You don’t have to be an expert in air conditioners to notice when something isn’t right. Knowing the usual air conditioners (AC) issues is a huge advantage in reducing problems. Besides, who wants to be trapped inside during hot, humid summer with no air conditioning?
Nowadays, air conditioning is necessary, and life can become uncomfortable if your air conditioner breaks down.
If you’re in Virginia, repairs and AC replacement Inwood can be complicated. So, it’s vital to keep your air conditioner in good condition with regular maintenance.
It’s important to note how many common AC problems can be related to poor maintenance.
To help you avoid any future issues, read through some of the most common AC problems that you should know to ensure your air conditioner is in good working order.
1. AC Not Turning On
You expect your air conditioner to work seamlessly each time you switch it on. After all, it provides you comfort during hot days.
However, there are times it won’t turn on. If this happens, check whether the condenser is functioning outside. Also, confirm that the unit is switched on and that your thermostat is set correctly.
In addition, check for a busted fuse or a tripped circuit breaker since they could be the cause of the power failure.
If you find one, you’ll need to reset the circuit breaker or replace the fuse. It could also be the result of faulty wiring or a broken thermostat.
2. It Won’t Turn Off
The AC usually works more often on warmer days, but it should turn off automatically when you switch it off or when it reaches the desired temperature.
Cooling cycles should happen roughly two to three times every hour, lasting around 15 to 20 minutes each. Once the sensor detects the set temperature, the AC should power off as it ends the cooling cycle.
Thus, if you leave your AC running, electrical power is wasted, and your system suffers from excessive wear and tear. This causes component damage and malfunctions and requires the replacement of parts or the entire system.
If your AC does not shut down as intended, the following problems may exist in your system.
- Electrical Issues: A faulty relay switch causes an electrical circuit to remain closed, supplying continual electricity to the air conditioner.
- Faulty Thermostat: Thermostat sensors accumulate dirt over time, preventing them from effectively sensing the room temperature.
- Low Fan Speed: The system will not circulate enough cold air into your home if the blower fan speed is too low. If this happens, your AC will continue to run as it attempts to provide cool air.
3. Weak Airflow
An AC airflow problem occurs when your home experiences cold and hot blasts, as well as pressure imbalances. In this case, the fan cannot blow sufficient air due to several factors.
Before you do anything, double-check that your thermostat settings haven’t been changed by mistake.
If your thermostat settings are correct, the next step is to replace your air filter. Old and blocked air filters possibly cause AC issues like frozen coils.
Another thing to consider is you may be low on refrigerant. Try to feel the larger of the two copper lines that lead to the unit’s condenser to see if this is the case.
Your levels are good if it’s moist and cool to the touch. However, if one or both of these features are missing, then your refrigerant levels are low.
4. Refrigerant Leaks
The refrigerant, also known as Freon, is an important component for your air conditioning unit to function properly.
When your AC leaks, a part of its coolant lessens, and your AC’s might have difficulties maintaining cool air in your home. As a result, you have to pay more for electricity.
Also, if you inhale a large amount of gaseous refrigerant, you may encounter dizziness, difficulty breathing, loss of balance, and poor concentration.
If it leaks, simply adding refrigerant will not solve the problem. A service professional should repair, test, and charge the system with the correct quantity of refrigerant.
Remember, your AC’s efficiency is best when the refrigerant charge meets the manufacturer’s requirements.
5. Moldy Smell From The Vents
Imagine returning home from a long, hot, and humid day. You take off your boots, loosen your tie, and turn on the air conditioner, but there’s something off about the smell.
The most common foul odor associated with AC is a grimy odor. If your AC smells moldy, the most common cause is water buildup in the draining pan or ducts in the case of ducted systems. This can lead to the growth of fungus or mildew.
In addition, dirty filters can also cause such a foul smell. This happens because of moisture buildup in the filters after a long AC inactivity. Instead of masking the odor with an air purifier or air freshener, have it cleaned and serviced regularly.
Conclusion
Like any other appliance, an AC may experience several problems that may result in irreparable damage and loss. Thus, it’s essential to regularly inspect the air conditioner to prevent these problems.
With this information about AC and possible problems, you can safely evaluate the unit’s condition and have it checked sooner. Finally, air conditioners last a long time when properly maintained.