As per recent studies, over 90% of American households have some temperature control system. Global warming and an increase in daily temperatures have made it impossible to survive without one.
Thanks to advancements in home cooling technology, ACs come in all sizes, and some are even ‘smart’ enough to regulate temperature by themselves. But, like all electronic devices, AC’s come with their share of problems and breakdowns. While some of these solutions are easy enough for you to try at home, it is best to hire a trusted and experienced service provider for the rest. Read on to learn about some of the most common AC issues you might face and how to troubleshoot them.
5 Common Air Conditioner Problems and Solutions
Any electronic device, especially the ones with compressors, is prone to several issues due to regular usage, irrespective of the place you live. While all commercial air-cooling systems come with a manufacturer’s warranty, you must go for regular servicing. Now to the most common AC-related issues.
- Leaking AC refrigerant
- Dirty or clogged air filters
- Water leakage from the AC indoor unit in the house
- Water leakage from the AC outdoor unit outside the house
- Broken air conditioner fan
Some of the above issues are easy to repair and do not cause significant damage to the overall system. No matter how small or big the issue is, if you live in Florida, you can choose well-trained and experienced air conditioning repair Cocoa FL agencies to solve the issues. Handing over your AC to just anyone can lead to faulty repair and further damage.
Keep reading to know more about each of the above issues and possible troubleshooting options.
Refrigerant leaks from the main AC unit
Any air conditioner has a chemical agent that is responsible for the main cooling effect. These are called refrigerants or Freons. These particles can escape their encasement within the AC unit and start leaking. The result is exactly what you thought – a reduced cooling effect. Additionally, freons are harmful to the environment.
Troubleshooting options: Depending on the amount of leakage, you can either fill up the refrigerant lost and seal the crack or will have to get the entire internal tubing changed and refill the refrigerant. It would be best to be very careful while refilling the coolant to avoid chances of under or overfilling. Try to match the level specified by the manufacturer for best performance.
Early detection is the key to success in the case of coolant leakage. If you detect any leakage, immediately call an AC repair agency to resolve the issue.
Dirty or clogged air filters
Not-so-fun-fact – Allergies and air conditioners are like a PB&J sandwich. They always go hand-in-hand.
The air filter in the AC unit is one of the essential parts of the AC that ensures clean air flows through your room. They filter out most dust particles, animal dander, certain microbes, etc., and prevent it from causing severe allergies. Clogged or dirty AC air filters mean restricted airflow and reduced efficiency of the AC.
Typically, you should clean your AC filters once every quarter, but you might need to clean them more frequently if you have a pet in the house.
Troubleshooting options: It is pretty simple, actually. If your AC’s airflow seems more restricted than usual, it is usually due to dirty filters. All you have to do is remove the outer casing and the filter, dust them properly, rinse it, dry and put it back up. Keep track of when you cleaned it last and schedule a clean-up once in 2-3 months.
Water leakage from the AC indoor unit in the house
Indoor leakage is one of the most common issues people face, and there’s no simpler way to put it across. Water leakage from the AC indoor unit means overdue maintenance! This kind of leakage results from clogged internal drainage pipes that drain condensed water out of the unit. Fungal or algal growth and a broken or misaligned pipe are the main culprits.
Troubleshooting options: Depending on the severity of the issue, you can either call for help (which is, of course, a less risky way) or even conjure up a DIY! After correctly identifying the position of the pipe, you can use a vacuum cleaner to unclog it.
Water leakage from the AC outdoor unit outside the house
Water leakage from the outdoor unit is kind of a big deal. While it is a common issue, there are way too many things that can cause it. If you notice a puddle around the outdoor unit, switch off the AC immediately. Cutting off the power supply will prevent any permanent damage to the AC unit and save money.
Troubleshooting options: Some common causes include – incorrect AC installation, a dried-out air filter, damaged condensate pan, etc. Because these are all complex issues, it is best to call for a service person.
Broken air conditioner fan
The fan installed in the outdoor unit of an AC acts as a coolant for the AC itself. It transfers any heat generated inside the AC to the outside environment. If this fan is broken or compromised, there is a heat buildup inside the AC, affecting the compressor unit. If there is overheating of the compressor, you can do nothing but replace the AC altogether.
Troubleshooting options: It is easy to detect fan issues because you can easily see and hear it working. So, if you think the fan is broken, immediately cut the power supply and call for a service engineer.
Summing up
Did you know Herbert Hoover was the first-ever US President to enjoy the cool air from an air conditioner? Just imagine what it would be like living in the hotter states like Florida without the comfort of an AC. Scary right?
Well, you don’t have to worry at all. After all, getting an air conditioner is so much simpler than it used to be. However, if you want to enjoy the cool air from your AC for a long time, make sure you use it right and get it serviced regularly.
