
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
FAQs in related to Common Air Conditioner Problems
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