty, leading to delays when starting the AC unit. You may also begin to hear odd noises from your equipment.
Electrical issues can also trigger abnormal circuit breaker tripping. This issue can be a nuisance as your AC system frequently goes off. As a result, your AC unit may not cool your indoor air as you desire. You should call an AC unit professional to help you diagnose any electrical issues and fix them on time.
For more information, contact a company like STA SO COOL HVAC.
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