Common Air Conditioner Problems You Might Face

 During the hot season, mainly from June to September, your air conditioner is your best friend. Over time, you may start noticing problems with your AC. At first,  they may not seem like a major issue. However, when left unaddressed, these issues worsen and cause myriad problems. To avoid expensive air conditioner repairs, high energy bills and uncomfortable temperatures, you need to get even the smallest AC problems fixed as soon as possible. We’d like to take a look at the most common AC problems most homeowners deal with in Canada.

Clogged Filters

The work of the air filters in an AC is to clean air before it gets into the cooling system. What this means is that the filters arrest a lot of debris within a short time. Consequently, clogged filters are the most common AC unit problems.

The air conditioner and the furnace use the same air filter. When the filter gets way too clogged, it will impact the efficiency of the air conditioner. The air conditioner might need to work harder to cool your house or may not even cool it at all. It is also good to know that leaving the air filters clogged is the main reason why air conditioners freeze up.

Inspecting the air filter is something that has to be done at least once every month. If you are using a disposable air filter or your permanent air filter is damaged, you need to immediately replace it. Additionally, if you live in an environment with a lot of dust or someone in your house smokes, you may have to clean or replace the air filter more often. Professionals recommend that you replace the air filters at least once every 3 months.

Thermostat Problems

The most common issues  with central air conditioners are not with the cooling unit itself but with the thermostat. Most homeowners call in a professional when they are not sure what the issue with their AC is. Upon arrival, professionals start by examining the thermostat. At times the reason the AC is not cooling as it should is  that the thermostat has been calibrated wrongly. The first thing you need to  check if you notice your AC is not working properly is the thermostat settings.

You also need to understand that direct sunlight can impact how the thermostat interacts with the air conditioner. When the thermostat is in direct sunlight, it may read warmer temperatures. This will affect how the AC runs. If the thermostat is set correctly, but you are still having problems, the issue is somewhere else.

Drainage Problems

Your air conditioner has a condensate line which is also referred to as the condensate drain. This drain aims to funnel excess moisture that is removed from the air, i.e. away from your AC and home. It is easy for the condensate drain to get clogged. This happens as a result of poor maintenance. When it is clogged, moisture will start building up in the air conditioner. This causes the growth of mould/mildew, which is bad for your health.

When blocked, water may start backing up. This can lead to serious damages. Your condensate drain may be clogged if your house starts smelling mouldy/musty, you notice your AC leaking water or if the condensate pan does not seem to empty. To prevent water damage, you must keep a keen eye on the condensate line.

Breakers Issues

The electrical breaker is the first line of defence against power surges. If you notice AC not working, chances are the breakers were tripped, and the AC is not getting any power. You need to check the breaker and reset it. You then need to monitor the AC and make sure it is working properly. If the breaker trips again or if the air conditioner doesn’t work even after resetting the breaker, you should contact a professional. Don’t reset the breaker because it is working properly.

Dirty Condenser Coils

Condenser coils are located under the grille or fins on the outer part of the air conditioner. The refrigerant passes through the coils and helps with the heat transfer process. Bear in mind, the condenser coils are the wilds of your yard; they are exposed to a lot of debris. When they are dirty, the heat transfer process gets harder. This means most of the heat will not be removed from the air. You will start dealing with higher cooling bills within no time because the air conditioner is working harder to achieve the desired temperatures. If the issue is not fixed, the air conditioner will break down.

You can avoid expensive repair or replacement costs by keeping the condenser coils clean. You also need to make sure no vegetation is growing near the outdoor unit.

Refrigerant Leaks

The refrigerant is the liquid that absorbs heat and helps with cooling. Refrigerant leaks are serious air conditioning unit problems. You should call in a professional right away if you notice or suspect a refrigerant leak.

You may have a refrigerant leak if:

• Ice is forming on the air conditioner
• The AC does not seem to get the house to cool
• You hear a hissing sound after turning on the air conditioner

When the refrigerant levels are low, the air conditioner will not be able to cool the house properly. The air conditioner will also need to work harder to cool your home. As a result, you will start dealing with high monthly cooling bills. Needless to say, refrigerant leaks will have negative effects on the environment as well as the air you breathe. Regular maintenance can help catch refrigerant leaks on time.

The above list of common problems is incomplete. There are many other reasons why you may have an air conditioner not cooling. Our team at Air Makers is happy to help with any air conditioner problem you may have. We will also help you find the best air conditioner for your building, help with its installation and maintenance, and help with any repairs you may need. Give us a call today to learn more about our services.