What is the most common part to fail on an AC unit?

Author: Teresa Cremin  |  Last update: Friday, July 4, 2025

#1 Most Common Air Conditioning Repair – Bad Capacitor If your thermostat seems to be working properly, air is blowing from your vents but it's just not cold, find your outside unit (condenser) and see if it's working.

What is the most common cause of AC failure?

Cause: A frozen evaporator coil is a common reason for AC failure. This indoor air conditioning component absorbs heat from the air as it blows past the refrigerant-filled coil. If the coil becomes too cold due to poor airflow or a low refrigerant charge, it can freeze.

What usually breaks on an AC unit?

Blower and fan motors are major components that often require repair or replacement services from a skilled HVAC technician. You can usually avoid fan motor replacement by getting maintenance services and keeping each fan blade free of debris.

What is the most common thing to go out on an AC unit?

Capacitors are also one of the most common failure points of modern air conditioners. They go through quite a bit of punishment as they work and often blow out, rendering them useless. When this happens, your AC's compressor and its outdoor fan may not start when the system asks them to.

What goes bad on AC units?

Dirty Filters and Coils: Can cause the system to malfunction and lead to premature compressor or fan failure. Solution: Change filters regularly. Ensure filters fit securely to prevent air bypass.

How to replace a capacitor. The most common part to fail on a air conditioning.

What is the most common part to fail on HVAC?

#1 Most Common Air Conditioning Repair – Bad Capacitor

If your thermostat seems to be working properly, air is blowing from your vents but it's just not cold, find your outside unit (condenser) and see if it's working.

What is the maximum life of an AC unit?

It's important to be aware of how long air conditioners last, so you don't get the unwelcome surprise of a broken air conditioner in the peak of the summer heat. In general, air conditioners that are properly maintained can last 15 to 20 years.

What is the most expensive part to replace on an AC unit?

Usually, it is a quick fix, but sometimes the failure can be caused by a much bigger problem. The most expensive part of an AC unit to replace and repair is the air compressor.

What is the most common failure on a condenser?

Blocked airflow.

To work properly, your condenser unit must have room to breathe. If you have any plants, trees, or other obstructions that are located next to your condenser unit, they will block the airflow and make it more difficult for your unit to blow the right amount of air over the coils.

What is the most important part of an AC unit?

Compressor. The compressor is what applies the pressure to the gaseous refrigerant and turns it back into a liquid. It's also the most important of all the important AC parts in your HVAC unit, as it helps everything else function smoothly.

What is the first thing to check when the AC goes out?

The first thing you'll want to do is check the thermostat. If you have air that's controlled by a thermostat, make sure a faulty thermostat isn't what's causing the problem. In some cases, the batteries may have died or the unit is malfunctioning. Reset the thermostat to see if that turns the AC unit back on.

What is the most common problem of air failure on an air conditioning system?

One of the biggest reasons people experience air conditioner problems is due to a dirty furnace filter. This is very common and easily prevented. A dirty filter restricts the amount of air that flows through the evaporator coil. When this occurs the coil gets too cold and the system will freeze up.

What parts of a AC unit are worth money?

One of the most in-demand metals contained in these units is copper, and while the amount you will receive varies based upon your exact location and the value of the metal at the time you turn it in, it's generally quite a bit. Both the indoor and outdoor parts of these machines are quite valuable, in fact.

What usually breaks on an air conditioner?

Contactor / Capacitors

And the reason is that they are the electrical parts of the air conditioner and hence, most of the wear and tear of the machine happens in the run/start capacitors along with the contractor, motors, fans, and wiring.

What is the number one cause of compressor failure?

1. Too Little or Too Much Refrigerant. In the event that the amount of refrigerant in the system is not perfect, it could create too much pressure or strain and lead to compressor failure. Too little refrigerant is most likely caused by an insufficient charge from the last technician, or from a refrigerant leak.

Why is my AC running but not cooling?

There are a number of reasons why your air conditioner might be running but not cooling. It could be an issue with the thermostat, the compressor, or the evaporator coils. Or, it could simply be clogged with dust and debris, which is preventing it from working properly.

What are the signs of a bad AC capacitor?

Most common first signs of a bad AC capacitor:
  • Vents Not Blowing Cold Air. ...
  • Higher Than Usual Energy Bills. ...
  • Unusual Compressor Humming Noises. ...
  • Older HVAC System. ...
  • Independent Shutdown. ...
  • Sluggish Turn On and Operation. ...
  • AC is Inoperable.

What is the most common cause of HVAC failure?

Dirty Filters

Perhaps the most common of all HVAC problems, and one that is easily fixed, is a dirty filter. Dirty filters will block airflow and cause your furnace to work harder to maintain an ideal temperature. This overburdens the unit, which could cause overheating, premature wear, and HVAC airflow problems.

What is the life expectancy of an AC condenser?

How long do AC condensers last? An AC condenser installed by experienced professionals and receives regular maintenance checkups should last as long as the air conditioning system itself. Depending on the model, this can be anywhere between 10 to 20 years.

Does homeowners insurance cover replacing AC unit?

Does homeowners insurance cover air conditioner replacement? If your air conditioner is damaged or destroyed due to a covered peril, such as lightning or a windstorm, your homeowners insurance policy may pay to repair or replace the unit, up to your coverage limit and minus your homeowners insurance deductible.

Is it worth replacing the condenser on an AC unit?

If your condenser is old, damaged, or inefficient, the cost to replace ac condenser may be your best option. A new unit can provide you with better cooling, lower energy bills, and improved comfort in your home.

How much should a replacement AC unit cost?

It costs an average of $5,955 to install a new AC, but prices commonly range from $3,906 to $8,016, depending on the unit's size and type. A pro can provide an accurate quote based on your needs.

Which AC brand lasts the longest?

Which HVAC Brands Last the Longest?
  • Mitsubishi Electric: Superior Efficiency and Durability. ...
  • Goodman Air Conditioning and Heating: Affordable and Long-Lasting. ...
  • Rheem: Reliable Performance for Decades. ...
  • Honeywell: Smart Home Integration and Durability. ...
  • Lennox: High-End Performance for the Long Haul.

Should I replace my 15 year old AC unit?

14 to 20 years old: This is the average life span of well-maintained HVAC equipment. A breakdown at this age may warrant a replacement.

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