Troubleshooting Guide for Common Air Conditioning Maintenance Issues

Air conditioner failure in the heat is one of the most frustrating things. A broken air conditioner causes discomfort and increases your monthly energy costs. 

If your air conditioner isn't doing its job and you want to try fixing it yourself before calling a professional, here are some things to check.

Frequent Issues That Require Repair on Your Air Conditioner

Your air conditioner is essential to your comfort, so it's only natural that you'd want to investigate any concerns you've had with it as soon as possible. We'll go through some of the most frequent issues that might arise with an air conditioner, how to fix them yourself, and when to call a pro. 

It's Too Hot, And You Can't Turn On The Air Conditioning

What should you do if your air conditioner stops working? It isn't very pleasant, and there could be several causes for your air conditioner to stop working. However, tripped circuit breakers are a common cause. Wiring problems could be at blame in some instances.

The Air Conditioner Keeps Cycling On And Off

This happens when the air filter, evaporator, or condenser gets clogged, and it's termed short cycling. Compressors are vulnerable to irreparable damage from short cycling. If your home is too large for your air conditioner, you may need to know when to switch on or off.

Your Air Conditioner Never Stops Running.

While it's true that you should have the air conditioner on during the hottest parts of the day, it's also necessary to let it turn off periodically to prevent the compressor from freezing. Constant use of an air conditioner might damage its parts and drive up your electricity bill. Too low of a temperature setting or defective electrical components could cause your air conditioner to run constantly.

No Cool Air From Your AC

A warm breeze is pleasant unless it's coming through the vents of your air conditioner. Whether this occurs, try turning down the thermostat by five degrees to see whether the room temperature drops. If that doesn't work, consider the following reasons why your air conditioner might be malfunctioning:

• There is grime in the evaporator.
• There is a dirty air filter.
• Low levels of refrigerant are a problem.

Air conditioners may struggle to maintain 65 degrees Fahrenheit while the ambient temperature is 100.

The Air Conditioner Isn't Blowing

There are two different manifestations of this issue. It may sound like your unit is functioning, but there will be no airflow. Second, the air circulating through the vents isn't chilly. In most cases, one of three issues is to blame: 

• The fused circuit breaker tripped
• Frayed fan belt
• Low levels of refrigerant

A Liquid Is Dripping From Your Air Conditioner.

Two liquids could be leaking from your air conditioner: water and refrigerant. It is common for condensation to form outside the air conditioner. Still, if there is condensation inside the unit or water leaks inside the property, there may be a more serious issue.

The Drainage Problems With Your Air Conditioner 

There's moisture in air conditioners that has to get out. Condensate drips into a pan and eventually makes its way to the drain. However, water can accumulate inside the device if the drainage pipe or drain becomes clogged with dirt and debris. The air conditioner could be severely damaged if this happens.

You Have A Frozen Condenser Coil

The condenser coil could freeze if you use the air conditioner nonstop. The freezing of your condenser coil can cause havoc on your energy expenditure.

Warnings To Look Out For When Your Air Conditioning System Requires Professional Maintenance

Some of the most typical warning signs that an expert should be contacted are:

Short Cycling

When an air conditioner repeatedly switches on and off without completing a full cooling cycle, this is known as short cycling. The wrong thermostat setting, a clogged air filter, or low refrigerant levels are common culprits in this case. Another possible cause is an inadequate air conditioner. An oversized cooling system for the room it is meant to cool will operate only until it reaches the set temperature and then turn off. If your air conditioner is short-cycling, you should have a professional inspect it and fix it. Air conditioners can be severely damaged by short cycling.

Ventilated Hot Air

Unusually warm air from your home vents may indicate a refrigerant shortage or a faulty compressor. In either case, it's time to contact an expert. Keeping the refrigerant level above what the manufacturer suggests requires the expertise of a trained professional.

High Indoor Humidity

A central air conditioner's dual purpose is to cool the air and lower the humidity in your home. As a result, excessive humidity in the home may point to a broken HVAC unit. A malfunctioning evaporator coil or leaky ducts could cause excessive humidity within your home.

Foul Odours

It's important to clean and sanitise your air conditioning system immediately if you notice any unusual or unpleasant odours. A burned wire is another possible cause.

Dripping Water

A leaky air conditioner is a frequent problem, but it can lead to costly structural damage if not fixed quickly. A specialist should be called to address the leak if there is any standing water.

Faulty Air Conditioning Thermostat

The thermostat, which regulates the flow of cool air, is a potential problem area in your unit. A broken or inaccurate thermostat might cause your air conditioner to either not turn on or switch off prematurely. An electrical short, bad wiring or improper programming can all be to blame if your air conditioner's thermostat stops responding properly. To guarantee precision, you need to have an expert inspect and fix it.

The Unit Has Been Accumulating Ice

Ice buildup on your air conditioner may indicate a problem with the refrigerant or the condenser coil. As soon as possible, have it checked out and fixed.

Strange Sounds

If your air conditioning system is making strange noises like rattling, clanging, or hissing, it could indicate a problem with the belt or that the internal components are dirty and need to be cleaned and serviced by a professional.

Extremely High Utility Costs

An inefficient air conditioning system could cause your consistently rising monthly energy expenses. To ascertain the root of the problem, have an expert check it out and perform any necessary maintenance.

Cosy Areas In Your Yard

Warm areas on your property may result from an issue with the air conditioning unit. This is not a spectral issue. There could be a problem with the air conditioner or the ductwork, so have a technician look at it as soon as possible. Even if it's brand new, it could not be large enough for your house.

Preventing AC Breakdowns: What You Can Do

• Air filters should be changed out as they become unclean. Dirty air filters are a common cause of airflow issues that result in frozen coils.
• Find and mend ducting leaks and cracks. Consult an HVAC technician if you notice insufficient airflow from the registers or if your energy bills continue to rise.
• Learn how to use your new, programmable thermostat. Installing modern thermostats, which are both more accurate and energy efficient, can solve many problems that have plagued earlier control systems. Thermostats you may adjust from your phone or tablet are now commercially available.
• Remove any stray plants or other outdoor clutter from surrounding the apartment. Blocking the condenser and external fan unit with debris reduces the equipment's ability to dissipate heat.
• Don't put off routine servicing. Regular maintenance is an easy way to avoid most air conditioner breakdowns. Before turning on your HVAC system for the first time in the spring, have a professional inspect and tune it up. It's not too expensive and will prevent you from making an emergency call when the air conditioner breaks down on the hottest day of the year.

Methods for Fixing Common Air Conditioning Issues

The last thing you want when the temperature outside is soaring is for your air conditioner to be out of commission. To keep your family happy, it is important to keep your home at a consistently comfortable temperature. 

Get The Thermostat Set Right!

If your air conditioner is malfunctioning, check that the thermostat is set to cool, not hot. This may seem obvious, but it's surprisingly common for individuals to forget to adjust this after the winter months have passed. After this step, continue troubleshooting or call a specialist.

Close Doors And Windows

Leaving windows and doors open is another simple way to waste energy using an air conditioner. Open windows and doors let warm air in, making your air conditioner work harder to keep the inside temperature comfortable. 

This will cause your air conditioner to wear down faster and cost you more money in the long run. Close all outside doors and windows whenever the air conditioner is on.

Look For Circuit Breakers That Have Failed To Stay On

If your circuit breakers tripped because of an overload, your air conditioner might not turn on. 

Restart your air conditioner by checking the circuit breakers on your electrical panel. If it doesn't work, give it a few minutes and try turning on the air conditioner again. If not, it could be time to switch out the fuse. It's best to have a professional electrician check the circuit breakers and fuses if they still aren't functioning.

Make Sure Your Air Filters Are Clean.

A filthy air filter is one of the most prevalent reasons for AC breakdowns. Over time, your air conditioner will become less efficient due to the accumulation of dirt, dust, and pet hair. 

If you have pets or run your furnace frequently, you should change the air filter at least once every three months. If you don't change your air filters regularly, you could have soaring energy costs and malfunctioning appliances.

If You Suspect Low Refrigerant, It's Time To Call A Technician.

Low refrigerant could be to blame if your home's air conditioner isn't producing cold air. For an air conditioner to function properly, refrigerant must be present. 

Low refrigerant levels could indicate a need for additional refrigerant additions, but they could also result from leaks in your system. If the leaks are too extensive to repair, you may need to replace your air conditioner. A skilled technician with appropriate tools is required in either instance.

Ventilate The Room

You may have blocked the vents in rarely used areas to save your monthly energy costs. However, closing vents in your home might damage your air conditioner, requiring costly repairs or even replacement. Tiny duct leaks are a common source of air loss in every home. 

When vents are closed, more air is forced through them, putting more pressure on the ducts and increasing the amount of air lost through cracks and holes. Keeping vents closed is a good way to save money, but might increase energy costs.

Have Your Vents Cleaned

Your air ducts may have holes, tears, and a buildup of debris and dust. Mould can also grow in your air ducts, especially in damper climates. Dust flowing from vents or an unevenly cooled home are two signs that your ducts may be clogged and need cleaning. 

If your air conditioner has a musty odour when you turn it on, mould may be to blame. If you suspect your air ducts are dirty, have a professional inspect and clean them.

Check For Water Losses And Leaks

Turn off the air conditioner immediately if you notice water pouring into your home from the outside unit. When a drain line becomes clogged, water can return to your home, causing leaks. 

You can examine the drain to see if the water leak may be fixed by using a wet/dry vacuum. If not, a technician will need to repair a different component.

Inspect The Outdoor Air Conditioner

When your air conditioner stops operating, it's usually because some of the system's internal parts aren't doing their job. Check the indoor portion of your system, but pay attention to the condenser, which is located outside. 

Debris, like weeds, dirt, and leaves, can accumulate on the condenser over time, leading to less effective cooling and greater utility costs. You might try cleaning the unit with a hose to remove dust and debris, you can trim the grass and weeds surrounding it, and you can make sure that nothing too huge is closer than two feet to the air conditioner.

Contact a Qualified Professional

We've laid out many options for you to try if your air conditioner is malfunctioning, but occasionally, more than the do-it-yourself solutions are needed. 

Prevent expensive repairs or replacements by maintaining routine maintenance and knowing when to call in the pros. You should only attempt to repair your air conditioner if you are a trained professional.

The end of spring is a good time to have your air conditioner checked out. Having a professional check your system out before you need it can give you much-needed peace of mind (and save you some cash, too).

Maintenance plans can prevent breakdowns by addressing faulty materials and carbon monoxide leaks.

Conclusion

Air conditioners that exhibit short cycling, in which the cooling cycle is interrupted before it is fully completed, should be serviced as soon as possible. Incorrect thermostat settings, dirty filters, or insufficient refrigerant can all contribute to this problem. If warm air is escaping through the vents, check for a broken compressor or low refrigerant levels. A malfunctioning air conditioner or heater could cause an increase in humidity inside. 

Remove and disinfect any odours right away. If left unchecked, dripping water can cause serious structural damage. A malfunctioning thermostat might lead to untimely cooling or powering off. A refrigerant or condenser coil issue could cause ice to form on the device. A loose belt or dusty interior parts may be the cause of an unusual noise. 

An inefficient system can be indicated by astronomically high utility costs. Having trouble with the air conditioner could be the cause of warm spots in your yard. Changing air filters, repairing duct leaks, learning to use a programmable thermostat, clearing out unwanted plants, and scheduling regular maintenance can all help keep your air conditioner running smoothly. Most air conditioner malfunctions are avoidable and so are emergency repairs if regular maintenance is performed.

 To avoid a breakdown, turn the thermostat to cool instead of hot. To reduce energy use and prolong the life of the air conditioner, closing all doors and windows is a must. If a circuit breaker has repeatedly tripped and is not staying on, a new one must be installed.

Clean air filters can reduce utility bills and appliance failures. If your AC isn't producing chilly air and you suspect low refrigerant, have a technician replace it.

Save money on energy by opening windows and doors, but don't forget to leave some vents open in rooms that are rarely occupied. Keep the air ducts clean to avoid dust and debris accumulation, especially in wetter regions. If water is pouring into the house from the outdoor unit, check for leaks and turn off the air conditioner immediately. 

Make sure there isn't any muck or dirt blocking the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, as this might reduce its efficiency and drive up your energy bills. If you want to save money on repairs or replacements, tip number ten is to get in touch with a specialist.

Service your air conditioner near the end of spring to save money and have peace of mind all summer. Planned maintenance may fix things like broken appliances and carbon monoxide leaks before they become a problem.

Content Summary

• Having your air conditioner break down in the middle of a heat wave can be extremely irritating and expensive.
• The majority of the time, problems with an air conditioner can be fixed without the assistance of a professional.
• The air conditioner may stop functioning for a variety of reasons, including a tripped circuit breaker or difficulties with the wiring.
• When the filter or components become clogged, short cycling might occur, which has the potential to cause damage to the compressor.
• Continuous use of the air conditioner might result in increased utility costs as well as property damage caused by frost.
• If there is no cool air coming from the vents, the problem could be caused by filth in the evaporator, a dirty filter, or a lack of refrigerant.
• It's possible that a tripped circuit breaker, a frayed fan belt, or low refrigerant levels are to blame for the lack of airflow or heated air blowing.
• The liquid that is dripping from the air conditioner could be water or refrigerant, and either way, it requires care.
• It is possible for the air conditioner to sustain damage if the drain or drainage line is plugged, which might cause drainage problems.
• Continuous usage of an air conditioner might result in the condenser coil freezing over, which increases energy consumption.
• Short cycling, hot air coming from vents, high humidity, unpleasant odours, and dripping water are all warning signals indicating that professional repair is required.
• It is possible for the air conditioner to break down due to a defective thermostat, which is why you should get it evaluated by a professional.
• A buildup of ice on the air conditioner could be a sign of a problem with the refrigerant or the condenser coil.
• Strange noises coming from the air conditioner could indicate that there are problems with the belts or that it needs to be cleaned and serviced.
• An ineffective air conditioner, which requires professional maintenance, can lead to high monthly utility expenses.
• If there are warm places on your property, it could mean that there are problems with the air conditioning or the ducting.
• Altering the air filters, replacing any leaks in the ductwork, installing new thermostats, cleaning up the area surrounding the unit, and performing routine maintenance are all preventative measures.
• In order to get the most out of your air conditioner, you need to make sure the thermostat is properly set.
• By closing doors and windows, you can prevent warm air from entering your home and minimise the burden on your air conditioner.
• Check the circuit breakers to ensure that there is not an overload that will cause them to trip and prevent the air conditioner from starting.
• Altering your air filters on a consistent basis is crucial to maintaining the effectiveness of your air conditioner.
• A lack of refrigerant may cause the air conditioner to blast heated air, which requires the attention of a specialist.
• Vents in underused areas can be damaged by blocking them, which can also contribute to increased energy expenditures.
• It is vital to clean the air ducts in order to eliminate dirt and to avoid the growth of mould.