It’s only during the hottest days that you notice your air-conditioner is deteriorating. And it has nothing to do with the equipment itself. Sometimes, a poorly maintained unit will not function properly, resulting in high utility bills to pay every month. With proper care and maintenance, your air-conditioning system will last for a longer period of time. Not only that but it can tell if your unit has serious issues and knowing these issues beforehand can save you a lot of time and money. In this article, we’ve come up with a list of 8 common air-conditioner problems and how to troubleshoot them.
1. The thermostat is calibrated wrongfully. You’ll not know your thermostat is on the wrong setting unless you check it. If your unit’s temperature is programmable, make sure you calibrate it in a way that your home feels so comfortable. However, if you’ve set the thermostat settings several times but it still doesn’t work, it’s about time to seek the assistance of your HVAC repair technician. They will more likely be responsible for the recalibration or replacement of the thermostat itself.
2. Your unit has dirty or blocked registers. Another important part of your air-conditioning system is the registers. If you want to get the most out of your unit, be sure to regularly vacuum the registers so there will be no excessive dust buildup. Also, avoid putting objects and even furniture in an area that may block the airflow through the registers.
3. You have a frozen A/C coil. Having a frozen coil means your air-conditioner has dirty air filters and clogged air duct returns. It’s therefore important to change the filter once every 3 months. By doing so, you can rest knowing your heating and cooling system is in good working condition. However, speaking to a professional can be the best recourse if you’re dealing with damaged ducts or low refrigerant levels because such issue needs an expert advice.
4. Furniture and some other objects are too close to the AC. You should never place a piece of furniture or other objects near the thermostat. Remember, the thermostat regulates your central air. If you have a lamp or TV set close to the AC, your unit will have a tendency to run longer than necessary. This is because the temperature regulator can sense heat from these appliances, causing the unit to work harder than what is normally required of it.
5. The AC will not turn on. When you perform an air-conditioning troubleshooting, one of your fears is that your system will not turn on, which is why you feel nothing. Under the circumstances, the absence of power can mean a tripped circuit breaker or even a busted fuse. Thus, it’s paramount to get your circuit breaker to be reset or get your fuse replaced as early as possible. On the other hand, you should also consider other causes like a loose wiring or some common thermostat issues that may arise. If the AC still doesn’t turn on, then asking the help of a repair technician should be a must.
6. Too many plants around the compressor. Another cause of the problem can be your plants that keep on crowding your AC’s compressor. Take note, the outdoor compressor requires adequate airflow so it can perform its job properly. So, you should make sure there’s a sufficient clearance between the unit and the trees and plants above it. That way, your air-conditioning system can supply the right amount of temperature to your home.
7. Your air-conditioner is located in a sunny spot. Placing your room AC unit in its proper location should always be taken seriously. If your system is located near to a sunny window, it will have to perform harder to provide the right coolness for your space. Not only that but it will also record the wrong temperature, making your home a bit uncomfortable for you and your family. Fortunately, there’s something you can do to address this problem. Make sure you draw your curtains and shades all day and night long during summer days.
8. You fail to conduct an annual maintenance check. Like other systems, your air-conditioner strives hard every day to provide the appropriate temperature your home needs. However, your unit may reach its early demise if you forget its checkup on an annual basis. That’s why you should always get your AC inspected by a technician before a potential problem will get worse and leave you anxious and bothered during the peak summer season. If you think your unit is already defective, you may opt for a furnace repair as soon as possible. The technician will come over and check all the essential components to determine the repair needed.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, air-conditioning issues can be prevented by taking a troubleshooting exercise. With a routine maintenance and inspection plan in place, you can save yourself from the headaches that may arise due to your neglect. Using the information presented in this post, we hope you’ll know what to do when dealing with some common air-conditioner problems.
