Why Does My AC Break Down So Much?

Person putting a water bottle on their head as the sun shines on them.

Everyone dreads an air conditioner breakdown during a heat spell. An inoperable central air conditioning system can disrupt your comfort and daily routine, making life downright miserable in the summer heat here in Utah.

An AC system that breaks again and again is even worse.

The air conditioner in your Spanish Fork home may break down repeatedly because improperly executed repairs or poor-quality replacement parts do not fix the primary problem.

Get Professional AC Help

At Gillette Heating and Air Conditioning, we get to the root cause of air conditioner breakdowns and expertly repair your system with quality components. With more than a decade of experience servicing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in Greater Provo, we have dealt with every AC problem imaginable.

Our qualified technicians at Gillette Heating and Air Conditioning will never sell you unnecessary repairs. If your AC unit needs extensive work and replacement makes the most financial sense, we are happy to discuss options for installation.

Meanwhile, we have compiled a list of possible reasons why your central air conditioner continually breaks down.

Your AC Filter is Dirty

An air filter clogged with dirt and debris restricts airflow, which strains your AC system and reduces efficiency, leading to a breakdown.

If you habitually run your AC unit with a dirty filter, create a new, positive habit by inspecting the filter every month. Keep track of monthly inspections with a calendar or a planner. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for information on the frequency of filter replacement.

Your AC System Needs a Tune-Up

When was the last time you maintained your central air conditioner? If you tend to skip annual spring tune-ups, you may inadvertently allow minor repair issues to spiral out of control and become complicated and costly breakdowns.

Our experts can reverse the cycle of continual breakdowns. We identify and repair budding problems during annual spring checkups. 

Need help remembering when to schedule maintenance? Our Gillette Advantage Plan reminds you. The plan offers four tiers of benefits, including multi-point equipment inspections, priority scheduling, and repair and accessory savings.

Incorrectly Sized Air Conditioner

An AC system will struggle while cooling your Spanish Fork home if it is too small. Eventually, the stress will cause it to break down. If your unit is too big for your home, it will turn on and off quickly as it strives to maintain the desired temperature. The wear and tear from this condition, called short cycling, will lead to a breakdown.

Issues with AC components

  • Dirty coils can restrict airflow and cause your air conditioner to work harder. The continued stress can lead to a breakdown. A frozen evaporator coil could point to low refrigerant or poor airflow.
  • Faulty wiring and damaged components can cause an AC unit to trip a breaker or shut down unexpectedly. Install a dedicated circuit for your air conditioner and schedule maintenance annually. 
  • A low refrigerant level will affect cooling performance and lead to a breakdown. Our Gillette Heating and Air pros can repair leaks and restore the refrigerant level.

End of Service Life

Frequent repairs, poor performance, and decreasing efficiency describe an air conditioner nearing the end of its useful service life. When repairs become mere bandages on a rapidly declining HVAC unit, consider replacing your outdated AC and possibly upgrading to a high-efficiency unit.

ENERGY STAR® recommends a new air conditioner if your current unit is over 10 years old. Install an ENERGY STAR-certified, high-efficiency model to cut cooling costs by up to 20 percent.

If your furnace is over 15 years old, consider replacing it when you install a new central air conditioner. The two units typically share the blower motor inside the furnace. The blower moves warm or cool air through your ductwork. Connecting a new AC system to an old furnace and blower may hamper cooling efficiency, according to ENERGY STAR.

You can rely on us at Gillette Heating and Air Conditioning to recommend the best options for replacing your outdated air conditioner with a high-efficiency AC system. We are a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer and the only HVAC company in Utah to earn the Carrier President’s Award five years in a row.

We can assess your cooling needs and recommend the ideal unit for your Spanish Fork home. From the top-of-the-line Infinity® Series to the reliable, energy-efficient, and quiet Performance Series to the economical Comfort™ Series, Carrier offers solutions that suit your cooling needs.

Call the AC Experts

Gillette Heating and Air Conditioning can keep the air conditioner in your Spanish Fork, UT, home from continually breaking down. Preventative maintenance and accurate repairs will contribute to your cooling system’s long lifespan. Call us at 801-465-7760 or request service online.

Need HVAC Service?

Contact the experts at Gillette Heating and Air.

Call us at 801-465-7760!

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