Are you suffering from air conditioning problems? We can help with our practical guide to common AC problems and solutions. Although some issues will require professional attention, in many cases troubleshooting your air conditioner can result in a fast, effective resolution. Here we consider five common AC problems and solutions, detailing what measures are necessary to get your system functioning properly.
System Operational but Ineffective
If you know your system is switched on, but the temperature in your home is still uncomfortably warm, a blocked or dirty air filter or condenser (the outside unit) could be to blame.
You can begin by checking your AC filter – we recommend changing it every three months to ensure consistently high performance. If the filter doesn’t seem to make a difference, it may be the condenser.
Pick a mild day and switch off the unit’s power supply before carrying out the following cleaning process.
Vacuum or clear vegetation and other debris from the exterior surface of your condenser. Use a fin comb (or other small, flat tool) to gently adjust any fins that have become twisted or bent. To clean inside, pull off the grille at the top of the unit and carefully remove the fan without disconnecting it. Clean inside with a vacuum cleaner, if necessary. Use a gentle spray of water to get rid of any remaining dirt. After reinstalling the fan, switch the unit back on and wait a few minutes. You can then test the temperature difference between the two tubes that enter your property.
Loud Operation
In most cases, loud operation or odd sounds are caused by one or more of the following:
- Uneven voltage
- Contaminated parts
- A lack of lubricant
- Vibrating components
- Lack of refrigerant
- Overheating (perhaps due to consistent, heavy use, high exterior temperatures, a fan that’s not working correctly, or wear and tear)
Make sure that refrigerant is topped up, and the air filter is clean. If these measures fail to make any difference, arrange to have your AC serviced. This will frequently solve minor problems. If a repair is needed, the technician completing your service will provide further details.
Uneven Cooling
Provided the thermostat is working correctly, it may be either a blocked duct (in a ducted system), or the unit in a specific room is failing (in a split system). It’s also possible the AC may not have sufficient capacity to cool the entire interior effectively. This is common when additional split units have been added, without an upgrade in the exterior unit.
We recommend calling a technician for uneven cooling issues, as the causes are often complex and require an expert’s intervention.
Unresponsive Thermostat
Frequently, dead batteries in the thermostat control are the culprit. Check the batteries before considering other solutions. If fresh batteries make no difference, check the air flow and power supply to the unit.
Complete Failure
Failure may be due to anything from a faulty power supply to a seized engine. We recommend:
- Checking the power supply
- Changing the air filter
- Cleaning the outdoor compressor
- Removing any ice from the coils
If these measures fail to fix the issue, you may require a professional to assess and diagnose the problem, as well as carry out any necessary repairs.
Remember that regular air conditioner maintenance reduces the risk of inefficient or intermittent performance, as well as decreases the likelihood of sudden failure and/or costly repairs. Honest Air HVAC is an established HVAC maintenance company that provides comprehensive servicing at a fair price.
Give our team of experienced technicians a call to find out more.