As temperatures rise in Boca Raton, FL, you will find yourself cranking up the AC once more to get a gust of cooling air blowing through the home for reprieve. With average temperatures ranging between 78°F- 90°F starting from March to late October. Thus, the AC is an indispensable amenity in each home. Since the AC plays such a key role in the home, staying on top of its repairs is essential.
As the region’s leading AC technicians, we have seen one too many instances in which people were stuck in the heat because they neglected their unit’s repairs. As a result, we dedicated this entire blog to sharing the most common AC repairs and why you should never neglect them. Read on and prepare for the hot spring days of Florida.
Common AC Repairs That Need Immediate Attention in Boca Raton
So how do you even know that the air conditioning system needs repair? Below, we share the most common repairs that we perform in the region and how these issues present themselves in the home.
Refrigerant Leaks
Perhaps the most common type of AC repair is refrigerant leaks. Refrigerant is a chemical substance that runs through a set of lines and cools the hot air absorbed by the AC. When it develops an issue where this fluid begins to leak, the cooling power of the unit will decrease significantly. Here are the most common signs of refrigerant fluid leaks:
- Low cooling efficiency
- Hissing sounds
- System shutting down
To fix this problem, a technician will locate the leak and repair it. They will then refill the system with refrigerant fluid to make up for what has leaked out.
Compressor Failure
The compressor to an air conditioning unit is like a transmission to a car. Without it, the AC will simply not function. The signs of a potential compressor failure are the following:
- Hot air blowing from the vents when AC is set to cool
- The unit is not turning on at all
This issue will have to be inspected and repaired by a technician. What is very unfortunate is that most repair attempts usually end with the need to replace the compressor. This replacement is often very costly, ranging between $800 to $2,380; depending on the make and model of the unit.
Fan Motor Failure
Another essential component of the air conditioning unit is the fan motor. The fan motor has the key role of blowing air over the evaporator coils, where it is cooled by the refrigerant fluid. If this fan motor is broken, it is impossible for the AC to produce cool air. Here are some signs to watch out for when you’re concerned about a failing fan motor:
- AC unit blowing warm air
- Unusual sounds coming from the unit while its working
- Fan not working at all
Replacing the fan motor is relatively simple but it must be done by a technician. However, it is best not to neglect this repair because it can lead to other costly problems.
Clogged Air Filter
Have you ever considered the quality of your indoor air? Maybe not until the air begins to feel muggy and stuffy. When you begin to feel that stuffiness, it is probably time to check your air filters. Air filters are responsible for keeping the air clean and preventing debris from entering the system. Over time, they collect a large accumulation of dust and debris that restrict airflow, reduces the efficiency of the AC system, and causes poor air quality.
To prevent this problem, you should aim to check and clean those filters at least every 4-6 weeks. If your indoor air quality or AC efficiency doesn’t improve, a licensed professional will need to investigate the issue further.
Thermostat Issues
If you notice any of the following signs, you may have a problem with your thermostat:
- AC unit turning on and off frequently
- The temperature of the home not matching the thermostat settings
- The unit not turning on at all
Because the thermostat is the control center that is in charge of regulating the home’s temperatures, its failure will cause the entire unit to malfunction. A faulty thermostat will require a replacement or a fresh set of batteries. But these issues can be avoided with a regular AC maintenance routine where the tech takes the time to check the thermostat and calibrate it to appropriate settings.
What Happens When You Neglect AC Repair in Boca Raton
Perhaps you’ve noticed one of the issues we discussed above in your AC. So what? Why can’t you just put it off until you have more time? Why prioritize a repair now? For the remainder of this article, we dive into some of the consequences you will experience for delayed repairs.
Reduced Efficiency and Increased Energy Bills
A neglected air conditioning unit will also end up using more energy than necessary to produce those optimal temperatures we desire. As a result, the energy bills will gradually grow until the AC wears out completely. Every neglected repair can lead to poor efficiency levels, and thus, it is important to have whatever issue checked out as soon as possible. After all, who needs expensive energy bills in our economy?
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Dust, anyone? Rarely is anyone openly a fan of dusty rooms and allergies caused by poor indoor air quality. Dirty air filters and ducts are both possible culprits of dust, debris, and mugginess. If you neglect these repairs, your home will be allergy and asthma central coupled with the problem of an inefficient AC unit. It is safe to assume that most people would like to avoid these issues. Therefore, contact a local repair technician today to have those AC issues resolved.
Malfunctioning Components
The air conditioning unit is a system of intertwined components that depend on each other to function. It is like a slippery slope, where if one component is broken, the others will suffer as well. Neglecting AC repair can cause multiple components to fail.
For example, a refrigerant fluid leak may seem like a fairly small issue that shouldn’t be a big deal at all. However, when there are low, refrigerant fluid levels, the air conditioning compressor will work harder to produce the same levels of comfort in your home. Quite often, the compressor won’t be able to produce the same temperatures without the appropriate levels and will still continue to work harder than usual. This will cause it to wear out faster, causing it to fail and ultimately break down. When the compressor is broken, the entire system will be broken and inoperable as well.
Thus, one small issue looking at the refrigerant fluid leak grows into a systemwide problem that will necessitate expensive repairs, and a possible early replacement of the entire unit. Though it may seem like you are saving money now by putting off the repair, in the end, the consequences will grow into bigger problems and cost you more in energy bills and repairs down the line.
Safety Hazards
What is even more concerning about delayed AC repairs is the potential dangers that some issues can present. For example, refrigerant fluid is highly toxic. When a person comes in contact with it, the health outcomes can be very devastating. Also, it is harmful to the environment when it is leaking out into random places. The accumulation of moisture in the air can also cause mold to grow, which can be damaging to both the home and the health of those exposed to it. Therefore, if you have an AC problem, it is best to have it repaired sooner than later.
Decreased Lifespan of AC
Neglected AC repairs also contribute to an early replacement of the AC unit. Misaligned parts, inadequate refrigerant levels, and dirty components all cause the unit to wear out more quickly than usual. Though most air conditioning units are built to last 15-20 years, your unit may not even make it to 10 years if it isn’t maintained and repaired on a timely basis. Therefore, save yourself the stress and money by getting those repairs done today.
Call Us For Affordable, High-Quality AC Repairs in Boca Raton
Neglecting AC repairs is similar to neglecting one’s health. We all know about the devastating outcomes some people face when they neglect to go to the doctor about their blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and other health complications. If you neglect your health, your quality and longevity of life will not be the same. Similar outcomes can be expected of the air conditioning system.
Erica's Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Restoration is a company that is complete with only the best AC repair techs who will quickly restore all repairs and help you live your best life at home. We are available around the clock for any and all repairs. Give us a call today at 561-260-5763 to get the best AC service in Boca Raton, FL.
