Your air conditioner may not work correctly because of several possible issues. These include an electrical short circuit, a faulty compressor, a damaged fan motor, a dirty filter, a low refrigerant level, a blocked drain line, or a leaking evaporator coil. Call our experts if you think any of these conditions might be causing your unit to fail. We can also provide routine maintenance services to keep your system running smoothly. Here, we look at seven common AC problems and their solutions.
Compressor Wear Out
If you repeatedly turn on and off your unit, you may damage the compressor and fan control board. Another common cause for a compressor to stop working is a broken or defective capacitor. When a compressor stops operating, you will likely need to replace it.
Solution
The compressor is usually an expensive component to replace. If you’re considering replacing an old compressor, you may be better off buying a new AC instead of replacing the compressor.
Wrong Settings, and its fix
If your air conditioner is blowing cold air but isn’t cooling off, ensure the controller is on “cooling.” A snowflake icon or “cold” or “cool” are often used. If it’s in this mode, turn down the temperature to cool things off.
On a hot day the temperature coming out of the vents should be about 16 to 20 degrees lower than the outdoor temperature. If you’re using a heat pump to heat your home in the winter and only get cold air, alter the mode on your controller.
Key settings to remember:
- Snowflake = cooling
- Sun = heating
The unit can produce cold air while heating. The defrost cycle puts the outdoor unit in cooling mode to heat up and defrost. However, the controller may have settings that prevent the fan from turning off. Consult your manual or an expert for help..
Refrigerant is Leaking
Adding refrigerant is a temporary and expensive fix.. The refrigerant level must be set precisely per the manufacturer’s instructions. Undercharged installations will cost much more to operate. If your AC is low on refrigerant, a leak is likely the cause and must be fixed immediately. If you suspect your unit may be low on its charge then you need a professional to look at it.
Solution
Freon leak repair kits are available for household and small commercial AC systems. The compressor circulates the sealant and may repair a small leak.
If you suspect a refrigerant leak contact Energy Stars Heating & Cooling Co. immediately. We’ll help you with the air conditioner troubleshooting, identify the cost of fixing the leak, and perhaps suggest replacing the existing unit.
Blocked Filters and Coils
Dirty filters and coils can cause many problems. This is always the first place to look if you are having an issue. If you are seeing water around the furnace and indoor coil, the filter may be the primary problem. If you do not regularly change your filter, a good cleaning of the indoor coil may also help.
Solution
Change your air conditioner/furnace filter at least once every 2 months. More often is even better. The filter is usually on the side of the furnace. If your filters are washable, rinse them after brushing and shaking to remove dirt and dust.
Ice Build-Up
Many people’s air conditioners break down due to ice buildup. Ice can accumulate inside the coil if the fan blower isn’t coming on, the filter is dirty, or the A/C has a low refrigerant charge. You will see water dripping around the furnace and possibly ice build up on the refrigerant lines both inside and outside. Turn off the A/C if you see this problem. Until the unit has melted, nothing can be done to fix it.
Solution
If your air conditioner has accumulated ice, you must switch it off and let the ice melt. Depending on the accumulated ice, defrosting your air conditioner could take anywhere from an hour to more than 24 hours. Call Energy Stars Heating and Cooling to come and determine the issue.
Blown Circuit Breakers and Fuses
A blown fuse or circuit breaker often causes an air conditioner to stop working. Check the breaker and fuse regularly. Blown fuses in your home’s meter box must be replaced, but tripped switches can be reset.
Solution
Don’t do the air conditioning troubleshooting yourself. Instead, contact an electrician if your air conditioner’s fuse or circuit breaker has blown. Usually a blown fuse indicates a bigger problem in the system.
Thermostat Out of Place
Built-in thermostat sensors in room air conditioners read the air’s temperature. Check the temperature sensor if the air conditioner isn’t producing cool air.
Solution
A professional must readjust the thermostat. Check the controller’s thermostat for enhanced safety. Reduce the controller’s temperature if it’s on, or read the manual to see if “on” and “cool” would solve the problem.
Get Quality AC Repair & Replacement Services at Energy Stars Heating & Cooling Co!
If you suffer any problems mentioned above, contact Energy Stars Heating & Cooling Co.
One of our qualified technicians will assess your AC’s technical issues and advise you accordingly. We offer fair rates to make our services highly affordable.
Learn about the common air conditioning problems from the experts at Energy Stars Heating & Cooling Co. Schedule an appointment or contact us for A/C repair, 618.477.8337