There's nothing worse than your home's air conditioning system failing on a hot day. While routine AC maintenance can help avoid problems, there may come a time when your system needs repairs. If your AC unit isn't cooling properly or has stopped blowing air altogether, pinpointing what needs fixing is paramount. As you call in a professional HVAC technician, it's helpful to have an idea of the most common AC repairs they may recommend. Below are six types of common air conditioner repairs to be aware of this summer.

1. Check Refrigerant Levels

At the heart of your cooling system is the refrigerant, a chemical that absorbs and releases heat to provide chilled air. If refrigerant levels are too low due to a leak or long-term wear, your AC won't have enough to efficiently cool your home. An HVAC pro will test and check refrigerant pressures, top off levels if needed, and look for any leaks that may require repair. Keeping your AC's refrigerant properly pressurized and preventing leaks will go a long way toward smooth cooling this summer.

2. Replace Capacitors

Think of your AC's mechanical capacitors as tiny rechargeable batteries that dispatch power to your system's internal components. If they wear out, vital parts like compressors and blowers don't get the juice they require to start up and run. Faulty capacitors are not uncommon in older units. A technician can test capacitance and replace blown ones. Replacing spent mechanical capacitors is often fast and inexpensive compared to other AC repairs. Staying on top of this maintenance can save you money down the road.

3. Repair Ductwork

If there are leaks, holes, disconnects, or crushing damage impeding airflow through your ductwork, that runs both outside and inside, your AC simply can't do its job. Compromised ducts mean chilled air isn't getting delivered efficiently throughout your home. An HVAC technician has the tools and know-how to identify duct issues and seal up leaks, patch holes, tighten loose connections, and repair problematic sections of damaged ductwork. Investing in duct repair means better comfort and lower electricity bills over the long haul.

4. Deep Clean Coils

At the heart of your air conditioner lie the condenser and evaporator coils responsible for heat transfer when the refrigerant circulates. When clogged with dust, dirt, and debris, cooled air can't pass over them efficiently, and your AC struggles. HVAC techs have commercial-grade coil cleaners and pressurized sprayers that scour away the grime that routine DIY coil cleaning can't tackle. Deep cleaning AC coils every year or two helps maintain optimum cooling capacity.

5. Replace Fan Motor

To push cooled air throughout ducts, your air conditioner relies on one or more electric motors powering a blower fan. In our experience, fan motors have a typical lifespan of at least 15 years. If whirring, whistling or burning smells emanate from your indoor unit, the fan motor may be failing. Replacing a spent AC fan motor restores strong airflow to efficiently deliver chilled air. Technicians can assess if your fan motor needs replacement and install a reliable new one. This small part going bad doesn't warrant replacing the entire AC unit.

6. Install New Filter Dryer

Part of the refrigerant's loop flows through a filter dryer component that traps debris and prevents moisture buildup as gas converts between hot, cold, and liquid states. Our experts agree that the typical lifespan of a filter dryer is five to 10 years. Signs it needs replacement are reduced cooling capability and frozen evaporator coils. A certified HVAC specialist can diagnose a spent filter dryer and install an up-to-date replacement to restore your AC unit to efficient operation. This inexpensive component replacement is smart preventative maintenance.

You rely on your home's air conditioning system to help keep you cool in the summer. In fact, most people in the United States do. According to This Old House, over 90% of homes in the United States used air conditioning in 2023. If your air conditioning unit is experiencing issues, isn't keeping your home as cool as you would like, or is using more energy than normal, you may be in need of AC repairs. Our team here at Muller Heating & Cooling can help you diagnose and repair problems in a timely manner with over 20 years of experience. Reach out to us today to schedule a service appointment or obtain an estimate for the repairs you need.