With all the technologies and complexities of today’s fast-moving world, the average homeowner usually doesn’t give their air conditioning system a great deal of consideration on an average day. At Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling, we understand that AC systems can be overlooked until they break down and need some sort of repair. This is why we make ourselves available to help out, around the clock, throughout the Greater Miami Valley area. Since we rely on our own cooling systems to perform reliably in our own homes, we put together the following list of some of the more prevalent things to think about if you are experiencing problems with your AC system.

To find out more about our Five Star Rated, affordable A/C services, call Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling today at (513) 540-1716, or schedule an appointment now!

Prevalent reasons for ac failure

• Lack of maintenance. Seasonal maintenance is essential for your AC system’s lifespan and performance. During a service appointment, one of our certified technicians works to identify and catch minor issues before they become more serious problems. Additionally, they test your system and run through an extensive checklist of items that need regular attention and cleaning. Neglecting regular maintenance can void warranties from the manufacturer and lead to problems that range from breakdowns to higher energy bills.

• Coil freezing. Bad or dirty air filters (which have to be replaced frequently) and obstructions in your ductwork can block airflow in your system. This can lead to frozen coils. To prevent your coils from freezing up, remember to frequently clean or replace your air filter and make sure your ductwork stays free and clear.

• Low refrigerant levels. The refrigerants used in cooling systems are important, but they are also dangerous. As such, any sort of leakage should be repaired and the refrigerant should be recharged by a licensed technician as soon as possible. If your refrigerant levels are low, your A/C will not function properly until a professional recharges it.

• Compressors, fan blades, and electrical problems. If an air conditioner’s compressor fails, often it’s the result of an underlying issue that places stress on the system. These issues could include dirty coils, low refrigerant levels, electrical issues, fan blade problems, and more. These types of things are more reasons why annual maintenance is so indispensable. Our trained technicians quickly identify worn out and damaged parts so homeowners aren’t surprised by needing emergency repairs.

• Blown breaker, bad fuses. One of the initial things you should check when your air conditioning system goes down or fails to power on is your circuit breaker and your fuses. Make sure you give it 10 to 15 minutes to allow your A/C to cool off. After that, replace the fuse or reset the breaker and see if that fixes the problem. If this doesn’t solve the problem, you might have tripped something called a “high-pressure limit switch.” If that’s the case, we strongly suggest you give us a call.

• Thermostat issues. When a thermostat starts failing, an A/C usually cycles off and on continuously — if at all. If that’s the case, it is definitely a good time to consider getting a thermostat upgrade. Having us install a smart or programmable thermostat will pay for itself in no time with energy savings. Plus the added convenience of being able to control your thermostat remotely via your cell phone will make your life a lot easier.

What happens during an AC Tune-Up + Safety Check?

• Check pilot assembly and ignition sequence
• Check thermocouple or flame sensor
• Check burner flame
• Check humidifier and air cleaner
• Check heat exchanger
• Check for proper venting
• Check fan control
• Check safety device and electrical wiring
• Check blower amp draw
• Check belt (tension adjustment)
• Check operation sequence
• Check gas valve
• Check and inspect the circuit board
• Lubricate all accessible moving parts
• Check for overall safe operation
• Carbon monoxide safety test