As the temperatures rise and summer approaches, more people are turning on their air conditioning systems to find cooling relief. Unfortunately, many of these homes will find that their AC is not working as it should. For others, it may break down on the hottest day of the summer. Many of these issues could be prevented.
Timely Repairs and Maintenance
Timely repairs and proper maintenance of an air conditioning unit can prevent many breakdowns and other cooling issues with the unit. When a problem presents itself, repairing the AC should be done before the system is used again. This will prevent further damage to the unit.
It is important for homeowners to understand the signs of a problem with an AC. This understanding can help homeowners identify common AC issues and may even provide some helpful tips for correcting the issue. In some cases, simple maintenance tasks are all that are needed. However, there are more complicated problems that may require a professional.
Warm Air
It can be quite frustrating to turn on the AC only to find it is blowing warm air. This is actually a common problem with air conditioning units that can have many causes. In some cases, the problem may simply be a maintenance issue. The thermostat is set incorrectly or the air filter is dirty. It may even be that the evaporator coils are dirty and need proper cleaning.
However, there could be a more serious cause of this problem that will require a professional to make the necessary repairs. The system may be low on refrigerant or may have a refrigerant leak. It could even be that the compressor is not working properly and preventing the air from being cooled.
No Air
If the unit is not blowing any air at all, it could be a problem with the unit’s blower motor. This would require a professional to repair the issue. If the unit is not blowing air but is cycling on, it is probably a good idea to turn off the unit until the problem can be corrected.
For systems that are not turning on at all, homeowners may want to check that there is the power to the system. Sometimes, a breaker can be blown which prevents the system from turning on. Simply flipping the breaker can often get the unit back to working properly. However, if the unit continues to blow the breaker, it may be a good idea to contact a repair technician.
Frequent Cycles or Constant Running
Every AC has a cycle it goes through to cool the home. When the temperatures in the home get too high, the thermostat triggers the unit to turn on. It runs until the temperatures in the home are to the pre-set level and then turns off. On particularly hot days, the unit may cycle on and off more frequently.
When the unit is having a problem, it may turn on and off constantly. In some cases, homeowners may find their unit is running for really long periods of time and still may not cool the home. This could be a sign of a problem with the unit. The system may simply need the thermostat calibrated or it may be a more serious issue.
Water Leaks
An air conditioner uses refrigerant to cool the air that is blown into the home. This process can sometimes cause condensation to occur. The water is usually collected in the drain pan and then drained out of the unit through the drain line.
If there are water leaks or if the unit is blowing out water, there is a problem with the unit that must be corrected. In some cases, it may just be a clogged drain line. Freezing evaporator coils and incorrect installation of the unit could also be the cause of this problem. Contacting a professional may be the best option for repair.
Unpleasant Odors
Unpleasant odors coming from the AC is usually a poor maintenance issue. Regular maintenance of air conditioner parts and tune-ups of the system can prevent these foul smells from occurring. They are usually caused by microbial growth on the unit or in the ducts. Bacteria, mold, and other types of growth can accumulate and cause the air blown to have a bad smell.
This is not an inclusive list of all the problems an AC may face throughout the year. Any changes to the way the unit runs could be a sign of a problem. Contacting a professional AC repair company can help with these issues. In addition, annual maintenance and a tune-up for the unit may prevent many problems as well as extend the system’s life.