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10 Most Common Air Conditioner Problems and how to fix it

Air conditioners have grown from devices that just offer comfort to being a necessity, especially for commercial and industrial businesses. Their role in keeping the equipment, pharma, or food cool to preserve their properties and ensure optimal performance has made them the torchbearers of these businesses.
However, like every other electrical device, ACs also undergo maintenance. Some small and simple and others complex and technical. No matter which kind of business you run, it is very important to understand the most basic and common air conditioner problems.
Addressing these common air conditioner problems promptly on your own will not only get your business up and running but also improve the efficiency and longevity of your AC systems. Imagine customers coming into your store on a sunny afternoon and your AC runs off, if you can fix the problem then and there, you won’t lose any business. It also conveys to the customers that you value their presence.
In this blog, let us take a detailed look at some of the air conditioner problems and solutions. We will discuss in detail each one of these problems, how they are caused, what are the signs, how can be resolved, and how to make sure that these things don’t repeat frequently.
In order to understand the problems and fixes, you first have to understand the AC, how it works, how it sounds, etc.

Common Air Conditioner Problems and Their Causes

Clogged air filters

Imagine a day when your living space feels stuffier than usual, and your AC seems to be working overtime without much effect. This is a classic sign of a clogged air filter.

Causes: The main cause of the clogged air filters is dust and debris accumulation.

Signs: Reduced airflow, higher than normal energy bills, uneven cooling.

Resolution: Replace or clean your air filters every 1-3 months based on usage and operating conditions.

Prevention: Regular checks and timely replacement or cleaning of filters.

Refrigerant leaks

You might have noticed that your air conditioner isn’t cooling as well as it did last season and is also sometimes making a faint hissing sound. These are tell-tale signs of a refrigerant leak.

Causes: Corrosion in the valves, frequent vibrations causing wear and tear, or can be as simple as improper installation. Yes, if you have started noticing leaks even from the initial days of the installation, then this might be the only cause. 

Signs: Hissing noises, reduced cooling efficiency, ice on evaporator coils.

Resolution: Leaks demand professional expertise, contact a professional air conditioner specialist to repair the leak, test the system, and refill the refrigerant to manufacturer-specified levels.

Prevention: Regular maintenance checks by a professional to detect early signs of wear and potential leaks.

Faulty thermostat

If you have noticed that your AC is turning on and off at odd times without any input, a faulty thermometer can be the cause. 

Causes: The thermostat degrades with the life of your AC, faulty wiring, and poor installation.

Signs: AC won’t turn on, runs continuously, or cycles incorrectly.

Resolution: Check and replace batteries, recalibrate, or replace the thermostat.

Prevention: Regularly check thermostat performance and settings; consider upgrading to a smart thermostat.

Frozen evaporator coils

If you find ice on your AC’s indoor coils on a hot day, even though the outside temperature is scorching. This paradox often points to the frozen evaporator coil problem.

Causes: This is mainly caused due to insufficient airflow (due to clogged air filters), and low refrigerant levels.

Signs: Ice buildup on the coils, reduced cooling capacity.

Resolution: Replace filters, ensure adequate airflow, and call a professional if refrigerant issues are suspected.

Prevention: Maintain clean air filters and schedule regular AC inspections.

Dirty condenser coils

Causes: Outdoor debris, foliage, dirt.

Signs: Overheating system, decreased cooling efficiency.

Resolution: Clean the coils with a garden hose annually, and remove debris and foliage around the condenser unit.

Prevention: Regular cleaning and clearance of vegetation around the condenser unit.

Worn contractor

If you experience that your AC doesn’t turn on or respond or make loud chattering noise. These issues may be due to a damaged or worn-out contractor.

Causes: Electrical arcing, mechanical wear.

Signs: AC struggles to start, chattering noise, or doesn’t start at all.

Resolution: Inspection and replacement by a qualified technician.

Prevention: Annual system checks to replace worn components before they fail.

Blown fuses or tripped breakers

When an air conditioner suddenly shuts down during a heatwave. You find the circuit breaker tripped or a fuse blown.

Causes: Overheating, electrical surges, ageing electrical components.

Signs: AC won’t power on, sudden shutdown during operation.

Resolution: Reset the breaker or replace the fuse, and investigate underlying issues.

Prevention: Ensure the AC system is on a circuit appropriate for its electrical load; consider electrical upgrades if recurrent problems occur

Water leaks inside

You notice water stains on the ceiling below your AC unit or puddles forming on the floor. This could indicate a blocked condensate drain line.

Causes: Clogged condensate drain lines, and improper installation.

Signs: Water pooling around the furnace, high indoor humidity levels.

Resolution: Clear the drain lines, and check for proper installation.

Prevention: Regular cleaning of condensate lines and inspection of installation integrity.

Noisy operation

Your quiet evening is disrupted by odd noises coming from your AC, like rattling or buzzing, suggesting something is loose or failing inside.

Causes: Loose parts, debris inside the unit, deteriorating components.

Signs: Rattling, buzzing, or whistling sounds.

Resolution: Tighten loose components, clean the interior, or replace faulty parts.

Prevention: Schedule regular maintenance to tighten, clean, and replace necessary parts before they fail.

Irregular maintenance

Neglecting maintenance services often leads to frequent breakdowns and higher energy bills each month. 

Causes: Neglecting regular maintenance schedules.

Signs: Increased energy bills, frequent breakdowns, overall poor performance.

Resolution: Establish and adhere to a regular maintenance schedule with a professional service.

Prevention: Set reminders for regular maintenance checks and adhere to professional advice.

Conclusion

All in all, air conditioning troubleshooting is one of the things that you should know to keep your home or business running smoothly. Understanding the above-mentioned common challenges and relevant solutions associated with your AC can help you keep them in good condition and reduce the chances of costly repairs and maintenance. However, there are multiple complex problems and if you encounter any of these complicated problems, Air freeze Refrigeration . We are a leading AC maintenance service provider in Australia, we solve complex problems within short periods of time to ensure seamless service.

FAQs in related to Common Air Conditioner Problems

If your AC is on but not blowing cold air, there could be an issue with one of these components of the AC. The thermostat, compressor, or evaporator coils or it can also be a simple clogged filter. Contact a professional air conditioning expert for more information.
The fuse is the most common component of the AC that is subjected to frequent failures. As this fuse prevents the AC from any electrical current fluctuations.
Most of the problems that an AC faces are due to a faulty thermostat. Check the thermostat to ensure that is turned on and set to the right temperature.
Understanding AC problems demands experience in electrical systems. There are numerous components in the AC that work together for proper functioning. It is difficult to pinpoint the problem unless you have on-field experience.

Here are 7 ways to tell that your thermostat is broken

  • The thermostat has no power
  • The AC or furnace won't turn on
  • The heater or AC won't turn off
  • The thermostat reading doesn't match the room temperature
  • The thermostat doesn't respond
  • The HVAC system is short-cycling
  • The thermostat forgets programmed settings

This can be caused due to numerous reasons: 

  • Dirty air filter
  • Refrigerant leak
  • Thermostat issues
  • Electrical issues
  • Frozen evaporator

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