When you invest in an air conditioning system, maintenance and repair should be top of mind. Especially in Los Angeles County, where AC units run nearly year-round, keeping your system in working order is essential. Like any other appliance, your AC system needs regular care to stay efficient and avoid breakdowns. Whether you’re cooling a home or business, working with a trusted AC repair and maintenance company can help you prevent costly issues before they start.
Understanding what can go wrong is the first step to protecting your system. Below are the five most common reasons for AC repair services—and how to keep your system running strong all year long.
Frozen Evaporator Coils Can Shut Down Your Cooling
Evaporator coils are a key part of your air conditioner. They’re filled with refrigerant that absorbs heat from the air inside your home. But in order for them to work properly, they need steady airflow. When that airflow is reduced or blocked, the coils can get too cold and start to freeze.
This is a common problem in homes across Los Angeles County, where dust, pet hair, or dirty air filters can limit airflow. When evaporator coils freeze, your AC unit may start to blow warm air—or stop blowing air entirely. You might also notice ice forming on your unit or water leaks from thawing.
The fix usually involves cleaning filters, checking ductwork, and sometimes recharging the refrigerant. Routine AC maintenance can catch these issues early before they turn into bigger, more expensive repairs.
Thermostat Issues Affect Temperature Control
Thermostat problems are often overlooked, but they’re a leading cause of AC repair calls in Los Angeles. If your thermostat isn’t reading the indoor temperature correctly or isn’t calibrated, it can send the wrong signals to your AC system.
You might find your home feels too hot or too cold, even if the thermostat says everything is fine. Older thermostats often lose calibration over time. Newer digital or smart models may not be set up correctly during installation, especially if installed without professional help.
An experienced AC technician can test your thermostat, recalibrate it, or replace it if needed. Smart thermostats are great tools when programmed properly—but only if they’re functioning as they should. Getting this part right can save you money on your energy bill and improve comfort overall.
Dirty Condenser Coils Reduce Your System’s Efficiency
The condenser coil is located in the outdoor unit of your air conditioner. Its job is to release the heat pulled from your home into the outside air. But over time, this coil can collect dirt, dust, pollen, and even smog—especially in urban areas like Los Angeles.
A dirty condenser coil makes your system work much harder. It struggles to release heat, which means your AC runs longer and uses more energy just to cool your home. Over time, this strain can lead to overheating, wear on the compressor, and eventual system failure.
Cleaning the condenser coil is part of any good AC maintenance service. Having a technician clean it at least once a year can extend the life of your unit, lower your energy bills, and help your home stay cool—even in extreme heat.
Fan Failures Can Cause Major Airflow Issues
Your AC system has two main fans: one that blows indoor air over the evaporator coil, and another that expels warm air outside via the condenser coil. If either of these fans stops working properly, the whole system suffers.
Fan problems are often caused by dirt buildup, worn-out belts, bad motors, or a lack of lubrication. If the fan blades slow down or stop, airflow will drop, and cooling power will decrease. Eventually, the system may overheat or shut off entirely to prevent damage.
If you hear strange noises coming from your unit, like rattling or buzzing, a fan issue may be the cause. Addressing this early can help you avoid bigger issues, including total system failure. A licensed AC repair technician can inspect the fan, replace parts if needed, and get your system moving again.
Duct Leaks Waste Energy and Cool Air
Air ducts carry the cooled air from your AC system to every room in your home. But over time, these ducts can develop cracks, holes, or loose connections. This leads to air escaping into areas like your attic or crawl space—places where it does no good at all.
Leaking ducts force your AC system to work harder, using more energy to cool the same amount of space. You might notice higher utility bills, uneven cooling in different rooms, or reduced airflow at certain vents. In Los Angeles homes, duct leaks are often caused by rodent damage, building shifts, or simple wear and tear.
Professional duct inspections can detect these leaks. Sealing or replacing damaged ductwork helps improve airflow, increase efficiency, and restore balanced comfort throughout your home.