The summer season has arrived, and it's time for the air conditioners to do their annual magic. Air conditioners, which had fallen out of favor in recent months, are once again the talk of the town, and air conditioner problems just cannot be tolerated!
You don't have to be an air conditioner specialist to recognize when anything is amiss. Knowing the most common problems with air conditioners is a considerable aid in averting malfunctions. Who wants to be confined indoors during a sweltering Denver summer without air conditioning? Keep an eye out for the following ten typical issues:
1. Filters that are clogged
The most typical cause of a filter becoming blocked is dirt accumulation. In addition, clogged filters hinder airflow through your air conditioner, preventing it from efficiently chilling the air. A blocked filter might also reduce the capacity of the coils to absorb heat, presenting even another issue.
Solution: To avoid the problems connected with clogged filters, make sure you clean and replace them on a regular basis. Keeping filters clean is even more important if you have a furry friend in the house.
2. The air conditioner isn't turning on
It can be a misery to return home from a long day at work only to discover that your air conditioner would not turn on at all. If you can't get a professional to come out right away and fix the problem, and you can't handle it yourself, you're in for a hot, uncomfortable, and sleepless night.
ACs will sometimes refuse to start because a circuit breaker has been tripped. It's also possible that the thermostat is broken or that there's some loose wire somewhere.
Solution: There isn't much in your control if your air conditioner refuses to turn on. It is not recommended for you attempt any electrical repairs yourself. When your unit refuses to turn on, contacting skilled HVAC technicians or ac mechanic is the best option.
3. The refrigerant is depleted or leaking
Refrigerant, commonly known as Freon, is the chemical that cools the air in the air conditioning system; thus, it's critical to maintain proper levels.
There are two basic reasons why your refrigerant levels are low. The first possibility is that your air conditioner was undercharged during installation.
The other reason could be a leak in the refrigerant system.
Solution: Refrigerant leaks are hazardous to the environment, not to mention the risk of refrigerant poisoning; therefore, contact a professional as soon as possible. Simply adding more refrigerant to a leaky air conditioner will not solve the problem.
4. AC unit repeatedly turns on and off
Your air conditioner should not be regularly cycling on and off. If this occurs, it will be unable to attain the level of cooling required to feel comfortable. In addition, short cycling is a problem that has the potential to cause catastrophic damage to the compressor.
A variety of factors can cause short cycling in ACs. The most prevalent are clogged air filters and miscalibrated thermostats.
Solution: If you have this issue, you should contact your HVAC specialist.
5. Soiled registers
Registers, like filters, accumulate a lot of dirt. So when you don't clean your registers on a regular basis, the air passing through your air conditioner has to pass through dust and debris, making the air conditioner work harder than necessary.
Solution: Despite being one of the most common air conditioner issues, it is a rather straightforward fix. Get your vacuum out and vacuum it well to remove any accumulated debris.
6. Unusual Noises from the AC
If you detect unusually loud AC noises emanating from your unit, this indicates a problem. They may appear to be inconvenient, but they will assist you in determining what is wrong with your system before the AC problem worsens.
Distinct noises indicate a different AC problem, such as a grinding sound indicating a compressor or motor failure. Canceling noises will be heard if there is a hindrance in the AC fan or a capacitor problem. A refrigerant leak or excessive moisture in your device could be the cause.
Solution: You should never ignore an AC noise problem and should always contact an HVAC specialist right away. A technician will assist you in determining the meaning of the sound and resolving the underlying issue.
7. The Sun's Heat
Of course, you purchased an air conditioner to combat the heat of the sun, but bear in mind that overexposure to the sun's heat might cause your air conditioner to go into overdrive, resulting in significant air conditioner difficulties.
If your thermostat is exposed to direct sunlight, it may pick up the erroneous temperature from electrical appliances, forcing it to work harder than necessary.
Solution: Some people consider covering their outdoor AC units to protect them from trash and poor weather.
You can also plant two or three trees on the side of your house where your air conditioner is installed. For example, a six- to an eight-foot-tall deciduous tree will offer shade for your unit within a year of planting.
8. Inadequate Maintenance
One of the most prevalent causes of ac difficulties is a lack of regular maintenance. However, even if you maintain the various elements of your air conditioner clean, it will still require a good ol' check-up from a professional expert. They will be able to inspect the areas of the air conditioner that you cannot reach and are unfamiliar with.
Solution: It's sometimes preferable to leave it to the specialists. Irregular maintenance can lead to huge cost in the long run.
9. Compressor Failure
The compressor, which aids refrigerants in heat exchange and maintains AC pressure, is an essential AC component. AC compressor failure can be caused by dirty coils, changes in refrigerant levels, and a lack of maintenance.
If there is insufficient refrigerant, the compressor will overheat and stop operating. If there is more than what is needed, the extra refrigerant will produce greater pressure in the unit, which may cause it to fail.
Solution: If your air conditioner is not cooling adequately or detects a low HVAC airflow, it is most likely due to a compressor malfunction. To resolve this common AC issue, contact your local air conditioning service. If the compressor is severely damaged, it is preferable to replace it rather than do an air conditioning repair.
10. Failure of a Capacitor
When your air conditioner goes on and off abruptly, followed by a clicking sound, it may indicate a capacitor problem. A capacitor is a vital component of your air conditioning machine because it provides the motor with the initial push it needs to start running.
The capacitor can overheat when your air conditioner works hard in the summer heat. Power fluctuations, as well as frequent changes in thermostat settings, can also damage your capacitor.
Solution: Consult a specialist to have your capacitor inspected. Unfortunately, due to the risk of electric shock, you cannot fix or replace it on your own.
