When the temperature outside rises, it’s important to have a functioning air conditioner to keep your home cool. But like all appliances, AC units can malfunction and cause disruption in your daily life. It’s important to be aware of the common AC problems that can occur so that you can take the necessary steps to fix them. From frozen coils to clogged filters, there are many issues that can arise. Fortunately, there are solutions that can help you troubleshoot and repair your air conditioner so you can get back to enjoying a cool and comfortable home. Read on to learn more about 6 common AC problems and what you can do to fix them.
Frozen coils
Frozen coils are a common issue with central air systems. When the temperature inside your home falls below the set point, the compressor shuts off and the fan stops running. When this happens, the air inside the house will freeze, which can damage the system and lead to other issues such as low power levels and refrigerant leaks. If your air conditioner is emitting a loud humming sound when it’s off, there’s a high likelihood that the coils have frozen. So what are you supposed to do in this case?
Try unplugging your system, wait 24 hours, and then plug it back in. Once everything is up and running again, you can empty the dust collection unit and clean the coils to prevent this from happening again. If you live in a hot climate where the temperature regularly climbs above 80 degrees, you should also consider replacing your air conditioner with a more efficient model. Models built for hot climates work much better when they’re outside of the recommended temperature range.
Lack of power
If your air conditioner isn’t producing the desired amount of power, it could be due to issues such as a low refrigerant level, a malfunctioning condenser, or a clogged filter. Low refrigerant levels can usually be fixed by adding refrigerant. If the issue is a broken condenser or a clogged filter, you should call a repairman to get it fixed. Although you may be able to power down your system and wait for the AC to kick back on, it’s better to get it fixed right away so that you don’t have to deal with the inconvenience of a low-powered air conditioner.
Low refrigerant levels
If your AC unit is producing low refrigerant levels, it’s likely that it has a low-level problem that needs to be fixed. Low refrigerant levels mean that the condenser coil isn’t working properly. This means that the unit is producing cold air, but there’s no fan to circulate it. This can lead to condensation on the walls, leaks on the roof, or damage to other parts of the system. To check whether your AC unit has low refrigerant levels, power down the system and then check the liquid line for a cold liquid. If there’s no liquid in the line, then the refrigerant is too low and needs to be repacked.
Clogged filters
Another common AC problem is a clogged filter. Although it’s possible to have a system that experiences a recurring clogged filter, it’s more common to have a one-time occurrence. The most likely culprit is hair, dust, and dirt that have built up inside the filter. This can impair the unit’s ability to cool the air, so you should take the following steps to troubleshoot and repair your air conditioner: Unplug the system and then use a vacuum cleaner to vacuum out the filter. After the unit is powered back on and the filter is clean, check if the AC is producing enough power. If it is, then you can empty the filter again and continue with your regular schedule.
Dirty condenser
A dirty condenser is caused by high dust levels inside the condenser. Dust and dirt build up inside the condenser’s fins when it’s not being used and the unit kicks off before the fan is activated. This causes the fins to become blocked, which reduces the amount of air that hits the condenser and causes a reduction in air conditioning. Although you may be able to power down your system and wait for the fan to kick in, it’s better to get it fixed right away because a blocked condenser can cause more serious issues such as a high-voltage failure.
Malfunctioning thermostat
If your thermostat is malfunctioning, it could be causing your air conditioner to operate at a lower temperature than normal. If this happens, the system will run much less often and use less energy than usual. You’ll know that your thermostat is malfunctioning if the air conditioner starts running at a lower temperature than usual. To troubleshoot and repair your air conditioner, power down the system and then check for any broken wires or loose connections. If there are any issues, you can fix them and get your thermostat working properly.
Preventative maintenance tips
When it comes to keeping your air conditioner running smoothly, there are a few important things you should keep in mind. Power down your system and wait for the fan to turn off before you unplug it. This will prevent damage to the components if the system is kicked back on. If you find your air conditioner is operating at a lower temperature than usual, unplug it and wait 24 hours before powering it back on. This will reset the thermostat and get the system working at its normal operating temperature. Also, clean the filter, check the refrigerant level, and power up the AC unit on a regular basis. This will make sure that everything is working properly and prevent potential issues from building up inside the system. Of course, you can always call an air conditioner maintenance service if you don’t feel comfortable fixing these problems yourself.,
Conclusion
Your air conditioner is an essential part of your home’s cooling system, keeping you cool and comfortable when the temperature rises. But like all appliances, it can malfunction, causing disruption in your daily life. Fortunately, there are solutions that can help you troubleshoot and repair your air conditioner so you can get back to enjoying a cool and comfortable home.
