Air conditioners can show you through some issues over time, especially if they aren’t properly maintained. If the AC has an issue, it won’t cool the air properly. 5 Common Air Conditioning Problems, for instance, any damage caused to the compressor may lead to expensive repairs. If the airflow is less, it reduces cooling efficiency, and causes the AC to freeze up.
It’s important for us to identify the reasons behind such issues before it gets too late. However, it’s not always possible for you to identify the issues due to underlying reasons. You must get in touch with few reliable HVAC repair companies in your area that can handle all issues pertaining to ACs.
Check out Five Key Issues Commonly Encountered with Air Conditioners:
Refrigerant Leaks
Low refrigerant levels, often caused by leaks, result in inadequate cooling. This can also lead to damage to other components like the compressor, which can be expensive to repair.
Dirty or Clogged Filters
A dirty air filter restricts airflow, reducing the efficiency of the AC and potentially causing the evaporator coils to freeze, leading to poor cooling performance.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
When evaporator coils freeze, it indicates airflow issues, often due to dirty filters, blocked vents, or low refrigerant. Once the coils are frozen, they never let the AC unit contribute to effective cooling.
Faulty Thermostat
If the thermostat is malfunctioning, it can prevent the AC from maintaining the correct temperature or may cause it to shut off prematurely, disrupting cooling.
Electrical Issues
Electrical control failures, such as problems with the compressor, fan motor, or capacitor, can cause the AC to turn on and off frequently, leading to wear and tear on the system. This can result in inefficient operation and breakdowns. These are the most common problems that affect air conditioners and often require timely attention to avoid more serious damage. Addressing your air conditioning (AC) problems often depends on the specific issue. Knowing the issue 5 Common Air Conditioning Problems.
Few Good Steps to Resolve the Common AC Issues: 5 Common Air Conditioning Problems
Repairing Refrigerant Leaks
If refrigerant levels are low, a professional technician must identify the leak, repair it, and recharge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant. Simply adding refrigerant without fixing the leak is not a permanent solution.
Clearing Clogged Filters
Clean or replace the air filter every 1-3 months, depending on usage and manufacturer recommendations. Replacing the filter can restore proper airflow, increase efficiency, and prevent other issues like frozen coils.
Cleaning Frozen Evaporator Coils
Thawing the coils gets easier when you turn your AC unit off. Check and clean the air filter. Ensure there’s no obstruction to airflow (such as closed vents). If the issue persists, a technician may need to inspect the refrigerant levels or airflow problems.
Replacing Faulty Thermostat
If the thermostat is malfunctioning, check the battery (if it’s battery-operated) or recalibrate it. Upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat can improve accuracy and energy efficiency. A professional can replace the thermostat if it’s beyond repair.
Fixing Electrical Control Issues
Check for any loose electrical connections or damaged wires. An HVAC specialist can help in repairs as dealing with electrical systems can be dangerous. If components like the capacitor or compressor are failing, they may need to be replaced.
With the passing of time, you may experience compressor problems that generally require a professional technician. If the compressor fails due to electrical issues, wear, or overheating, it might need repair or replacement. Besides, check the outdoor condenser fan for obstructions like leaves or debris. Damaged motor or fan blades may need to be replaced by a professional.
You must resort to regular maintenance including cleaning of filters, inspecting ductwork, checking refrigerant levels, and ensuring all mechanical parts are functioning properly. While following various preventative measures at home, I relied heavily on the residential HVAC contractors near me. I would urge you to do the same, so that AC maintenance never becomes an expensive affair in the long run.