In the U.S, air conditioner units cost households around $29 billion every year.
Homeowners must regularly maintain their AC systems so it runs efficiently and lasts longer. Perhaps you’re unfamiliar with air conditioner problems and you want to know the most common ones.
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Sounds familiar? Luckily, we’re here to help. Here are the nine most common AC problems.
- Frozen Evaporator Coil
One of the most common AC problems is having a frozen evaporator coil. This happens because your air conditioning unit doesn’t receive enough airflow so it can’t operate. As a result, the evaporator coil becomes frozen and, if left unattended, sheets of ice form which stops it from functioning properly.
When looking to repair your air conditioner, leave the unit for 24 hours so the evaporator coil can defrost completely. If there’s moderate frost, then activate fan mode so the blower melts the ice without shutting down the unit.
- Fan Problems
Google “AC repair near me” if the fans stop working. Apart from the fan blowing air over the evaporator coil, there is also one that pumps airflow over the unit’s condenser to remove any absorbed heat.
If these don’t work, there will be poor airflow and your AC may run into other issues. Take immediate action otherwise, it could destroy the compressor and the entire AC unit.
- Thermostat Issues
One of the top home air conditioner problems is with the thermostat especially older models. Occasionally, it will send mixed signals to the AC’s control system so your home isn’t set at the ideal temperature.
Replace an older thermostat with a programmable one as it’s more accurate and energy-efficient. Plus, you can alter the temperature using your smartphone or tablet which is handy.
- AC Refrigerant Leaks
A telltale sign of a broken AC unit is when the refrigerant leaks. This component cools the air within the system and if it leaks, it affects the efficiency of your air conditioner.
If it’s a minor leak, add more refrigerant and seal the gap. But for larger ones, you may need to disassemble and check the entire system. If you’re not sure how to fix it, call a professional immediately to avoid further problems.
- Your AC Is Blowing Hot Air
Our “common AC issues” list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the unit blowing hot air. This is often because of a dirty air filter so check that no debris or dust is blocking it. Or your unit may be low on refrigerant.
Note that if you own pets, check the filter every two months for trapped hair.
- AC Unit Trips the Circuit Breaker
If your AC unit trips the circuit breaker then it’s faulty. You may need to replace it or ground your compressor properly. This is often because of a broken condenser fan or a defective capacitor.
- AC Emits an Unusual Odor
Does your home suddenly smell musty?
Homeowners experience this because there’s a buildup of water in the drain pan which can cause fungus and mildew to grow. You may even notice water dripping down the wall. This means you must contact a professional to clean the AC lines and ducts to eliminate the smell and fix any potential leaks.
Or, if your home smells like rotten eggs, there’s likely a dead animal trapped in the AC duct. Birds, insects, or lizards seek refuge there and when they eventually die, they emit an unpleasant odor.
To avoid this, ask a professional to remove the carcass and then pest-proof your system.
- Dirty Condensor Coils
The condenser coil, found on the outdoor unit, expels heat outside of your home. But this won’t work if it’s covered in a layer of dirt.
If unattended, the AC unit will work twice as hard which will put more pressure on the parts and result in a system failure.
- Failure of Electrical Control
Homeowners who constantly turn their AC unit on and off can wear the compressor fan out. Note that the system is intricate so one disruption can stop the entire unit from working. You should also check the electrical panel in case there is a tripped breaker or a blown fuse.
If you notice either of these, call a professional for help.
How to Prevent Air Conditioner Issues
AC systems run efficiently when they’re regularly maintained. So clean and replace dirty air filters when needed. How frequently you change the filter will depend on where you live so if you’re in a city, clean and replace yours at least once a month.
You should also inspect ducts, check all wiring is intact, and clear any debris that’s surrounding your unit. To do this, turn off the unit and use a garden hose to remove any leaves as it could affect how the system runs.
Most AC problems can be avoided by maintenance so hire an HVAC expert to inspect your unit every spring. A major benefit is it’s inexpensive and saves you money as you don’t have to splurge on replacing a component or an entirely new system.
Those Are the Top Air Conditioner Problems
Hopefully, after reading this article, you now know the top air conditioner problems.
Check the electrical coil isn’t broken, be mindful of any strange smells, and make sure the fans are running smoothly. You should also check the thermostat, clean the condenser coil, and look out for refrigerant leaks. Good luck!
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