According to Murphy’s Law, anything that can go wrong will, and usually at the worst possible time. Air conditioning is no exception. Modern A/C units are relatively trouble-free, but they always seem to fail at the most inconvenient time.
Luckily, most problems are easy to fix or can be prevented with regular maintenance. Here we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common air conditioning problems and what you can do about them.
Problem #1: Your unit won’t turn on
If the thermostat is defective or is not set properly, then the unit won’t work. Another reason could be that it’s not receiving electrical power. Typically, A/C’s fail to operate at the beginning of the cooling season, so your best bet is to always schedule your maintenance appointment beforehand to avoid any problems.
Problem #2: Your unit won’t turn off
If your unit is not the correct size for your home, it may not turn off because it is too small to cool the volume of air contained in your home. Or, it could be that the inside unit turns off, but the outside fan continues to run. A Furnasman cooling expert can help you determine the best sized unit for your home.
Problem #3: Your unit cycles frequently
If your unit is too large for your home it will cycle on and off frequently. This rapid cycling is due to the system quickly reaching the setting on the thermostat and then signaling the equipment to cycle off. Then when the temperature drops below the setting, the unit comes on again.
Problem #4: Your unit is frozen
A frozen unit could be due to improper air flow. If the blower fan is malfunctioning, then the cold air remains inside the unit and freezes the coil. A faulty control relay can also cause the unit to freeze. Replacing these electrical components requires the expertise of a certified technician.
Problem #5: Your unit has a clogged condensation line
The inside component of an A/C system sits inside a drip pan, which is designed to collect water if the unit’s condensation drain line becomes clogged. Sometimes insects build their nests inside the drain line which causes this problem. If your drain line is clogged, try blowing compressed air inside the pipe to remove the obstruction. Then pour a mixture of bleach and water (50-50) into the drainpipe to clean mold and mildew. You’ll need to call a repair technician if it still won’t unclog.
Most A/C unit problems result from either faulty installation, poor service procedures or inadequate maintenance. The best thing you can do is to ensure you schedule regular maintenance with a licensed technician. Don’t ignore the signs or you’ll end up with a bigger problem on your hands. Need A/C repairs? We can help. Murphy would be proud.
