The heat this summer is set to break records. Already, citizens and city infrastructures are struggling to beat the heat — temperatures of which are breaking into the hundreds in some areas. In extreme heat such as this, staying cool isn’t only a matter of your comfort: it’s a matter of safety.
The last thing anyone wants to deal with right now is their air conditioner going out in the middle of a heatwave. If your system suddenly stops cooling your home, you can easily complete a surface inspection of the unit. Here’s what to look out for and how we can help.
4 Common Causes of AC Failure
HVAC systems are made up of many components that all have to work together to cool and condition the air inside your home. When the system is working properly, we give little thought to these parts, but when our system fails, it’s important to find the specific source of the issue.
Some common causes of AC failure include:
- Frozen evaporator coil
- Leaking refrigerant
- Faulty circuit breaker/fuse
- Faulty condenser fan
In the case of a faulty condenser fan, the fan in the outdoor portion of your HVAC system may spin sporadically or not spin at all. We’ll discuss the common causes of this problem and explain some steps you can take to troubleshoot or solve this problem before calling in the pros.
Common Reasons a Condenser Fan Isn’t Spinning
More commonly known industry reasons for condenser fan failure include start capacitor breakdowns, a defective condenser unit, and the age of the equipment.
Start Capacitor Breakdown
The capacitors are electrical devices that run your condenser unit. If the capacitor is running, the HVAC system should also be running. However, there are some conditions that may cause a breakdown:
- Extreme temperatures
- Power surges
- Age of the equipment
If your start capacitor fails, the motor powering the fan inside your system will shut down as well. A good way to test your capacitors is to turn your system off and then back on. If the fan works, your system should start without a problem. If the fan doesn’t start spinning, contact your local HVAC contractor or Standard Heating & Air Conditioning for professional service.
Defective Condenser Unit
If the fault in the use of the fan isn’t due to capacitor failure, the issue may lie in the condenser unit itself. If the unit struggles to start, the fan motor won’t operate correctly — without the motor, the fan has nothing powering it, and air won’t circulate throughout the home. This is another issue that a professional inspection and repair can fix for you.
Providing the Comfort You Deserve
All appliances are prone to failure over time due to normal wear and tear. Scheduling preventive maintenance during spring and fall helps keep your system up and running through extreme temperatures.
If your system fails during a heatwave, contact Standard Heating & Air Conditioning for same-day emergency services. Our technicians are highly trained and equipped to handle all the latest makes and models of equipment and carry many compatible parts on their trucks to get you up and running. Contact us today at (612) 324-1015,