The Most Common Air Conditioning Problems

With summer approaching, now is the time to make sure you don’t experience any air conditioning problems during the time of the year when you need it the most. There are a few air conditioning problems that you might face, some of which are preventable or that you can fix on your own, and others that might require the services of an HVAC technician. A poorly functioning air conditioner can also cause several other issues in your home and cost you lots of money if you don’t take the necessary action. Be prepared by learning what the most common air conditioning problems are below.

Filter

One of the major issues that people run into with their air conditioning system has to do with their filter. Many people forget that they need to replace their filter because it gets dirty over time. When you get a filter, be sure to check the package for how regularly you need to replace it—this could be anywhere from one month to three. Another way you can see if it needs replacement is by simply checking to see if any light passes through. If you can’t see light through the filter, then it needs to be cleaned or replaced, depending on the type. If you are looking for HVAC filters online, Remember the Filter offers many in different sizes, brands, and MERV ratings, so you can get what you are looking for.

Low Refrigerant

Low refrigerant might be another cause of an air conditioning problem in your home. The refrigerant in your air conditioner is the key to removing any heat and humidity from your home’s air. However, there are instances when the refrigerant may get low due to leakage. To fix this issue, your best option is to hire an HVAC technician.

Overheating

Like a car, your home air conditioning unit’s motor or compressor may succumb to overheating. This typically happens if there are any issues with the unit’s breakers or fuses since their function is to prevent such an issue. A way to spot this is by noticing any unusual odors because that usually points to an overheating issue. Therefore, an HVAC technician will always check the unit’s breaker to see if there are any potential issues that may arise.

Fan Problems

An air conditioner’s fan is arguably the most important piece of the unit. When there are issues with the fan, then a lot can go wrong. Fan problems typically arise from a faulty motor, worn-out belts, the need for more lubrication, or too much dirt or debris, which can all cause poor airflow. If a fan issue isn’t fixed, it could be detrimental to your entire home HVAC system.

Compressors

The compressors in your air conditioning unit are responsible for giving energy to the refrigerant, which then moves to the coils, which then carries out a heat exchange. If your unit’s compressor is not working properly, then you will not get cool air in your home at all—something nobody wants to deal with in the summer.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

An air conditioner’s evaporator coils absorb the heat from the air and use refrigerant to do so. There are instances when the evaporator coils will start to freeze on the outside if it gets too cold due to improper airflow.

Dirty Condenser Coils

Condenser coils are prone to getting dirty and won’t work if they’re covered with dirt and other outdoor elements. The reason why you need your condenser coil to function properly is that it helps get rid of the warm air by sending it outside of your home.

Loud Noises

Your air conditioning unit at home should usually be quiet, so loud and unusual noises are a sign that something might be wrong. A loud air conditioner can result from several issues, but the most common cause is typically a belt that is not aligned properly or needs to be replaced. Unusual noises from your air conditioners can also be happening because of the motor’s bearings.

Leaking Ducts

The ductwork in your walls and ceiling helps the cool air pass through your home. However, holes in the ducts can keep the air in your walls, wasting energy and increasing energy costs. That’s why you should regularly monitor for holes or breaks in the ducts to ensure that your air conditioner is working effectively.

Turns on and off

Another one of the most common air conditioning problems could be that it’s turning on and off too frequently. This kind of issue typically points to a problem with the air conditioner’s signaling. This can result from an obstruction somewhere in the condenser unit. The best way to fix this issue is to clean the entire air conditioning unit to remove any such obstructions.

Thermostat Issues

Your air conditioning unit may also run into a thermostat issue, which is also incredibly common. Not having a properly running thermostat means that you won’t be able to set your home’s air at a temperature your desire. The good news is that, if you own an older thermostat, it can be easy to repair. All you’ll need to do is either recalibrate the thermostat or replace the whole thing. For a newer thermostat, make sure you refer to the owner’s manual so you set it back correctly.

Clogged Drains

Your air conditioner must deal with a lot of moisture that may be in your home. This moisture is typically removed through a drain line, but there is a chance that the drains could become clogged and cause severe damage to your system. This can also lead to leakage from your home’s ceiling and mold if the problem isn’t resolved immediately.

Those are some common issues people typically have with their home’s air conditioning system. The good news is that most of these problems can be prevented by performing regular maintenance. This means that you should regularly replace air filters when the time is right, inspect your home for any leaks or holes, and keep your HVAC system clean.