Regardless of the age of the air conditioner in your West Chester area home, you may experience problems with your system this summer, especially if you haven't scheduled preventive maintenance at the beginning of each cooling season. Here are some of the most common A/C problems.

• Refrigerant leaks - There are two reasons you may have a low refrigerant level in your air conditioner: either it wasn't properly charged at installation or you have a leak. Refrigerant leaks are harmful to the environment, and without the exact charge called for by the manufacturer's specifications, your system won't operate at its highest efficiency. A qualified technician will test the refrigerant charge, inspect for and fix leaks, then test the repair.
• Dirty filters and coils - A clean air conditioner operates more efficiently than a dirty one. Dirty air filters and coils can seriously damage your compressor, as well as cause fans to fail prematurely. Annual preventive maintenance on your system is essential for keeping the unit clean and its components in top working order. You should check your filter monthly and switch it out for a new one when it's dirty. 
• Electric control failure - Over time, especially with oversized systems, the electrical controls on the fans and compressor can wear out. Fixing the electrical controls can be expensive, but if you schedule regular maintenance on your system, connections will be tightened and the controls will be tested thoroughly to prevent electrical failure.
• Sensor problems - The sensor on a room air conditioner is located in the control panel and measures the temperature of the air entering the evaporator coil. If the sensor is knocked out of place, the system may cycle constantly or erratically. The sensor can be bent back into place, near to but not touching the coil. 
• Drainage problems - A clogged condensate drain, common during humid weather, can prevent your system from draining properly. Room air conditioners must be level in order to ensure proper drainage. 

For more expert advice about common A/C problems, please feel free to contact us at Tri-County Heating & Cooling. We've proudly served Butler County and the Greater Cincinnati area since 1969.

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