If you want to stay cool all summer long, you need a well-maintained air conditioning (AC) system. Your AC system is made up of several components — all these parts work together to give you excellent cooling power. While your system is built to last, some parts are replaced more often than others. Knowing what parts might need replacing and what to look out for can help you stay on top of AC maintenance. With a well-maintained system, you’ll avoid expensive breakdowns and keep your home cool.
Evaporator coils play a key role in cooling your home’s air. The evaporator coils absorb the heat from your indoor air — without them, your system cannot send cool air through your home. Over time, the coils can become corroded or dirty, reducing their efficiency. With too much buildup, they might even cause system failures.
You should make sure your twice-a-year AC checkup includes evaporator coil cleaning. Get professionals to clean and inspect your evaporator coils for issues. This checkup ensures everything works correctly and that your coils are in good shape. You might need an evaporator coil replacement if you’re noticing:
These issues can mean you’ve got damaged or leaking evaporator coils. If you think you’ve got a coil issue, contact a professional. They’ll look at your system and replace your evaporator coils so you can enjoy a cool home once again.
The compressor is one of your AC’s main components. It’s responsible for circulating refrigerant and maintaining the correct pressure. Without the compressor, your AC cannot cool properly. Since they’re so important to the system, compressors are made to last as long as possible. However, age, electrical issues and poor maintenance can cause breakdowns.
Replacing a compressor is a major AC repair. Always work with a professional when you need a compressor replacement. It’s a complex process that requires an experienced hand to complete properly. Replacing your compressor yourself can lead to further unit damage.
These issues can mean your compressor needs replacing:
You can protect your compressor with regular maintenance. Get system inspections that cover the refrigerant and electrical connections to ensure your system has the longest life.
Capacitors give your AC the energy it needs to start the motors and keep everything running. With age and wear, your system’s capacitors can weaken and fail. Additionally, electrical issues and heat exposure can cause capacitor issues. When your capacitor begins to fail, it’s important to get a replacement quickly. Waiting can cause motor issues, which might damage your system.
Signs you might need a capacitor replacement include:
Getting a professional to regularly inspect and test the capacitor can help prevent problems. While they don’t need a replacement schedule, you should be prepared to replace the capacitor when issues start popping up.
Fan motors circulate your indoor air while sending hot air outside. Your AC system has multiple fans and fan motors, which can fail over time. The indoor unit has one fan that distributes air through your home, while the outdoor unit fan sends hot air away from your house. Keep an eye out for:
Your fan motor can fail due to age, but poor lubrication and electrical issues can also cause problems. Your fan blades need regular cleaning and lubrication to keep them in top condition. Additionally, get a motor replacement as soon as your current motor fails to prevent damage to your other AC components.
Refrigerant is the liquid that moves the cooling process along. Hot air gets drawn into the system, absorbing the heat from the air. The now-cool air gets blown into your home while the now-hot refrigerant travels to the outside unit. Here, the refrigerant releases the heat and returns inside, cool and ready for more hot air. Refrigerant does not usually need replacing, but it occasionally needs recharging or replacing if there’s a leak.
Signs of low AC refrigerant can include:
Regular maintenance checks can help you catch refrigerant leaks. Getting regular inspections ensures your system has enough refrigerant to run efficiently. Other than regular maintenance, you don’t need to schedule refrigerant replacements to keep your system running smoothly.
Don’t get caught in a heatwave with no AC. Make sure you’re maintaining and replacing AC parts on time with support from Strada Air Conditioning & Heating. We’ve been a trusted name in comprehensive home solutions for two decades. Our team of experts is dedicated to delivering top-notch services so you can stay comfortable year-round.
Strada Air Conditioning & Heating offers comprehensive AC and heating support. We can handle everything from installations and repairs to routine maintenance and filter replacement. Our technicians work on all major brands, ensuring your system gets the best care. Choose Strada Air Conditioning & Heating from family-owned quality and accountability. With 24/7 online scheduling and an extended 10-year warranty, we go above and beyond for our customers.
Don’t wait for AC issues to get parts replaced or for maintenance. Contact us online and schedule your AC service today!
Joe Strada, owner of Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning, started working at the young age of 14. He’s never attended college, but he has spent his life dedicating his time and energy to his trade and providing high-quality services to his customers. At 19, Joe started working at a well-known air conditioning company and developing his commitment to excellence. He has state certifications in electric, plumbing, air conditioning, residential building and general contracting. During his years of training and experience, Joe noticed a sincere need for a dependable electrical contractor in Florida who embodied the same dedication to customer service in which he believed. In 2003, Joe co-founded Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning. Since then, the company has been in the business of providing peace of mind to customers. We offer expert electric, security and air conditioning solutions for homes and businesses, leveraging our experience to deliver professional and responsive service with reliability and respect.
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