Occasionally, the summertime can seem downright unbearable in Southeast Georgia. That’s when most people take a break and head indoors to cool off with the air conditioner. But some of them quickly discover their respite is short-lived because of an AC breakdown. Here, Gordon’s Heating & Air shares five common air conditioner repairs and how to prevent them through planned maintenance from an HVAC company in Southeast Georgia.

1. Frozen Evaporator Coils

A dirty air filter can impede airflow enough to cause the evaporator coils to freeze over. On the other hand, if the coils froze because of a low refrigerant level, this issue is nearly always discovered during a maintenance checkup. Either way, the coils are unable to sufficiently remove heat from the air, essentially rendering the air conditioner useless. During regular HVAC maintenance, a technician examines the air filters and all related components and recommends ways to prevent frozen coils.

2. Dirty Condenser Coils

Located in the outside unit, the condenser coils release warm indoor air outdoors with the help of a fan, essentially the reverse of evaporator coils. However, because the condenser coils are outside, they’re prone to collecting dust, dirt, and other debris — especially after you mow the lawn. As the dirt accumulates on the coils, they become unable to disperse the warm air pulled from the home. But the easiest way to prevent this all too common AC repair is to be mindful of how your lawn care might affect the outdoor unit.

3. Burnt Out Compressor Motor

The compressor motor is the workhorse in any A/C system, so when one fails or burns up, the entire system won’t run correctly. Since the compressor is affected by many other components in the unit, including electrical and mechanical parts, overall maintenance is crucial for the AC unit’s health. Here are the signs a motor is close to failing or burning out:

• Buzzing, clanking, and other noises during operation
• An increase in electric bills when usage hasn’t changed

• The compressor hums but doesn’t start when the unit is turned on
• Circuit breakers trip or a fuse blows when the compressor tries to start

4. Condensate Drain Issues

The condensate drain is a small tube that moves condensation from the air conditioner away from the unit and your home. When condensate drains clog, such as from grass clippings, they can cause water to back up into the building. This poses the risk of water damage, which can then lead to mold growth. During a tune-up, our technicians examine the drain and can provide you with guidance on how to keep it clear until the next appointment.

5. Broken Compressor Fan

The compressor fan is the large fan you see when peering into the top of the outdoor AC unit. Its main function is to push the warm air pulled from the building outside. If the fan blades bend or are misaligned, or the capacitor fails, the air isn’t distributed, and the fan won’t spin. Checking the alignment and the health of the capacitor are two items to mark off an air conditioner maintenance checklist

Why take a chance this summer with your air conditioner — contact Gordon’s Heating & Air to schedule an HVAC tune-up.