What Are Common Air Conditioner Problems?
Summertime is here and with it comes the need for cool, refreshing air in our homes. the air conditioning system has become a staple for homeowners during the hottest months of the year. However, with the constant use of AC units, it is no surprise that they are prone to malfunction and breakdowns. Knowing the common air conditioner problems and how to fix them is crucial for every homeowner.
The team at Atlas Heating & Air breaks down some of the most common air conditioner problems that homeowners face.
Dirty Filters
Your AC air filters play a crucial role in maintaining the air quality in your home. They remove dust, debris, and other impurities from the air. When you have a dirty air filter, this can hinder airflow, making your AC unit work twice as hard to produce cool air. Not only that, clogged air filters can cause poor indoor air quality and can issues within your air conditioner like short cycling and low airflow from your vents.
To fix this problem, simply clean or replace your filters. This is a quick and easy process that can significantly improve the performance of your AC. You should check your air filter every month to see how dirty it is. Usually, most people replace their dirty air filter with a new one every 90 days. You can find most air filters at your local hardware store. When you schedule your annual AC maintenance appointment with Atlas, it will include changing or cleaning the filters as well as cleaning your air conditioning unit so your system will work properly at peak performance conditions.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is the substance that allows air conditioners to transfer heat and cool air. If your AC unit has a low refrigerant level, it will have to work harder to produce cold air. A common sign that your AC unit is suffering from low refrigerant is hot air blowing out of your vents when your thermostat is set to cool. This can lead to higher energy bills and a unit that works less efficiently.
To fix this problem, you need to recharge your refrigerant levels by calling a professional HVAC technician. If refrigerant levels are low, there is likely a refrigerant leak somewhere in the system that will also need to be fixed. It is important to address this problem right away to prevent further damage to your AC. Regular air conditioning maintenance can help homeowners keep tabs on refrigerant levels and identify issues early on. Old air conditioning units may use R-22 refrigerant, which is being phased out because it is harmful to the environment. If your AC system is suffering from refrigerant leaks, topping off the refrigerant can be very expensive. You may want to consider upgrading your AC unit to one that uses a more affordable refrigerant.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil is responsible for removing the heat from the indoor air. If the evaporator coil freezes over, it can cause your AC unit to stop working or not work as efficiently. This can be caused by dirty air filters, low refrigerant levels, a clogged drain line, or a malfunctioning blower motor.
To fix this problem, turn off your AC unit and let the evaporator coil thaw. Then, look for the underlying cause of the problem and address it accordingly – often it is a lack of airflow due to a dirty filter or debris. Regular maintenance, including cleaning the evaporator coil, can help prevent this issue.
Damaged Fan
The fan in your AC unit is responsible for circulating the air throughout your home. If the fan blades are damaged or the motor is not working, you may hear strange noises or experience poor airflow.
Call a technician to assess your AC problems. They may recommend you replace the damaged fan. Continuing to use your AC unit with a damaged fan can cause further damage and lead to more costly repairs. This is one of the common air conditioner problems that can be identified during regular AC maintenance visits.
Wiring Issues
Electrical problems can cause a major malfunction in your AC unit. This could be caused by faulty wiring or simply due to age. Wiring issues can lead to a unit that doesn’t work entirely or can pose a fire hazard. Correcting wiring issues will require the help of a professional. With regular maintenance visits, a technician can inspect your cooling system and identify wiring problems before they start to cause issues with your home’s cooling.
Get Help with Common Air Conditioner Problems by Calling Atlas
Being aware of the common air conditioner problems and how to fix them can save you time and money in the long run. Routine maintenance on your AC unit can prevent many of these AC problems from occurring. However, if you do experience any of these common problems with your air conditioner, it is important to address them right away to prevent more costly repairs and potential safety hazards. Call Atlas Heating & Air today to schedule air conditioning repair service and keep your home cool this summer.
