6 Common Issues Your AC Unit May Need Fixing
It’s a hot summer day, and you wake up drenched in sweat because the air conditioner is not working.
Like any other electrical appliance, the effectiveness of your AC unit may be hampered by numerous underlying reasons. However, some of these issues are more common than others, and learning what they are can help you resolve the issue swiftly and smoothly.
Six Common Issues in Air Conditioners
Here are six of the most common issues your AC may have and their underlying reasons.
The Air Filter Is Dirty
A dirty or clogged air filter is one of the most common reasons an AC does not work properly. It hinders the airflow, affects the room’s air quality, and causes the AC to consume more power. If your AC is working harder, it may stop working altogether if the coil in the unit freezes.
The Thermostat Setting Is Inaccurate
If the thermostat controlling the AC is not working or its settings are incorrect, your AC may not work properly. You can run a few checks to ensure it is in working order.
The Water or Refrigerant Is Leaking
Refrigerant leaks usually occur in the cooling lines and are difficult to detect. If you see a colored stain near the AC, it indicates a refrigerant leak and excessive moisture outside the AC indicates water leakage.
The leaks can occur due to the connections and lines in the unit deteriorating with time. Also, a malfunctioning condensate pump or blocked drainage pipe can lead to water leakage.
The AC Blower Motor Is Not Turning On
If the blower motor in the AC is not turning on and the AC does not start, it could be due to multiple reasons, including problems with the breaker, faulty wiring, or a clogged drain.
The Condenser Coils Are Frozen
If the condenser coils are frozen, your AC cannot release heat outside your home. This can be due to dirty coils or air filters, a clogged drain, or a refrigerant leak.
To resolve the issue of frozen coils, turn the AC off and allow the coils to thaw. You can also set it to fan-only mode to speed up thawing.
A Foul Smell Is Emanating From the AC
Weird odors from the AC are a common problem and have various reasons. If not resolved in time, your house will smell the same. Foul odors can be due to bacteria in water accumulating inside the HVAC box due to an old filter, an animal nesting in the unit, or leaking antifreeze.
Opening your windows or spraying an air freshener won’t solve the problem; you must check your AC. If you cannot find the problem on your own, have your AC professionally examined to determine and resolve the issue.
AC Repair Tips
Once you have an idea of what the issue is, you can address it accordingly. Here are some of the common fixes your AC may require.
Change AC filter
If the air filter is dirty, it can be easily fixed by replacing it. You must follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how often you should change the AC filter. Sometimes, the filter is reusable and must be cleaned thoroughly regularly.
Fix AC’s Thermostat
If the AC is not cooling, check its thermostat. If you have a smart model, make sure the thermostat is powered on, and if you have a programmable model, check the batteries and replace them if the previous ones are dead. Also, check the temperature settings to ensure that the cooling mode is enabled and you have set the desired temperature level.
Fix Refrigerant Leak
In case of a refrigerant leak, turn off the AC and address it as soon as possible, as overlooking it can have grave financial repercussions. The first step is to evacuate the AC by pulling air and moisture from the system via a vacuum before it is inspected and repaired.
You can seek assistance from an HVAC professional or opt for an AC vacuum pump rental. If you are unsure what kind of pump you need, professionals can help you determine your requirements and find a solution that fits your needs.
Check the Circuit Breaker
If you suspect a tripped breaker, check the breaker panel and turn it on if it is tripped. However, if it does not turn on and continues tripping, it may need to be replaced. For faulty wiring, it is best to seek help from an HVAC professional.
Check the AC drain
If the AC does not turn on and there is no other reason, check the drain to ensure it is not clogged. If so, it is killing the power supply to the unit by setting off the switch.
AC Checklist for summers
Regular maintenance is important to prevent repair issues from occurring in the first place. Here are a few checks you can run ahead of the summer season.
Do a Thorough Clean
Before you turn on your AC for the first time in the season, do a thorough clean to remove the dust and debris and change its filter if required.
Check the Ducts and Pipes
Check the sealing on your AC ducts and drain pipes to rule out any blockages and resolve them if required.
Check the Electrical Connections
Check your AC wiring and the circuit breaker to ensure all is in working order before using the AC. Also, check the refrigerant levels to rule out any leakage.
Final Thoughts
The problems highlighted in this article can help you address your AC’s most common issues so you know what to expect and how to resolve them.
Checking and ensuring that your AC is in good working order is a must-do before the summer season starts. You must perform regular maintenance and repair on your AC to function properly and avoid getting nasty surprises when the season is at its peak.
https://www.cooltoday.com/blog/the-10-most-common-air-conditioner-problems
http://www.hotpointheating.com/HVACMaintenanceTips/CommonACProblems
https://theweatherchangers.com/blog/common-air-conditioning-problems/
https://gopaschal.com/homeowners-ac-system-checklist-summer/
