When summer approaches with its screeching heat, there is only one thing that can keep us calm – our air conditioners. Summer without an AC is something we can never imagine, thus making a man-made cooling machine a life savior.
But like much other technology equipment, an AC is not forever durable. It goes through major problems as well. Some of its major problems are listed here.
Contents
Filter
To begin with, we have one of the most usual causes of why your AC isn’t functioning properly. A clogged filter is messy and dirty. It can reduce the flow of air and freezes the AC unit.
You must always check your filter while installing your AC and follow the instructions given in your manual to change your air filter. You can find out if your filter is clogged by checking if any light passes through it.
Thermostat
Source: UrbanClap
A thermostat controls the temperature setting in your AC. If you feel your AC is over-cooling, check if your thermostat control is not affected by sunlight and it is not closer to lamp or electronics emitting heat.
Make sure your thermostat is turned on and it’s clean. You can also replace your thermostat if the issue is persistent.
Unusual Noise
It is common for central air conditioners to make a certain noise and then a humming sound while being active. But if you sense your AC is making different sounds, it’s time for its servicing.
Your AC will need a repair if there is a vibration sound, whistling, squealing, sharp buzzing sound, and rattling. According to airnationalhvac.com, these sounds are persistent, you may need to have your AC repaired.
Refrigerant Leaks
Source: Vision Air Heating & Cooling
If your AC is not providing you the desired cooling or the cooler is leaking in your AC, then it’s time for a repair as the unit will refrain from performing swiftly and the temperature will fluctuate.
Repairing a refrigerant leak may turn out to be pricy but you can do it once a year.
Drainage
Just like the filter of your AC, the drainage can also become clogged. The drain line must be kept away from dirt, dust, and lint. If the drainage is filled up, there will be a potential leaking of water causing severe damage to the AC and things around your drainage pan.
It’s better to clean the drain every now and then to avoid this issue.
Capacitors
Source: Yellow Dot Heating & Air Conditioning
A capacitor is the most significant tool in an AC. If not for a capacitor, the motors providing power to the compressor and fans won’t function properly.
To activate the motor, the start capacitor sends a jolt and the run capacitor sends a series of jolts that helps in the working of the motor. If any of these two capacitors burn out, the AC won’t function at all.
Compressor
A compressor is responsible for providing energy to the refrigerant and boosts it throughout the coils to exchange heat. If your compressor isn’t working, your AC will not perform its one job, i.e., cooling your house.
It is important to have enough refrigerant so that the compressor won’t be hot and eventually stop working.
Evaporator Coils
Source: Umweltbundesamt
They use a series of air ducts to absorb heat in the air outside and make way for it to come back into the house as cold air. It is evident that coils may become corroded.
It is important to look after their maintenance every three years without fail.
Condenser Coils
These coils are found outside the compressor and they often become dirty, the reason being the elements. They have to be cleaned using a water hose every year.
However, if they become dirtier than you’ve ever thought, it’s time to call out to an AC technician to clean it with chemicals.
Breakers or Fuses
Source: Baltic Refrigeration Group
Every electronic appliance comes with fuses and breakers that protect the motor or compressor from overheating. If a motor isn’t functioning properly, call out to your technician to replace the fuses and breakers.
Conclusion
An air conditioner is a necessity at present and life is totally unimaginable when your AC goes down. Of course, you’ll want to repair it, but that sounds pricy. So, it’s even better to know about the problems your air conditioner might suffer from and some ways you can fix them yourself.
These issues are very common these days and it’s even easier to solve them. Some might need assistance and some might need just a helping hand.
