It’s the summertime, and living in those hot, sticky conditions can be difficult. Air conditioners can provide relief from the burning heat. But sometimes air conditioners don’t work as expected; either they don’t run properly or break down entirely.
Moreover, common faults can increase your electricity bill if you don’t get them fixed. To help you, we’ll discuss eight common faults that could be causing problems with your AC unit so that you can cool down your home. Read on for potential issues and solutions.
Here are the eight common faults that could be causing your air conditioner to malfunction:
1. Dirty Filters
Dirt and dust can make up in the filter, blocking airflow and making it difficult for your AC unit to cool down. Filters can accumulate dirt and dust, which restricts airflow and makes it challenging for your air conditioner to cool down your home.
Regularly clean or replace the filters to resolve this. Also, a clean filter helps increase the effectiveness and lifespan of your air conditioning system. In this manner, you won’t need to change it too frequently.
2. Low Level of Refrigerant
The refrigerant level in an older air conditioner may not be as high. It is the most common fault of an air conditioner. You can either have an expert replace it or top off the refrigerant level to repair this.
Furthermore, if you have an energy-efficient model, be sure to utilize the suggested refrigerant type and perform routine leak checks.
3. Leaking Ducts
Leaking ducts can also affect your air conditioner’s efficiency. It is because the cool air escapes through the cracks and leaks instead of reaching the correct place.
To resolve this, you must check for any signs of leakage, such as rapid temperature changes, damp spots on the walls, and more. If you find one, contact a professional to seal the leaky ducts.
4. Blocked Condensate Drain
Blocking the condensate drain can make it difficult for the air conditioner to cool your home. If the water backs up, you may even notice a bad smell coming from the unit.
The solution is to empty out the drain pan and check that there are no blockages in the drainage lines. Also, clean out any debris or dirt in the filter to help the water flow more easily.
5. Defective Compressor
Motor wear or faulty wiring are two potential causes of compressor malfunctions. Your home won’t be adequately cooled if your compressor isn’t functioning properly, which could result in higher energy costs.
It’s advisable to have a professional inspect the compressor to find the problem and fix it if required. The technician will be able to confirm that your compressor is operating effectively and ideally in this way.
6. Faulty Thermostat
Thermostat issues can be challenging, and the wrong setting could result in inadequate cooling. Make careful to frequently check the thermostat settings to make sure they are appropriate for your needs. A few changes might suffice as the solution.
The thermostat may also need to be replaced if it has malfunctioned. Also, if you want more control over the settings, you can think about buying a programmable thermostat.
7. Frozen Coils
Frozen coils are usually due to a clogged air filter or a lack of refrigerant. Check the inside and outside of the unit for any ice buildup and have it serviced immediately if you find any.
You can also try cleaning the filter regularly to reduce the chances of your coils freezing up. To prevent coils from freezing, make sure your system has enough refrigerant.
8. Clogged Evaporator
The evaporator is a crucial part of your air conditioner. It is responsible for converting liquid refrigerant to gas before it circulates through the rest of the system. If the evaporator becomes clogged, it won’t be able to do its job properly and could cause your AC unit to malfunction.
If you notice any unusual sounds coming from your AC unit or if your home is not cooling as it should. It could be a sign that the evaporator needs to be cleaned.
Conclusion
There are many common AC faults that can cause your air conditioner to malfunction. Always call a qualified technician first if you find yourself in such a position so they can identify and resolve the issue.
Checking your air conditioner’s components is essential to ensure it works and cools properly. You may have a cool house all year long with regular maintenance and prompt repairs. So, when troubleshooting your air conditioner, keep in mind the facts and suggestions above. Good luck!
