If you've ever had a hot summer at home or in a business plagued by air conditioning problems, it's certainly an experience you don't want to repeat. Learn about the most common causes of air conditioning problems and what simple steps you can take to prevent repair problems.

1. The refrigerant is low. Refrigerants are substances that air conditioners use to remove heat and moisture from the air in your home or business. If your system has a leak in the refrigerant line, you may end up not having enough refrigerant to cool the air efficiently. Unfortunately, getting this air conditioner problem right isn't just a matter of replacing the refrigerant. HVAC service technicians need to find leaks and repair holes in lines, which can sometimes be a time-consuming and expensive process, especially if there are multiple leaks.

2. Refrigeration evaporator coil. The evaporator coil of an air conditioner is filled with refrigerant and is responsible for absorbing heat from the air like a sponge. It may sound counterintuitive, but these coils require warm air to circulate around them to function properly. When there is a problem with airflow and the evaporator coil is too cold, a layer of ice can form on the outside. When this happens, you get warm air or no air at all from the air conditioner supply register.

3. Dirty condenser coil. Your unit's condenser coil is part of the outdoor unit and removes heat from the air by moving it out of the building. When the condenser coil is covered with a layer of dirt and grime, it cannot function properly. This is a very common problem in New York City, where the air is full of soot and pollution. When this happens, heat transfer is hindered and your equipment has to work harder, leading to increased wear on parts and even system failure.

4. Fan problem. There is one fan that blows indoor air over your unit's evaporator coil to cool the air, and another blows air over the outdoor unit's condenser to move the absorbed heat out of the building. If any of these fans aren't working properly -- due to a faulty motor, insufficient lubrication, worn belts, or too much dust and debris -- you'll end up with poor airflow and air conditioning problems. If you ignore this problem, it can lead to compressor failure, which is often a death sentence for your air conditioner.

5. Pipe leakage. A system of ducts running through the walls and ceiling carries the cool air from the air conditioner throughout the space. But if there are holes or cracks in the ducts (perhaps caused by rodents or careless workers), the expensive cooling air will get tangled inside your walls, which won't do anyone any good. And, of course, this situation can cause your air conditioner to work harder and increase your energy bills.

6. Thermostat problem. Especially if you still have old dial thermostats, they could be miscalibrated, meaning your air conditioner isn't getting the correct commands from the control system. This problem is easily fixed by replacing or recalibrating the thermostat. If you have new programmable thermostats, they are sometimes difficult to program and may not be set correctly. If you still have the manual, check the instructions to make sure the thermostat is set correctly.

7. Sewers are clogged. All the moisture your air conditioner removes from the air has to go somewhere. It should be removed from the space through the drain, into the pan, and finally into the drain. If the pipes or drains are clogged or the pot is full, water can back up and damage your system. You can also damage walls, ceilings, and furniture from leaks. If you don't see it right away, you'll end up with mold.

1. Replace the dirty air filter. Airflow problems that cause coils to freeze are usually caused by clogged air filters.

2. Inspect the pipes and repair any holes. If there doesn't seem to be enough air coming from the cash register, or your energy bills keep going up, have an HVAC specialist check your ducts.

3. Install a programmable thermostat and learn how to use it. Eliminate problems with older control systems by installing new thermostats that are more precise and energy efficient. You can even control the thermostat remotely using your smartphone or tablet.

4. Remove brushes and debris from around the outdoor unit. When the condenser and outdoor fan units are clogged with leaves, debris, and dirt, the units cannot dissipate heat efficiently.

5. Don't neglect regular maintenance. Almost all of the most common causes of air conditioning problems can be easily prevented with regular maintenance. Have your system inspected and tuned by an HVAC specialist before you start it up for the first time each spring. It's relatively cheap, and you won't have to make emergency calls when the air conditioner stops working on the hottest day of the year.

The above briefly introduces the 7 problems commonly encountered by air conditioners and preventive methods. If you want to buy air conditioners or air conditioner accessories, please contact us.

ComforPlanet is a professional custom air conditioners and accessories manufacturer. Our products are suitable for many industries, including HVAC, electrical smart small appliances, etc. ComforPlanet is committed to providing you with safety, quality