Troubleshooting Common Air Conditioner Problems
Imagine this: you’ve just moved into a brand new home, and you’re excited because it comes with a state-of-the-art air conditioning unit. But after only a couple of months, you start to notice the air conditioner isn’t working the way it used to. So what do you do?
Modern air conditioners are built with longevity in mind, but as with anything in life, problems can happen. We recommend your first steps to be contacting our HVAC experts to diagnose the problem with your A/C unit. But if you are someone who likes to prevent future issues yourself, then this is the guide for you!
What Are The Main Reasons an A/C Fails
Like every appliance, there is a veritable slew of different issues that may happen over time. Air conditioners are generally no different, but there are a few common issues that make up the majority of repairs.
Dirty Filters
If you are noticing there is less cool air blowing into your home, there is a possibility your air filter is dirty. The good news is that filters are easy to change by yourself! Locate where the air filter might be (it varies depending on the type of heating and cooling system you have) and replace it with a brand new one. If you're unsure what kind of filter you will need or where to find the air filter, our HVAC experts can walk you through the process.
Refrigerant Leaks
You might have a refrigerant leak if your home isn't staying cool, or if your vents are blowing warm air. If this is the case, check your condenser unit and see if there is freezing inside or on the suction line. If you do, then there is a strong chance your refrigerant is leaking.
Bad Capacitors
The capacitor is essentially the source of power in an air conditioner. If you're noticing your A/C unit having problems turning on or if it’s not blowing cold air into your home, you might need to call our professionals to take a look and possibly replace the part.
Bad Compressor
Compressors are the beating heart of your A/C system, pumping refrigerant from the outdoor unit into your home where it is then blown throughout the rest of the house. If your compressor is the culprit, you might notice little to no cool air blowing through your vents, or even rattling coming from your condenser unit outside.
How Can You Troubleshoot the Cause of A/C Failure?
If you believe your air conditioner is starting to fail, the quickest way to get answers is to contact our HVAC professionals. Not only will they track down the source of your problems, but also give you an estimate of what it will cost to replace. However, a little troubleshooting knowledge doesn’t hurt anyone, so follow this simple list to help narrow down the possible problems you might be experiencing.
- Check your air filter. This is one of the most straightforward fixes to make and can save you a lot of time and money when your air conditioner isn’t working correctly.
- Check the condenser unit. Your condenser unit is the home for many crucial parts for your whole air conditioning system, including the compressor, capacitor, and refrigerant. If you can’t find any problems on the inside of your home, there is a good chance the issues are inside the condenser unit.
- Keep an eye on how well your condenser unit runs and listen for any possible rattling or shaking. Rattling or shaking are often signs of a compressor failing.
- Check the lines leading from the condenser unit to your home. If you find freezing on your suction line, or inside the condenser unit itself, chances are your refrigerant is leaking and will most likely need replacement.
- If you're noticing your A/C unit is having trouble turning on, staying on, or blowing cool air into your home, there might be a problem with the capacitor. An HVAC professional can check the status of the capacitor, but if you see bulging from the top then you can be pretty sure this is what’s causing your problems.
Common Things You Can Do To Stay On Top of A/C Health
As stated earlier, air conditioners are built with longevity in mind but some simple spot checks can save you time, money, and energy.
Air Filters
Air filters are easy to check and even replace if you need to. By checking up on your air filters about once every season, you can help prevent issues.
Condenser Checks
Your condenser will need an expert to repair correctly, but you can save yourself a lot of headaches by checking your condenser at least once a season. The three main things to check inside your condenser unit are the compressor, the capacitor, and the refrigerant.
Expert Help
If you want to guarantee great results when repairing your A/C unit, the best thing to do is to hire a professional. Our HVAC experts are highly trained and experienced, making sure you're getting the best from your air conditioner and your home.
Today!
If you're already experiencing a problem with your air conditioner, or if you are looking to become more educated on maintaining your home’s heating and cooling system, then today! Our professionals are here to help you make the most of your home so you can focus on what matters to you the most.
