Common Air Conditioner Problems in San Diego

The weather throughout San Diego county and the surrounding areas is heating up and the hottest days of summer still lie ahead. As the temperature climbs, you’ll rely on your air conditioner to keep you cool and comfortable. Your A/C system can’t do its job if it isn’t properly maintained, though. Below are a few common problems that can prevent air conditioning units operating efficiently, especially in San Diego, and what you can do to fix or prevent these problems from arising.

Condenser Coil Corrosion from Salt Water

Being near the beach is one of the great perks of living in San Diego. However, the ocean breeze could be carrying salt water that can damage the condenser coils of outdoor air conditioning units. As the salt in the air corrodes your condenser coils, your air conditioning unit’s effectiveness is destroyed and years are taken off the equipment’s life, leading to costly repairs or premature replacements down the line.

What You Can Do to Fix It

The easiest and most effective way of preventing condenser coil corrosion is regular maintenance and coil cleaning. Your condenser coils should be cleaned at least once a year, but that is the minimum recommended maintenance schedule. In humid areas with saltier air, such as San Diego, more frequent coil cleaning can only be good for your air conditioner.

Refrigerant Leaks

Another common problem for air conditioning units is a refrigerant leak. Without the right amount of refrigerant, your air conditioner loses its method of heat exchange and can’t do its job. In addition to preventing your A/C system from working properly, leaking air conditioning refrigerant is a safety and environmental hazard which should be addressed immediately if you notice your air conditioner is not performing properly.

What You Can Do to Fix It

A trained technician is needed to find the leak, repair it, and recharge your air conditioning system with the manufacturer’s specified amount of refrigerant. Highest performance and efficiency of your A/C system can only be achieved when the refrigerant charge exactly matches the manufacturer’s specification

Dirty Filters and Coils

Over time, dirt and other particles will build up on your machinery. If this accumulation is allowed to continue, this build up will prevent your air conditioning system from functioning properly and lead to premature equipment breakdown.

What You Can Do to Fix It

Filters and air conditioning coils need to be cleaned regularly to remove the dirt and particles that come with normal operation of your HVAC system. Performing maintenance before summer arrives and your air conditioner is working overtime is the best time to take care of this common problem.

Precision Temperature’s technicians are your friendly, San Diego-area experts to help you fix any air conditioning problem you encounter. Call us today at (619) 588-5321 for service or advice!