Common Air Conditioner Problems You May Face This Summer
Summers may be hard to endure without air conditioning. Therefore, homeowners should ensure they have a reliable air conditioner in the hot months. Learning about the usual air conditioner problems you may encounter and the corresponding preventive measures go a long way in improving your comfort and reducing stress during the season.
Common Air Conditioner Problems You May Face This Summer
Here are several of the most common air conditioning issues:
Air Conditioner Is Not Turning On
The air conditioner might be completely unresponsive if its circuit breaker tripped. It needs to be reset before you try to turn on our system again. Check if it has a loose plug, and re-plug as needed. Change the batteries in the thermostat if the current ones are dead. Call an HVAC professional for proper diagnosis and repair if the AC problem persists.
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Air Conditioner Making Noises
It is normal to hear a constant hum from your air conditioner. However, be wary of strange noises. Listen carefully to the sound as each kind points to a specific problem. For example, rattling sounds may be because of the motor assembly, while clicking noises are due to relay issues. Buzzing can be traced to electrical faults while hissing sounds point to a leak. HVAC technicians will know the problem as soon as they hear the noises from your air conditioner.
Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air
A central air conditioning system fills your home with cooler air. If it fails to do its job, check if the air filter is clogged with dirt. This can block the airflow throughout your unit. As a result, the condenser may freeze, reducing the cooling ability of your AC. Prevent this problem by regularly replacing your air conditioner’s filters.
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Air Conditioner Freezing Up Outside Unit
Several reasons can trigger this issue, such as a coolant leak and a drop in the outdoor temperature. Other causes include lack of adequate airflow and blower motor problems. Hiring a professional to check your unit is the best way to determine the root cause of a frozen condenser.
AC Refrigerant Leak
The refrigerant is the cooling system’s lifeblood. A leak means the air conditioner will experience issues with its efficiency and performance. There will also be an increase in energy consumption and uneven cooling around your home. The coils may also freeze, and the compressor may be damaged. Regular upkeep lets you know of possible refrigerant leaks so they can be resolved early.
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Frozen Evaporator Coil
Continuous airflow is needed so your evaporator coil doesn’t freeze. If this problem occurs, you must check the entire coil for clogs. The blockage may be because of dirty filters, a broken fan, or clogged vents. Avoid this problem through periodic cleaning and maintenance.
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Electric Control Failure
Air conditioners operate best when running at a steady state. Its parts, especially the compressor, will experience faster wear and tear if it cycles frequently. Other components that can be affected are the fan motor and blower motor controls. These issues can cause the electric control to fail, preventing the affected parts from responding.
Air Conditioner Leaking Water Outside
Humid days can cause condensation in the coils. The moisture typically escapes out of the air conditioner through a specially designed drain duct. However, leaks can happen if the duct becomes clogged or damaged. Leakage can also happen if there are blocked drain pipes, improperly installed ducts, or a broken condensate pan, among other causes. Ensure that the inside is clean to prevent and resolve this issue.
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Drainage Problem
Poor drainage results in the air conditioner having stagnant water inside it. This encourages fungi and bacteria to grow, eventually leading to foul smells spreading throughout your house. It is unpleasant and unhealthy to stay in a home with such a situation. Have a professional inspect and maintain your air conditioner to keep bad odors from developing.
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Sensor Problem
Thermostat sensors detect the current temperature. Air conditioners will switch on if the room is too warm and switch off when it gets too cold. If the sensor is placed incorrectly, you may get faulty readings. An experienced HVAC technician can properly resolve their placement problems and calibrate them to ensure optimum function.
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Easy Steps To Prevent Air Conditioner Problems
Here are four easy steps you can take to keep AC problems at bay:
- Inspect the HVAC filter: Many problems emerge from having dirty AC filters. Take the manufacturers’ advice and conduct regular air filter replacements. This is one of the best ways to prevent problems with your cooling unit. The recommended replacements are once a month or every three months. Let your filter’s condition guide you. Change it if the filter surface is clogged even before the scheduled replacement date.
- Clean the condensing unit: The outdoor unit is constantly exposed to dust and dirt. Dirty coils cannot effectively transfer heat outside. Cleaning the surfaces periodically is an easy way to fix this. Remove any objects on it as well, such as trash, leaves, and branches.
- Make sure that nothing is blocking the vents: Air can flow freely if the vents are open, so they should always remain that way. However, there may be times when objects are blocking the vents, resulting in poor airflow. Ensure no furniture, curtains, plants, or other objects are blocking them. Keep a watchful eye on these sensitive areas so you can immediately remove or reposition objects that are blocking them if needed.
- Install a programmable thermostat: Consider replacing old thermostats with new models. This way, you get better calibration and performance. Switch to a programmable thermostat if possible. You can set the timers per your preferred temperature and schedule. This helps in improving the unit’s precision while lowering your energy usage.
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Conclusion
Cooling systems can stop working when you really need them. To prevent this from happening, be proactive in monitoring and cleaning your system. Homeowners should also abide by a regular tune-up schedule so HVAC experts can do thorough inspections and upkeep. Seek professional assistance immediately if your air conditioner needs repairs. HVAC technicians have extensive skills and experience in finding and diagnosing the real source of the problem. They will also provide you with exceptional results at affordable costs.
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Call R.F. Ohl for Solutions to Ensuring Comfort in Your Home
For reliable and affordably-priced heating oil, call R.F. Ohl. You can count on our high-quality, discount heating oil deliveries to be fast and friendly. We also offer efficient heating solutions for your family and home.
The expert technicians on our team are equipped to handle any HVAC repair or maintenance. Contact us to hear about our various services. We can assist by answering your questions and concerns. For more information about our efficient HVAC services or oil deliveries, call R.F. Ohl today!
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