When an air conditioning system shows signs that it needs repairs during the end of the summer, it’s tempting to shrug it off. “Well, I won’t need the AC for a good stretch. I can just have the repairs done later,” you might think. However, delaying any repairs for an air conditioner, no matter how “minor” they may seem, is unwise. You never know when you might need the AC’s cooling power again, and you don’t want the system to abruptly fail on you the next time you have to turn it on. And since malfunctions tend to worsen over time, delayed repairs are usually more expensive repairs.

Look Out for the Following

• Fixing refrigerant leaks: If you have an air conditioning system that is over 5 years old, it is susceptible to leaks occurring along the refrigerant line due to chemical corrosion. At the first sign your AC is dropping in cooling power, or you see ice developing along the indoor components, call for HVAC professionals to see if refrigerant leaks need to be repaired and the refrigerant recharged.
• Replacing burnt-out motors: Dirt and dust can infiltrate the cabinet of an air conditioner over a long summer season. If grime starts to build up across the motors that run the fans and the compressor, it will increase mechanical stress across them. This will make the air conditioner inefficient, and it may also cause the motors to burn out. If you hear mechanical screeching and grinding sounds from the AC or detect an acrid odor coming from the vents, you may need to have a burnt-out motor replaced.
• Thermostat recalibration: Modern thermostats are precision instruments, but that also means they’re susceptible to developing small faults. Unfortunately, a small fault in the thermostat’s temperature sensors can lead to inefficient and ineffective behavior from the AC, such as short-cycling. If you air conditioner is turning on and off at odd times, contact repair technicians to see if the thermostat needs recalibration.

Lifeline Plumbing, Inc. offers air conditioning repairs in East Dundee, IL. You can reach us 24/7 for urgent care.