How Can You Prevent Air Conditioning Failures?

“Why is the AC not working properly?” is a question that can be asked, now that summer finally seems to be around the corner in the UK. Air Conditioning (AC) system failure can lead to a sense of panic that forces Building and Facilities Managers to make last minute calls to contractors.  The result is the cost of premium call out charges, as well as the potential expense associated with ordering one-off spares at short notice. When you consider this scenario across multiple sites, the benefit of proactive maintenance procedures, and routine check-ups between service schedule dates, become very clear. A proactive approach keeps outlets open for business, companies functioning efficiently and customers and staff happy.

5 Main Causes of AC Failure

In this blog we help you manage the risk of problems by highlighting the 5 main causes of AC failure. Breakdown is an unfortunate reality, but a proactive approach to avoiding the issues described below minimises the risk and consequences of AC failure through the seasons.

Here are the 5 main causes of air conditioning failure and how you can prevent them:

1. Faulty thermostats

   Faulty thermostats can cause insufficient temperature levels or, worse still, no climate control at all. It can be difficult to locate the cause of improper climate control and engineers may misdiagnose the problem by overlooking the thermostat positioning and overall condition. Make sure that your engineer checks that thermostats are clear of dust and dirt to avoid incorrect temperature readings and issues. Also, remember that your thermostats will require periodic calibration as accidental bumping or dirt can cause thermostats to lose calibration.

2. Compressor issues

   The compressor is the heart of the system. Tripped breakers or fuses might be early warning signs that your compressor could be the cause of failure. Certain compressors have internal switches that disable the unit in case of the unit being overworked. Prevent this by ensuring that your equipment is configured optimally and not simply turned up to maximum to warm the premises quickly. Compressor repairs are costly and may incur significant downtime, so always include them in your routine check-ups.

3. Blown fuses

   Fuses regulate the flow of electrical currents to your AC unit, so are critical in preventing serious damage to your kit. Make sure that you have regular checks on the status of fuses and that older ones are replaced. This is another preventative measure that could save you considerable expense.

4. Dirty filters

   Anything that prevents the free flow of air through your system poses a threat to the optimal performance of your equipment. Dirty filters will cause the system to overwork, blow fuses and other critical parts in your system to malfunction. Be sure that filters are regularly replaced or cleaned and remember that dirty air filters also pose a health risk to occupants.

5. Improper drainage

   A malfunctioning condensation pump will cause your AC unit’s overflow safety to turn your equipment off as a protective measure. The condensation pump is activated by a float switch when the water reaches a predetermined level. Be sure to check the status of your condensation pumps and also that the float switches are not obstructed from enabling the pump. Water overflow in an AC unit can cause you considerable headaches.

Prevention is better than cure

So, the keys to success are: manage your maintenance schedules and perform routine check-ups on critical components to keep your HVAC equipment functioning. Ignoring early warning signs will inevitably lead to costly emergency repair calls.

AC systems have their unique set of elements that need consideration to ensure that the cooling and heating runs smoothly all year round. Your service contractor should have a comprehensive checklist when performing scheduled maintenance. Taking a preventative approach to your equipment upkeep will save you time, money and considerable pressure in the long term. Businesses and retailers can ill-afford downtime on climate control equipment. Breakdowns are not only costly, but could lead to unhappy customers taking their business elsewhere.

Do you need help with your air conditioning systems?

Get in touch with us to find out how we can support your requirements through planned, with reactive support, air conditioning maintenance plans.

Learn more

Click the image to download our free guide to the regulations and best practice regarding HVAC Maintenance.