Common Air Conditioner Problems
One of the most common air conditioning problems is improper operation.
- If your air conditioner is on, be sure to close your home’s windows and outside doors.
- For room air conditioners, isolate the room or a group of connected rooms as much as possible from the rest of your home. Close the doors between the rooms for example.
For a list of common air conditioner problems and what to look for, check out this excellent graphic from the US Government called the Energy Saver 101 infographic.
Other common problems with existing air conditioners result from faulty installation, poor service procedures, and inadequate maintenance. Improper installation of a central air conditioner can result in leaky ducts and low airflow. Sometimes, the amount of refrigerant in the system does not match the manufacturer’s specifications.
Air conditioner manufacturers generally make rugged, high-quality products. If your air conditioner fails, begin by checking any fuses or circuit breakers. Let the unit cool down for about five minutes before resetting any breakers.
5 of the Most Common Issues Are:
Refrigerant Leaks
If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, either it was undercharged at installation or it leaks. If it leaks, simply adding refrigerant is not a solution. A trained Bayside technician should fix any leak, test the repair, and then charge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant.
Inadequate Maintenance
If you allow filters and air conditioning coils to become dirty, the air conditioner will not work properly, and the compressor or fans are likely to fail prematurely. Dirty air filters are one of the most common problems we run into. Make sure you change your air filter per the directions (30 days typically).
Electric Control Failure
The compressor and fan controls can wear out, especially when the air conditioner turns on and off frequently, as is common when a system is oversized. Because corrosion of wire and terminals is also a problem in many systems, electrical connections and contacts should be checked during a professional service and maintenance call.
Sensor Problems
Room air conditioners feature a thermostat sensor, located behind the control panel, which measures the temperature of air coming into the evaporative coil. If the sensor is knocked out of position, the air conditioner could cycle constantly. The sensor should be near the coil but not touching it; adjust its position by carefully bending the wire that holds it in place. This should be done carefully. If you aren’t sure what to do call us! We will come out and help you.
Drainage Problems
When it’s humid outside, check the condensate drain to make sure it isn’t clogged and is draining properly. Room air conditioners may not drain properly if not mounted level. This can result in water leaks into your house or damage in the unit itself. This is a very common problem. This can easily be solved during our regular maintenance calls by enrolling in our Bayside Comfort Care Program.