Having a malfunctioning AC during the warm months can be devastating. After all, the unit regulates the indoor temperatures so the home can remain comfortable even under the summer heat. But like any other system, ACs can stop working for many reasons.
Some challenges may be specific to the brand, while others could affect all units. This post will share the common problems homeowners might experience and suggestions for resolving them.
The Unit Isn’t Cooling Even When Running
This is one of the frequent Air Conditioning Troubles, which can be caused by different reasons. For instance, a clogged condensate drain or a dirty air filter can cause the unit to malfunction. Experts recommend changing or cleaning the filter and emptying the drain when necessary.
If there is not enough refrigerant, the AC will not effectively regulate indoor temperatures. So, the refrigerant should be topped up to fix the problem. If the AC is cooling some rooms while others are warmer, this could be a complex problem that requires professional air conditioning repair service. The technician will examine the entire system to identify and resolve the cause.
The Unit Blows Hot Air
An air conditioner is meant to produce cool air. If it is warm, the homeowner needs to identify the cause. Dirty filters can easily interrupt the airflow, so it is advisable to replace them. Faulty thermostats can also cause this problem.
The AC contractor might recommend replacing or recalibrating the thermostat. A digital thermostat might be a better option for modern houses. Other culprits are a clogged condenser or evaporator, insufficient coolant, and damaged coils.
The AC Is Leaking or Can’t Reduce Humidity
As an air conditioner runs, it causes condensation that needs to be directed away properly to avoid leakages or adding extra moisture to the clean air. This often happens when the condensation pump is faulty or the drain is blocked. When the condensation pump is defective, the extra moisture might cause carpet and wall condensation.
To prevent this problem, a homeowner should disconnect the unit from the primary power source and then check the drains for algae clogs. This is the best chance to use tools to remove all the dirt and even clean the pump system using a bleach solution to eliminate algae.
Any leaking pump should be inspected to determine whether it needs replacing. The pump’s electrical parts also need to be functional because if the condenser doesn’t work, it will not receive the cooling control signal from the thermostat.
The Fan Is Faulty
An AC fan needs to run efficiently to make it easier to cool the home. If damaged, the unit will not function properly. Before contacting a technician, it is important to troubleshoot to determine the possible cause. Homeowners can start by checking if a wiring problem or tripped switches prevent it from getting power.
Another solution is to spin the fan blades clockwise to eliminate any blockages. If that does not work, the owner should reset the AC by pressing its reset button. If these options don’t fix the fan issue, it could mean the capacitor is damaged and needs replacing.
While it is possible to fix some of these issues from home, homeowners should ensure that what they do will not affect the AC warranty or pose dangers like electric shock. It’s better to assign the work to professionals to ensure the AC runs efficiently for many years.
