Aircon Troubleshooting: 5 Common Problems. For many of us, air conditioners are a necessity for our homes. They keep us cool and comfortable, especially during those hot days. But no matter how reliable your system is, it will occasionally struggle to function properly.
And when that happens, you need to troubleshoot the issue so that you can get your AC up and running or find someone else who can help. We’re here to help! We’ll go over five of the most common problems that air conditioners experience and offer aircon troubleshooting tips for each.
Table of Contents
Aircon Troubleshooting: 5 Common Problems
1. No Cool Air Flowing
If your AC unit is turned on, but you’re not feeling any cool air, a few things could be the problem. First, check to see if your air filter is dirty. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and prevent your AC from working properly. Second, the thermostat could be set to the wrong temperature. Finally, your outdoor unit may be frozen.
Solution: Ensure the thermostat is set to a temperature that’s lower than the current room temperature. Check and clean the air filter. And if the outdoor unit is frozen, turn off the AC and let it thaw for about an hour before turning it back on.
2. The Unit Turns On and Off Repeatedly
Experts term this problem as short cycling. The unit doesn’t complete a full cooling cycle before restarting. This usually happens when the thermostat is miscalibrated, or the aircon is too powerful or big for the room.
Solution: first, try to clean or replace your air filter. If that doesn’t help, then call in a professional to service your AC unit and measure your room’s cooling needs to see if you need a different-sized unit.
3. Strange Noise From the Unit
When you hear sounds, you haven’t heard before, that’s usually an indication that something’s wrong. Common sounds that point to a problem include hissing, squealing, rattling, and grinding.
Grinding noises are usually indicative of a problem with the compressor. Hissing could be a sign of a refrigerant leak, while squealing often points to an issue with the blower motor or fan belt. And rattling could be caused by loose screws or a broken component inside the unit.
Solution: Call a professional to take a look at your AC unit and diagnose the problem. Once they know what’s causing the noise, they can make the necessary repairs.
4. The AC Unit is Leaking Water
If you notice water pooling around your AC unit, the drain line is likely clogged. The drain line is responsible for carrying away any condensation that forms on the evaporator coils. When it becomes clogged, the Water has nowhere to go and will start to leak out.
Solution: Clear the drain line by pouring a cup of bleach down it. Let the bleach sit for an hour, then flush it out with Water. If you continue to have problems with your AC unit leaking water, it’s best to call a professional for help.
5. The Unit Running Constantly
You may notice your energy bills are skyrocketing, and upon further investigation, you realize that your AC unit is constantly running but not cooling your home effectively. This could be due to several issues, including a dirty air filter, thermostat problems, compressor, or faulty electrical parts.
Solution: To troubleshoot the problem, turn off the thermostat fan to check whether that shuts off the unit. If it does, it means the problem is with your thermostat. Try changing the batteries first and if that doesn’t help, call in a professional.
If the unit doesn’t shut off when you turn off the thermostat fan, check to see if the air filter is dirty and replace it if necessary. If the filter is clean, the problem could be with the compressor or other electrical parts. In this case, it’s best to call a professional for help.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Smell Bad?
Sometimes, AC units can start to produce strange smells such as musty, mildewy, or even burning smells. These smells can be indicative of problems with the AC unit and should be addressed as soon as possible.
One common cause of musty smells coming from AC units is the build-up of mold and mildew. This can happen when the unit is not properly maintained and cleaned, and the moisture from the air condenses on the coils and other parts of the unit. This build-up of mold and mildew can not only produce bad smells but can also cause health problems for those with allergies or respiratory issues.
Burning smells, on the other hand, are usually indicative of electrical problems. If you smell something burning coming from your AC unit, it’s important to shut off the unit immediately and call a professional for help. Attempting to fix the problem yourself could result in further damage or even electrocution.
Other possible causes of the strange smell are:
- animal nesting material
- the unit has an oil leak
- the unit is overheating
- the refrigerant is leaking
- the insulation around the unit is damaged
Aircon Troubleshooting: 5 Common Problems
What Can I Do to Prevent My AC Unit from Breaking Down?
- Change the air filter regularly
- Keep the area around the unit clean and free of debris
- Have the unit serviced by a professional at least once a year
- Make sure the coils are clean and free of dirt and dust
- Keep the unit level to prevent vibration and noise
- Make sure the drain line is clear and free of clogs
- Check for leaks and repair them as soon as possible
Aircon Troubleshooting: 5 Common Problems – Conclusion
If you follow these tips, you can help extend the life of your AC unit and avoid costly repairs. While many potential AC problems can arise, these are some of the most common issues.
Needless to say, having a properly working air conditioner is important for keeping your home comfortable. By familiarizing yourself with some of the most common problems and aircon troubleshooting tips, you can be prepared if your unit starts to act up. If you ever have any doubts or concerns, don’t hesitate to call a professional for help.