After winter has passed, it can be a frustrating experience to switch on your AC in the spring only to find that it’s no longer functional. While an HVAC contractor can help by diagnosing the issue and carrying out prompt repairs, it helps to understand why this could happen in the first place so that you can take preventative measures. Here are a few reasons why your air conditioning may break down when it's cold.

Why Do ACs Get Damaged in the Winter?

1. Electrical Damage

Cold weather can cause any number of electrical issues in your HVAC system—from cracked and broken wiring to corrosion. Because these problems present a risk of electrical shock to those unfamiliar with them, have an HVAC contractor inspect your air conditioning unit before turning it on. You should also have an electrician come if your home routinely has tripped circuits since this can lead to widespread appliance damage and fire hazards.

2. Condenser Issues

A condenser is the portion of an air conditioning system that converts gaseous refrigerant into a liquid to allow it to absorb heat from the air. During the winter, debris may accumulate in your condenser unit so that when you turn it back on for the season, the flow of warmth is restricted. This can result in certain components freezing and other elements, like the compressor, getting too warm. Before contacting a repair specialist, clean the condenser housing and remove any debris to see if that resolves your issue. Placing a cover over your condenser in the winter can also protect it.

3. Broken Thermostat

Over time, your thermostat will see a significant amount of use. Like any other AC component, a thermostat can become damaged or broken with time and may not report to the system properly. If the AC doesn't receive instructions to turn on or off at the proper times, your house will become uncomfortable quickly. This problem will likely also manifest in heating issues during the winter. Try changing the batteries in the unit and adjusting the temperature to see if the system responds appropriately. If these steps don’t work, an HVAC contractor may have to replace the thermostat.

Before the return of warm weather, make sure your air conditioning is in optimal condition with help from Combs Heating & Cooling. Serving Chillicothe, OH, the HVAC contractors at this family-owned and -operated business draw on over 25 years of professional experience to identify and resolve cooling problems. Call them at (740) 772-2233 to schedule an appointment, and visit their website to learn more about their services.