The 10 Most Common Spring Air Conditioning Problems
If you are a homeowner, you’ve likely picked up on the countless issues that can go wrong with your air conditioning system. It’s important to be aware of the possibilities. This will help you to know what to expect when the problem is diagnosed. You might even be able to figure out which of the following problems you’re experiencing. Here are 10 of the most common issues that you can run into with your air conditioning.
Dirty Filter
This one is a pretty easy fix if you remember to do it. According to Service Experts, you should change your filter every 30 to 60 days. If you don’t have pets, the filter can last for about 90 days. For best results, follow the manufacturer’s suggestions.
When a filter gets dirty, it can clog the air flow. When this happens, you won’t feel the air conditioning or it might be very weak. Bigger issues can arise without proper care. To see if your filter needs to be replaced, you can look to see if any light shines through the filter. If not, your filter needs to be changed.
Turned Off Switch
Before calling a professional out, check to ensure that your air conditioning unit’s switch is still on. Sometimes these units will have switches that resemble light switches.
It’s easy to accidentally turn off the air conditioning instead of the light. You might have also turned it off when you didn’t need to use your air conditioning. When the switch is off, your air conditioning will not function as it is supposed to.
Leaking Ducts
Sometimes ducts don’t deliver air conditioning where they’re supposed to. This means that your ducts could be leaking. In this case, you would be paying for the air to go outside.
This is a very common issue. It can lead to higher bills and should be fixed. Once the problem is detected, the ducts may need to be reconnected.
Leaking Refrigerant
According to Smith Heating & A/C Service, the best HVAC repair in Athens, GA, this is the leading cause of air conditioning problems. When your air conditioning system is set up, it should be sealed. If it is sealed, the refrigerant should not be able to escape.
If the refrigerant starts leaking, it can cause a number of problems, including:
- Freezing coils
- Greater electricity usage
- Air conditioning not cooling
Dirty Evaporator Coil
In an air conditioning unit, there are two coils that can get dirty. The first is the evaporator coil. This one pulls heat from the air and is filled with refrigerant. Built-up refrigerant and dust can cause issues.
Your air conditioning might have reduced flow. Your bills might go up too. By cleaning it regularly, you can prevent clogging.
Dirty Condenser Coil
The second coil to be aware of is the condenser coil. This one can also get dirty easily, so it is important to keep everything nice and clean. The refrigerant gas is pushed through the condenser coil.
When the coil is dirty, it won’t work as it should. This slows down the cooling process. As with the evaporator, your bills can increase too.
Broken Contactor
The contactor is supposed to close to create a circuit. This is partially what powers the air conditioning unit. If a contactor isn’t working, it won’t close properly. This means that your cooling won’t start as it’s supposed to.
According to Hunker, you can sometimes tell if this is the problem if your thermostat turns on but your air conditioning does not.
Bad Breaker
If your air conditioning isn’t cooling, it could be due to a tripped breaker. This could be due to anything from a bad breaker to a wiring problem. Be sure to fix this one sooner rather than later. If it’s not resolved reasonably quickly, the problem can get worse.
Clogged Drain Line
Sometimes things will go wrong with your drain line. This is often a result of a clogging problem. The air conditioner is meant to remove the moisture from the air and send out cool air. As a result, algae might grow, which can cause blockage or water damage. It’s important to have this cleaned regularly.
Broken Thermostat
When your thermostat isn’t operating as it should, your AC might not work either. This might be due to something as simple as a faulty switch. Keep in mind that the higher quality your thermostat is, the less likely it is to break. If possible, you should invest in a nice thermostat that will hold up to years of use.
If you notice an air conditioning issue, look through this list. You might be able to resolve the problem on your own, but it’s always a good idea to get professional advice. Be sure to keep up with regular maintenance so that your air conditioning unit can function properly!
