If you’re unfortunate (or fortunate) enough to live in a hot and humid climate, air conditioning is necessary. Otherwise, living can be extremely difficult. Therefore, you need to prioritize the maintenance of your air conditioning (AC) unit. If, for some apparent reason, your air conditioners don’t work, repair expenses are high.
If your AC unit is not functioning as it is supposed to be, it is highly likely because of excessive workload and lack of servicing. Water damage can also be included in the list of potential culprits. The good news is that most common AC problems can be resolved or prevented in just a few minutes.
In this article, we will explore how to repair some of the most common AC problems.
5 Common Air Conditioning Problems
Here are the five most common air conditioning issues and how you can fix them:
The AC Is Not Working
If your air conditioning stops working all of a sudden, like the motor isn’t running or no air is blowing, before you call in an HVAC professional, there are some DIY HVAC repairs that you can take.
First, check for a tripped breaker or blown fuse. If there isn’t any issue with the circuit breaker or fuse, check whether your thermostat is working properly.
If your thermostat’s batteries are out of juice, your thermostat won’t work. Replace the dead batteries with new ones, and ensure the thermostat’s setting is set on “cooling.”
Also, select the desired temperature of your room. If the problem persists, there may be some issues with your AC unit’s compressor. In that case, you need to call an HVAC technician to take a look at it.
Your AC Is Blowing Hot Or Warm Air
Air conditioners are supposed to blow cold air, not hot or warm air. If your air conditioner is blowing hot or warm air, there may be an insufficient amount of Freon in your AC unit. Call a professional technician to fix this and refill your AC system with Freon. Also, check if your thermostat settings have been changed accidentally.
If the settings are proper, the issue may be with your unit’s air filter. Old and clogged air filters are one of the potential reasons your AC is blowing hot air instead of cold air.
If the filter is clogged with grime, dust, or dirt, it ceases to function properly. To avoid this issue again, regularly clean or replace your filter every three months.
Finally, if your AC unit comes with a two-stage cooling system, it may malfunction because of an electrical issue. If that is the case, you’ll need to call in a technician to examine the electrical components of your AC unit.
Your AC Unit Has A Leak
Air conditioning units produce fluid and condensate, and that is perfectly fine. However, if there is too much leaking, then it becomes a problem. One common reason is that there is a clogged condensate line.
Excessive mold and debris buildup in the AC unit lines and pipes is not uncommon, and the issue is exacerbated without regular cleaning maintenance. This can be resolved quickly. All you need to do is follow the manufacturer’s instructions and how to fix it.
If you need help locating your air conditioning unit’s clogged pipes or help to figure out which pipes or lines are blocked or damaged, contact a maintenance HVAC professional.
Uneven Temperature Distribution
If you notice that certain parts of your home are cooler or warmer than others, there is an issue with your AC unit. We won’t be worried about this, as it is a minor problem that is easily fixable. This uneven temperature distribution in your home is caused by an unbalanced air system. It occurs due to room size, windows, the temperature outside your home, and the positions of the air vents.
To tackle the problem, install sun-blocking curtains or blinds on your windows, especially large ones, check the insulation in each room, and ensure every room is cooled equally.
Your AC Is Noisy
A loud air conditioner is really annoying, and no matter how fast it cools your room, you want to get rid of it. A properly functioning AC should cool your space without being noisy.
If you hear your AC making unusual sounds, it means it’s not working properly. If you don’t have any experience dealing with AC problems, it won’t be easy for you to identify the root cause of the noise. However, we can give you some hints.
For instance, if there is a squealing or screeching noise, the issue is most likely from the belt. Meanwhile, if you hear a rattling sound, there may be a problem with fans, motors, or compressors.
Loose air filters have also been reported to cause a rattling noise when the AC is running. Have a technician come over and inspect your AC unit if you can’t pinpoint the source of the noise.
Final Words
With these tips, you should be fine tackling common air conditioning repairs yourself. Of course, if you’re uncomfortable with DIY HVAC repairs, contact a technician to take care of the issue. It will save you money and hassle in the long run.
