11 Major Causes of AC Failure and Prevention Tips
One of the biggest causes of a home AC unit failure is a frozen evaporator coil, which happens if the refrigerant is leaking or there’s restricted airflow in your unit.
However, most AC failures don’t happen overnight. They start with minor problems that slowly get worse. Ignoring them can lead to weak airflow, poor cooling, or a complete system shutdown. Understanding what causes these problems can help you avoid expensive repairs and keep your AC functioning optimally.
If your air conditioner is already malfunctioning, contact our technicians in Las Cruces, New Mexico, at 575-567-2608 for a free quote.
Let’s go over the major causes of AC failure and how to prevent them before they leave you sweating.
Common Causes of AC Failure
1. Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
Air filters trap dust, dirt, and debris to keep indoor air clean. Over time, they get clogged, restricting airflow and forcing the AC to work harder. This strain can lead to:
- Reduced Airflow: Less air passes through the system, making it harder to cool your home.
- Frozen Evaporator Coils: Lack of airflow causes moisture to freeze on the coils, preventing proper cooling.
- Increased Energy Use: The AC runs longer to maintain the set temperature, driving up electricity bills.
- Overheated System: Restricted airflow makes the unit overwork, leading to potential compressor failure.
Ignoring dirty filters can shorten your AC’s lifespan and lead to costly breakdowns
2. Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant is essential for cooling, as it absorbs heat from inside your home and releases it outside. When there’s a leak, the AC loses its ability to cool properly, leading to serious problems such as:
- Weak Cooling: Low refrigerant levels make it harder for the system to remove heat, leaving your home warmer than it should be.
- Frozen Evaporator Coils: The coils get too cold without sufficient refrigerant, causing moisture to freeze and block airflow.
- Increased Energy Consumption: The AC runs longer to compensate for lost cooling power, resulting in higher utility bills.
- Compressor Failure: Running an AC with low refrigerant puts extreme stress on the compressor, leading to costly repairs or total system failure.
Since refrigerant leaks worsen over time, addressing them early can prevent major damage.
3. Electrical Issues
Your AC relies on multiple electrical components to function. When these parts wear out or fail, the system can stop working or become unsafe. Common electrical problems include:
- Faulty Capacitors: Start and run capacitors provide the power to keep the compressor and fan motors running. A failing capacitor can cause the AC to struggle to start or shut off unexpectedly.
- Worn-Out Contactors: Contactors control the flow of electricity to the system. If they become pitted or stuck, the AC may not turn on or may cycle erratically.
- Loose or Damaged Wiring: Frayed or loose wires can cause power fluctuations, short circuits, or fire hazards.
- Tripped Breakers or Blown Fuses: Overloaded circuits can cause the AC to shut down unexpectedly, often signaling a deeper issue like a failing motor or compressor.
Electrical failures can cause sudden breakdowns or long-term damage if left unaddressed.
4. Frozen Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil absorbs heat from your home’s air, allowing the AC to cool efficiently. The system struggles to function when it freezes, leading to weak cooling or complete shutdown.
Common causes of a frozen evaporator coil include:
- Restricted Airflow: Dirty air filters, blocked vents, or clogged ducts prevent warm air from reaching the coil, causing it to freeze.
- Low Refrigerant Levels: When refrigerant is too low, the pressure drops, making the coil too cold and leading to ice buildup.
- Dirty Coils: Dust and grime on the evaporator coil act as insulation, reducing heat absorption and leading to freezing.
- Malfunctioning Blower Fan: A failing fan motor can reduce airflow, allowing moisture to freeze on the coil.
A frozen coil forces the AC to work harder, leading to potential compressor failure or system breakdown.
5. Drainage Problems (Clogged Condensate Drain Line)
Your AC removes moisture from the air, which drains through a small condensate line. When this line gets clogged, water backs up, leading to several issues:
- Water Leaks: A blocked drain can cause water to overflow, leading to ceiling stains, mold growth, or damage to walls and floors.
- Increased Humidity: If the system can’t drain properly, moisture stays in the air, making your home feel sticky and uncomfortable.
- AC Shutdown: Many modern AC units have a safety switch that shuts down the system if the drain pan overflows, preventing further damage.
- Mold and Algae Growth: Standing water in the drain line creates the perfect environment for mold and algae, worsening blockages and indoor air quality.
Ignoring drainage issues can lead to costly repairs and indoor water damage.
6. Oversized or Undersized AC Unit
An AC unit must be the right size for your home to cool efficiently. It won’t perform properly if it’s too big or too small, which can lead to long-term issues.
Oversized AC Unit
- Short Cycling: The unit cools the space too quickly, shutting off before completing a full cycle. This leads to frequent on-and-off operation, which wears out components faster.
- Poor Humidity Control: Since the system runs in short bursts, it doesn’t remove enough moisture from the air, making the home feel damp.
- Higher Energy Bills: Frequent cycling wastes energy, increasing electricity costs.
Undersized AC Unit
- Constant Running: A small AC has to work overtime to cool the space, leading to higher wear and tear.
- Inefficient Cooling: It struggles to reach the set temperature, leaving rooms too warm.
- Shortened Lifespan: Overworking the unit causes parts to break down sooner than expected.
An improperly sized AC can lead to discomfort, increased energy costs, and a shorter system lifespan.
7. Thermostat Malfunctions
The thermostat controls your AC’s operation by signaling when to turn on and off. If it malfunctions, your system may not cool properly or stop working. Common thermostat issues include:
- Incorrect Temperature Readings: A miscalibrated or faulty thermostat can cause the AC to run too long or shut off too soon, leading to uneven cooling.
- Placement Issues: If the thermostat is near a heat source (windows, lamps, or kitchen appliances), it may register higher temperatures and overwork the AC.
- Unresponsive Controls: Dead batteries, wiring problems, or software glitches in smart thermostats can prevent accurate temperature adjustments.
- Failure to Communicate with the AC: Loose or damaged wiring can disrupt the connection between the thermostat and the AC unit, causing erratic operation or complete system failure.
A malfunctioning thermostat can lead to wasted energy, inconsistent cooling, and unnecessary strain on your AC system.
8. Dirty or Blocked Condenser Coils
The condenser coils in your outdoor AC unit release heat absorbed from inside your home. When these coils are covered in dirt, dust, or debris, they can’t expel heat efficiently, causing the system to work harder. This leads to several problems:
- Reduced Cooling Efficiency: The AC struggles to remove heat, making it run longer and cool less effectively.
- Higher Energy Bills: The system consumes more electricity to compensate for the restricted heat transfer.
- Overheating and System Strain: Excessive buildup forces the compressor to work harder, increasing wear and the risk of failure.
- Potential System Shutdown: If the coils become too clogged, the system may overheat and shut down to prevent damage.
Blocked condenser coils make your AC less effective and can shorten its lifespan, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
9. Compressor Failure
The compressor is the heart of your AC system, responsible for circulating refrigerant and maintaining proper cooling. When it fails, the entire system stops working. Compressor failure is often caused by:
- Refrigerant Issues: Too much or too little refrigerant causes pressure imbalances, leading to overheating or excessive strain on the compressor.
- Dirty Coils: When condenser coils are clogged, heat doesn’t dissipate properly, forcing the compressor to work harder and overheat.
- Electrical Problems: Faulty wiring, capacitor failure, or power surges can damage the compressor’s motor, leading to system failure.
- Lack of Lubrication: Insufficient lubrication increases friction, causing overheating and potential burnout.
- System Overload: The compressor wears out faster if the AC runs continuously due to thermostat issues or improper sizing.
A failed compressor is one of the most expensive AC repairs and often requires replacing the entire outdoor unit.
10. Leaky Ductwork
Ductwork carries cool air from your AC throughout your home, but leaks in the ducts can cause significant cooling inefficiencies. Over time, gaps, holes, or disconnected sections of ductwork may develop, leading to:
- Air Loss: Cool air escapes before reaching your living spaces, making your AC work harder to compensate.
- Reduced Cooling Efficiency: Leaks cause uneven temperatures, with some rooms staying warm despite the AC running.
- Higher Energy Bills: The system consumes more energy to maintain the desired temperature, increasing utility costs.
- Poor Air Quality: Leaks allow dust, dirt, and allergens from attics or crawl spaces to enter the ducts, reducing indoor air quality.
- Increased Wear and Tear: The extra strain on the AC shortens its lifespan and increases the likelihood of breakdowns.
Leaky ductwork wastes energy and reduces the overall effectiveness of your AC system.
11. Constant Overuse Without Breaks
Running your AC nonstop, especially in extreme New Mexico heat, puts excessive strain on the system. While it’s tempting to keep it running all day, continuous operation can lead to:
- Overworked Compressor: The compressor is designed to cycle on and off. If it runs constantly, it overheats and wears out faster.
- Higher Energy Bills: A system that never rests consumes more electricity, driving up energy costs.
- Frozen Evaporator Coils: Constant operation without enough airflow can cause moisture buildup and ice formation on the coils.
- Increased Wear on Components: Motors, fans, and electrical parts degrade faster under constant stress, leading to more frequent repairs.
- Shortened System Lifespan: Overuse accelerates wear and tear, reducing the overall longevity of your AC unit.
Giving your AC periodic breaks or using a programmable thermostat can help prevent unnecessary damage and extend its life.
How to Prevent Air Conditioning Unit Failure?
Regular maintenance helps prevent costly AC breakdowns, especially in New Mexico’s extreme heat. By taking simple preventive steps, you can keep your system running efficiently and extend its lifespan.
Some maintenance tips you should follow include:
- Change Air Filters Regularly: Replace or clean filters every 1–3 months to maintain airflow and prevent strain on the system.
- Schedule Professional Maintenance: Have an HVAC technician inspect and service your AC at least once a year to catch issues early.
- Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean: Clear away dirt, leaves, and debris from the condenser coils to ensure proper heat dissipation.
- Check and Seal Ductwork: Inspect ducts for leaks and seal any gaps to prevent air loss and improve cooling efficiency.
- Monitor Refrigerant Levels: Low refrigerant can damage the compressor, so have a technician check for leaks if cooling performance drops.
- Flush the Condensate Drain Line: Pour a cup of vinegar down the drain line every few months to prevent clogs and water damage.
- Inspect Electrical Components: Loose or worn-out wiring, faulty capacitors, or bad contactors can cause system failure and should be checked during routine maintenance.
- Use a Programmable Thermostat: Set temperatures wisely to prevent overuse and give the system periodic breaks.
- Keep Vents and Registers Unobstructed: Ensure furniture, curtains, or rugs aren’t blocking airflow for even cooling.
- Give Your AC Breaks: Avoid running the AC continuously—use ceiling fans or close blinds during peak heat hours to reduce strain.
Stay Comfortable All Summer with Reliable AC Services in Las Cruces, NM
Ignoring small AC problems can lead to costly breakdowns when you least expect them. Routine maintenance, timely repairs, and smart usage can extend your system’s lifespan and decrease energy costs.
If your air conditioning unit is not working correctly, it’s important to identify the cause and take appropriate action. At Air Control Services, we offer comprehensive AC services in Las Cruces to ensure efficient cooling, prevent unexpected failures, and help you avoid high energy bills.
Call 575-567-2608 to book an air conditioner inspection and maintenance service.