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Most Mansfield, TX homeowners have had to arrange for an air conditioning repair service at least once during the lifespan of the AC unit installed in their home. Inadequate cooling via central air conditioning often arises from disrupted airflow, either through closed-off rooms or issues with air ducts. Similarly, room air conditioners can generate their own set of faults caused by various factors, including improper maintenance, incorrect placement, and overuse. Whether caused by improper installation, a faulty service, or lack of maintenance, ill-performing AC units can exhibit a range of troubling symptoms that can result in the need for emergency AC repair. To help you identify when repairs are needed more urgently, we’ve compiled a list of the most common reasons HVAC technicians receive callouts.

#1 Refrigerant Leaks

During routine inspections, you may notice that your air conditioner is low on refrigerant. When an AC has an improper refrigerant level, it’s not always as simple as just adding more into the system. While adding more refrigerant is a short-term solution, an air conditioning repair service should be booked so that a professional technician can investigate the interior thoroughly. A thorough investigation will determine if the low refrigerant level was caused by a leak or if it was improperly filled at installation time.

A technician should fix any leaks, test repairs, and then refill refrigerant to the correct level to ensure your AC is left in peak operating condition during an air conditioning repair service. Unqualified technicians or inexperienced repairers may be unfamiliar with the necessary refrigerant level for an AC unit, fail to find refrigerant issues, or compound existing issues by adding refrigerant to a system that’s already full. Peak efficiency is tied to whether your air conditioner has the correct level of refrigerant, which is why it’s crucial to arrange a callout if you suspect issues of this type. Refrigerant leaks can be harmful to the environment. Plus, if leaks are not fixed, you’re continually wasting money on refills, as well as causing environmental damage!

#2 Electric Control Failure

Many air conditioning repair callouts are due to failures caused by electrical control issues. If your air conditioner is continually cycling on and off due to a faulty thermostat, or if the AC unit is improperly sized for your Mansfield, TX, home, you’ll find that electrical components wear out much quicker and need repair sooner. Corrosion of terminals and wires and issues with electrical connections and contacts should be assessed regularly during professional service calls to prevent full-blown failure.

#3 Unpleasant Smells

A burning smell is a key indicator that you require an air conditioning repair, as it’s a sign that internal components are overheating and burning. Faulty motors, especially if they become dusty or lack lubrication, can overheat and cause a burning smell. Broken capacitors and belt-drive motor failure can also cause unpleasant smells that require emergency callouts.

#4 Sensor Problems

Air conditioning units typically feature a thermostat sensor located behind the main control panel, which measures the temperature of the air hitting the evaporator coil. An improperly aligned sensor can result in constant cycling of the air conditioner and erratic cooling behavior. While not considered a true emergency, fixing a problematic sensor will improve air conditioner behavior, efficiency, and reduce wear and tear associated with rapid cycling.

#5 Inadequate Maintenance

Filters, air conditioning coils, and other components, such as compressors and fans, that aren’t maintained correctly can cause premature failure and emergency callouts. Units improperly maintained may blow out warm air when you’re looking for cold, don’t remove as much humidity, have reduced airflow due to dust build-up, and can cause worrying sounds or exhibit strange odors. Loose components, including the fan belt, can cause unpleasant shrieking sounds that can come across as very disturbing. Overworked compressors can also cause loud noises. If you suspect inadequate maintenance has caused any issues with your AC, or you’re hearing worrying sounds, shut down your unit and call a professional air conditioning repair technician.

#6 Improper Installation

Major air conditioner manufacturers design their units to last for years. Premature failure of an air conditioner that’s advertised as high-quality and rugged can be caused by improper installation. Sometimes the air conditioner can be installed in a less-than-optimal location, and other times, the refrigerant could be filled to an inappropriate level during the installation process. In either case, an air conditioning repair callout service can correct the issue.

#7 Drainage Issues

Many callouts are linked to drainage issues. Drainage problems can affect both indoor and outdoor components. When it’s humid, the condensate drain should be checked regularly to ensure the extra moisture is draining away properly. Humidity is not the only aspect that affects drainage. Room air conditioners, for example, can experience issues if not mounted level. Clogged lines can also cause standing water to develop, and water damage may occur near the unit.

#8 Frozen Coils

If the coils have frozen, your air conditioner won’t work. Trying to use an air conditioner while components are frozen can cause further damage, which is why many local homeowners rely on a professional to check the coils and return them to operating condition.

#9 Outdoor Unit Failure

An air conditioning repair service doesn’t have to focus only on interior components. Callouts also occur for issues with the outdoor compressor or condenser parts. In some cases, a broken compressor can result in a full AC unit replacement.

#10 Lack of Airflow

Last but not least, a lack of airflow is one of the most common reasons for an air conditioning repair service. It has a variety of causes, which is why it’s important to get input from a skilled technician who understands how each AC unit works. Poorly calibrated thermostats, blower complications, or total unit failure can all cause low or no airflow.

At Minuteman Heating & Air, we’ve seen it all. Whether you’ve got a faulty condenser, broken fan belt, or even just a clogged filter, we provide affordable service calls throughout Mansfield, TX, and the surrounding areas. If your air conditioner is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, it’s time to call a professional technician to investigate. Call now to arrange!