Air conditioning is an essential feature of most modern homes, providing a comfortable indoor climate in hot weather. However, it can be frustrating when it malfunctions or doesn’t work as expected. Understanding common air conditioning problems can help you identify issues and prevent them from becoming more severe. Here are 10 air conditioning problems you should know about.
1. NOT BLOWING COLD AIR
If you are experiencing a lack of cool air from your air conditioner, a few underlying issues could be the cause. You could have a low refrigerant level in the AC unit, possibly due to a refrigerant line leakage. Alternatively, a malfunctioning compressor could be the culprit. This can result from a blown a fuse or a defective electrical switch. If your air conditioner’s compressor isn’t operational, it won’t be able to properly circulate the refrigerant, resulting in a lack of cold air production.
Another potential issue could be that the evaporator coil in the AC is frozen; this can occur if the air filter is clogged or if the airflow around the evaporator coil is blocked. If the evaporator coil is frozen, it won’t be able to absorb heat from the air, thus preventing the AC from producing cold air.
2. LEAKING
Maintaining an air conditioner is essential to ensure it functions appropriately and prevents leaks. Clogging of the drain pan, which collects water removed from the air, is one of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak. If the drain pan is not regularly emptied, the water can overflow and begin to spill out.
Failure of the condensate pump is another cause of an air conditioning system leaking water. The condensate pump helps to get rid of water from the drain pan, and if it fails, the water will accumulate and eventually cause a leak. In some cases, a defective condensate pump can also lead to water backing up into your home, which can cause severe damage. If you spot your AC unit leaking water, get it serviced by a certified technician immediately.
3. TRIPPING THE CIRCUIT BREAKER
A circuit breaker is a safety device that trips when there is an overload of current in an electrical circuit. This prevents damage to the electrical system and keeps you from being electrocuted. If your AC trips the circuit breaker, too much current is running through the system. Several things, including a faulty compressor, a shortage in the wiring, or a problem with the air conditioner itself, can cause the tripping of a circuit breaker. If you suspect this is the problem, it’s recommended to call a qualified technician to come and take a look at it.
4. UNUSUAL ODOR COMING FROM THE UNIT
If you notice an unusual odor coming from your air conditioning unit, it could be a sign of a problem. The most common cause is a buildup of dirt and debris in the system. Other causes of an unusual odor from your air conditioner include:
- Dirty coils
- Leaking refrigerant
- Mold or mildew growth
It’s essential to have any strange odor your air conditioner may emit checked out by a professional, even if the unit functions correctly in all other ways.
5. THERMOSTAT MALFUNCTION
Thermostat malfunction is a common issue among air conditioning systems. This can result in the temperature of the air conditioning system remaining higher than expected, making it difficult to cool the room. This sort of malfunction could be due to several causes, including a faulty thermostat, a malfunctioning air conditioner, or a lack of power to the thermostat.
If the thermostat is not working as it should, it is important to have it checked by a qualified technician to determine the reason. Sometimes, you may need to replace the thermostat or service the air conditioner. If the thermostat works correctly, you may need to adjust the temperature settings to a lower level. Once the thermostat is back to normal, the air conditioning system should return to its average temperature.
6. AC UNIT DOESN’T TURN ON
If your air conditioner is not functioning at all, there are a few potential issues you should look into. Begin by confirming that the electrical plug is connected and the power switch is on. After that, inspect your home’s circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure that the circuit for your air conditioner has not been tripped or blown. If it has, seek help from a certified HVAC technician.
7. CLOGGED AIR FILTER
A clogged air filter can cause a range of problems with your air conditioning equipment, including reduced airflow and circulation. A clogged air filter will reduce the amount of air that moves through the system and cause the compressor to work harder, reducing its efficiency and increasing the energy used to cool your home. It can also cause the evaporator coil to freeze, potentially leading to ice buildup.
In addition, a clogged air filter can lead to poor air quality in your home, as airborne pollutants are not properly filtered out. It is important to regularly change your air filter to ensure that your air conditioning system is working optimally and providing the best air quality possible.
8. FAULTY COMPRESSOR
The compressor is responsible for pumping refrigerant throughout the AC system, and if it fails, the entire system can shut down. Various issues, including a defective start capacitor, a bad motor, a clogged condenser, or a lack of lubrication, can cause a compressor failure. If the compressor is malfunctioning, it’s best to call a professional to inspect and fix the issue. Without the proper repair, the system may not be able to cool your home sufficiently, leading to more costly repairs in the future.
9. FAN PROBLEMS
Fan problems can range from a simple obstruction of the fan blades to a more serious electrical failure. One of the most common fan problems is a blockage or interference with the blades, which can cause the fan to be noisy and not move air as efficiently.
Another frequent issue is overheating, which can occur when the fan runs for extended periods. In addition, a damaged or worn-out motor can cause the fan to become unresponsive or to stop running altogether. It is important to check that the fan is connected to a properly grounded outlet to avoid the risk of electric shock. If any of these issues are present, it is best to call a professional to inspect and repair the fan.
10. FROZEN EVAPORATOR COIL
A frozen evaporator coil can be a serious issue for air conditioning units. Freezing happens when the evaporator coil cannot absorb enough heat from the air passing over it, causing it to freeze up. This can lead to a number of problems, including a decrease in cooling efficiency, water leaking onto the floor, and eventual system failure. To prevent this issue, it is important to keep the evaporator coil clean and free of debris. This will help ensure that the air can pass over it unimpeded and reduce the risk of freezing up.
At Dragonfly Heating & Cooling in Riverside, we understand how important it is to keep your AC system running smoothly and efficiently. That’s why we offer a wide range of services, including AC repair, installation, and maintenance, to ensure your system functions at its best. We also provide heating installation, repair, and maintenance. Call us at Dragonfly Heating & Cooling today for more information.
