A functioning air conditioner is essential to keeping your home comfortable during summer. While aircons are relatively reliable appliances, they can encounter problems that require troubleshooting and maintenance over time.
In this blog, we will explore the most common issues homeowners face regarding their air conditioners and provide tips on troubleshooting and maintaining them. Read on for more information – you’ll be glad you did!
Common Air Conditioner Problems
Common problems include Poor Air Flow, Unusual Noises, Water Pooling, Unpleasant Smells and Inaccurate Thermostats.
Leaking
Leaking is one of the most common issues homeowners may need help with regarding their air conditioning units. Several factors, such as clogged condensate drains or blocked filters, can cause water leakage. In addition, excessive water accumulation inside the unit is another possible cause of water leakage.
Homeowners should check for any visible signs of leaking from the AC unit regularly and especially after a rainy day or storm season. If you notice puddles around your AC system, act quickly to identify and repair any leakages as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your home and appliance.
Poor Air Flow
Poor airflow causing your air conditioner to overwork or not providing enough cooling is a common problem. This can be due to blocked vents and ducts, dirty filters, and incorrect thermostat settings.
Dirty or clogged filters are one of the main culprits for poor airflow. Cleaning the filter regularly is essential for maintaining proper airflow throughout the system. To ensure all system parts work efficiently, check for obstructions blocking different areas, such as registers or supply vents.
Incorrectly set thermostats can also cause poor airflow in your air conditioning unit. Setting it too high will mean it needs to get cool enough quickly enough, leading to insufficient cooling being produced by the machine when you need it most.
Unusual Noises
Unusual noises coming from the air conditioner are a common problem homeowners face. This can range from loud humming, buzzing and clicking noises to vibrations.
The cause of these noises could be due to an issue with the fan motor bearings, or else they might indicate that something is wrong with the AC compressor itself. To identify the source of such unusual noises, it is vital to have a qualified technician evaluate and inspect your system.
In most cases, fixing this problem requires replacing faulty parts or lubricating certain components if needed. Building dust on motors or frayed belts can also lead to strange sounds, which may require professional maintenance services for resolution.
Water Pooling
Water pooling is a common problem if the air conditioner has been running for extended periods. This will occur when condensate moisture drips and accumulates around the unit. It can be visible as water droplets on windows and walls near the unit, wet spots on carpets and floors or puddles forming around the indoor portion of your AC system.
Preventing water pooling requires proper drainage to allow evaporated moisture to escape from inside your air conditioning system without any blockages preventing it from draining properly. Regular maintenance visits are necessary to ensure all components run smoothly, as blocked drains can cause water to pool easily. Additionally, clearing away dust and debris should be done regularly, as this could lead to restricted drainage paths for the condensed liquid created during the operation of an AC unit.
Unpleasant Smells
Smells from an air conditioning unit can be caused by a build-up of dirt, debris, and other contaminants. Mould growth inside the vents is another common cause of unpleasant smells in your home. The stagnant water left inside a damp system can also produce bad odours.
Fortunately, these smells are usually easy to solve by cleaning the ducts or replacing the filters. Regular maintenance can help keep any potential problems with aircon odour at bay before they become too severe and require professional attention. Additionally, it’s important to check for mould growth regularly, as you should take care of this immediately if present to avoid health complications.
Inaccurate Thermostat
Thermostat issues are one of the most common aircon problems faced by homeowners. A malfunctioning thermostat can cause your air conditioner to run too much or not at all, resulting in higher energy bills and inefficient cooling. Poor calibration, low batteries and faulty wiring can all be potential causes behind faulty thermostats.
Checking for proper calibration is an essential step when troubleshooting a thermostat issue. It’s also important to replace worn-out wires and ensure the connections are dust-free before re-installing them back into the system. To preserve maximum efficiency and accuracy, changing batteries once every year or getting your system checked by a professional technician at least once every two years is recommended.
Causes Of Common Air Conditioner Problems
Learn the possible causes of common air conditioning problems and how to prevent them from ensuring your AC runs smoothly!
Lack Of Maintenance
Lack of maintenance is one of the primary causes of air conditioning problems in homes. Routine maintenance reduces the likelihood that homeowners will encounter common issues with their ACs, such as leaks and poor airflow.
It is important for homeowners to routinely check on their air conditioners, clean or replace any dirty filters, inspect for refrigerant leaks, and ensure adequate airflow around the unit. Regular inspections can also help prevent major problems like compressor failure by catching small details that could turn into large repair costs if not addressed promptly.
Dirty Filters
Dirty air filters impede the performance of an air conditioner, reducing its efficiency and resulting in higher electrical bills. It’s important to regularly clean or replace dirty and clogged filters, as this will enhance airflow throughout the system.
Debris also collects inside the air handler unit and should be removed periodically as it can cause a substantial decrease in airflow. Dirt on evaporator coils can lead to mechanical breakdowns, such as frozen evaporator coils, eventually leading to compressor damage.
Maintaining clean air filters helps avoid costly repairs resulting from dirt-related malfunctions. It extends the life of your unit by allowing it to run more efficiently for many years to come.
Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant leaks are common in old air conditioners and may be caused by loose connections or damage to the coils. An indication of a refrigerant leak is a hissing or bubbling noise from the unit and low cooling efficiency levels.
To fix this issue, it’s important to call an experienced technician who can safely assess and repair the damage scope. Additionally, regular maintenance checks help avoid future refrigerant problems, such as leaking or potential failure due to age-related corrosion and wear.
Blocked Air Flow
Blocked air flow is a common problem with air conditioners, as obstructions such as debris, leaves, or insects can stop the system from working efficiently. Dirty filters are often to blame for restricted airflow, so you must inspect them regularly.
A professional should regularly clean the condenser coils to prevent any build-up of dirt and dust, which restricts airflow. Additionally, ensure that vents aren’t blocked by furniture or curtains, and ensure there is adequate clearance around your unit for proper airflow.
Conclusion
Maintaining your air conditioner is essential for a comfortable and stress-free environment in your home. Although there are common problems that simple troubleshooting techniques can easily solve if you’re faced with more serious issues, feel free to contact a professional air conditioning service.
By following the steps presented here as part of regular maintenance, you’ll enjoy many years of reliable airflow at an ideal temperature while saving energy and money.