Some easy ways to troubleshoot common AC problems
Your house may become unpleasant and your energy expenses will increase, if your air conditioner fails to perform properly. As a result, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system problems must be fixed as soon as possible to avoid significant temperature swings in the house.
It’s not necessary to be an air conditioning specialist to recognize problems with a unit. Knowing the most frequent faults with air conditioning systems is a great help in preventing failures.
Leaking refrigerant, strange sounds, unpleasant smells, and uneven temperature distribution are typical AC issues. Remember that your home air conditioner will run more smoothly if you do regular preventative maintenance and address any issues before they become serious. However, if your air conditioner isn’t keeping you cool, consider these troubleshooting steps before hiring a repairman.
Air conditioner troubleshooting
Some AC issues are simple to detect and repair if you are even somewhat mechanically inclined. Just make sure that you switch the breaker to the “off” position before doing ANY preventative maintenance on your central or window air conditioner.
- Frozen coil
One of the most frequent causes of air conditioners not blowing cold air is a frozen coil. Frequently, this issue could be resolved without the need for expert assistance.
Reasons:
- The airflow is constrained (usually from a dirty filter).
- The refrigerant in the air conditioner is running low.
- The outdoor temperature is too low.
- The components are broken.
Solution:
The easiest way to melt the ice surrounding the coil is to turn off the air conditioner and switch on the fan on your thermostat (normally “auto”). Remove any dirt you find from the evaporator coil and the air filter. Make sure there are no clogged registers and check for obstacles or disconnections in the ductwork. If your air conditioner continues to freeze, you may have a refrigerant leak or a broken refrigerant line.
- Unusual Smell
Bacteria may grow and produce a smell similar to that of urine or vinegar if water accumulates in the HVAC box of your air conditioner. Some homeowners also detect musty-smelling scents.
Reasons:
- Mildew smells are caused by poor drainage.
- Electrical scents may indicate wiring problems in the motor.
- A burning smell might be caused by blocked air filters, which can cause the system to overheat.
Solution:
It is necessary to check the outside of your unit for indications of damage first. Check your filter; it may need to be changed. Also, your air conditioner may have a leak and will need to be repaired immediately.
- Blower motor not operating
There might be a number of issues with your air conditioner if it won’t start and the blower motor won’t turn on.
Reasons:
- A tripped breaker might be the cause.
- The issue might potentially be caused by the overflow shut-off switch.
- The cause could be defective or broken wiring.
Solution:
Examine the breaker panel. Your air conditioning equipment probably has two separate breakers, one for the condenser and one for the fan. If it has tripped halfway, turn it off completely before turning it back on. If the breaker continues to switch when you try to start the unit, it may be malfunctioning and has to be replaced.
If there are issues with the overflow shut-off switch either a blocked drain line accidentally tripped the switch, cutting off electricity to the appliance, or the switch has malfunctioned. Check that the drain pipe or hose is not blocked and is working normally. If wire is broken, get an HVAC specialist to troubleshoot your thermostat and air conditioner wiring.
- Leaking refrigerant
The quantity of refrigerant in the unit must be very accurate and meet the manufacturer’s specifications to the letter. If your air conditioning unit is low on refrigerant, the issue is likely a leak that must be repaired.
Reasons:
- Undercharged installation might be the source of this issue.
- Refrigerant is leaking.
Solution:
To solve the issue, you must find and address the leak. Leaking AC systems are often best repaired by an experienced technician. Particularly if the leak is at a valve, access port, condensing or evaporator coil. Frequently, these fixes will need some heavy-duty soldering.
If you are able to identify the issue as a little refrigerant leak, you may be able to perform a simple repair. You may use a Freon leak repair kit for minor leaks in home and small business AC systems.
- AC blows hot air
Check your thermostat first if your air conditioner is spewing hot air. Make sure it’s not on “hot” or “fan”. You must get expert assistance with this issue.
Reasons:
- Hot air blowing may be caused by a dirty air filter.
- Low refrigerant levels are another possibility.
Solution:
To keep air flowing freely and avoid blockage, replace filters every month or two and have ducts cleaned professionally once a year. Call an expert for adding refrigerant to air conditioning equipment.
- Weird noises
Strange vibrations, screaming, or grinding sounds indicate the need for immediate repair.
Reasons:
- Typically, squealing noises are caused by a worn or improperly positioned belt.
- Grinding sounds in AC units often signify motor bearing difficulties.
Solution:
These loud sounds stop when the underlying issue is resolved. During routine maintenance, experts inspect belts and maintain bearings oiled to preserve the compressor motor.
Conclusion
Obviously, there are issues that may be avoided by doing a troubleshooting exercise for air conditioning. Proper maintenance is the most effective means of preventing issues with an air conditioning system. Though air conditioning troubleshooting may be beneficial to the efficient running of your system, the most common air conditioning issues can be avoided with a regular maintenance schedule.
You must routinely change dirty filters, inspect ducts for rips and have them fixed, and remove debris from the outside of the unit and its surroundings. Also, set up a programmable thermostat, which is more precise and efficient while also saving energy. This advices help your air conditioner operate effectively and efficiently.