A failing air conditioning system can make life unbearable in your home or office, especially during the summer and winter seasons. It’s vital to prepare yourself by preventing possible causes of AC problems.
The following are some of the most common air conditioning issues and how you can rectify them.
Leakage from the Refrigerant
You might have noticed temperature fluctuations when using your AC. This might be due to the presence of holes along the refrigerant lines. Such holes cause the coolant inside your air conditioner to leak, which makes the whole system not to perform properly.
Look for a qualified technician who will identify the leaks, repair them and refill the coolant to the required levels. A professional service will ensure the refrigerant charge matches the levels recommended by the manufacturer.
Failing Electric Control
The electric control fails due to the following:
- Burned or corroded wires
- Defective compressor
- Faulty wiring
- Defective start capacitor
These problems normally arise due to the frequent turning on and off of the air condition. This causes fan controls to wear out with time and the compressor to fail.
You can solve this problem by having the wiring checked by a professional. He/she will check the capacitor, clean the condenser coil and adjust the refrigerant charge. The capacitor will have to be replaced if it fails to reset.
Drainage Problems
Clogged AC drains can make your system fail. If your air conditioner’s drain line is blocked, the moisture removed from the air won’t have anywhere to go. This means the AC unit can experience further damages due to the excess water backing up. Your system can also face water leaks that damage ceilings, furnishings, and walls.
You can clear the drain line by flushing compressed air through it. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when clearing the drain.
A Failing Thermostat
There are instances when your air conditioner fails to register the necessary instructions. This is an indication that the thermostat is not functioning properly. A failing thermostat is mainly due to incorrect calibration.
This problem can be easily solved by re-calibrating or replacing the thermostat. Follow the manual provided by the manufacturer to ensure you are doing it right.
Dirty Air Filter
Excess dirt in the air filters causes airflow problems in your AC. This in return causes the coils to freeze or the air not to cool as required.
You need to ensure there is no vegetation or debris around your air conditioner. You must also clean reusable filters regularly to remove any dirt that might have accumulated. For the filters that need replacement, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to know how often you should replace them.
Fan Not Working Correctly
The outdoor fan must revolve as required to enhance optimal cooling of the AC. If the fan is not working properly, the system will overheat and might be prone to further damages.
This problem can be solved by pressing the reset or overload button. You can also check whether there is a problem with the capacitor by spinning the blades clockwise when the system is turned off. You will have to replace the capacitor if you notice the blades spinning freely.
Bottom Line
It’s crucial to keep the units of your air conditioning system in check. Regular maintenance will save you money and ensure you get the best air conditioning in your home or office. You can also check tips on maintaining and troubleshooting your air conditioner on Air Conditioner Lab. Don’t wait until your system fails to call for professional assistance!