It’s August, and it’s hotter than the inside of a broiler. Luckily, you have an air conditioner.
Not so luckily, it happens to have stopped working.
What could be wrong?
The truth is, there are several AC issues a homeowner or renter will face at least once in their life. If you’re ready to find out what might have toasted your AC (and you along with it), read our article about five of the most common air conditioner problems.
Common Air Conditioner Problems
Do you miss that delectable, cold air? Here’s what might be wrong with your AC.
1. Refrigerant Leak
When working correctly, your AC unit circulates refrigerant to keep your house cool at a stable rate. Because the refrigerant traps the heat from inside and releases it outside, a common sign there’s an issue with the liquid is if your home isn’t staying cool.
Further, you may notice a rise in your electric bill, frozen coils, leaking water, hissing sounds from the unit and warm or room-temperature air blowing through the vents.
These signs are indicators you have a leak. Refrigerant leaks require professional repairs of the holes or, in serious cases, replacement of the refrigerant coil.
Never refill refrigerant to fix a leaky unit due to environmental regulations.
2. Improper Drainage
Central air conditioning systems contain drainage pipes that remove condensation and release it outside. Sometimes, these pipes become clogged.
Signs of a clogged pipe include the following:
- Drainage in the emergency drip pan inside
- Leaking water
- An AC that keeps switching itself off
To remove a clog, remove the paper filter from the drain line and attach a wet/dry vacuum to suck the clog out. In severe cases, professional assistance may be required.
3. Frozen Coil
Is the air coming out of the supply registers warm? Is your AC not cooling like it should or are you noticing water leaks?
Your coils might be frozen. This occurs when the refrigerant falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Examine your copper coils to see if they are frozen. If they are, turn off the unit and contact a professional.
Several factors can cause your unit to freeze, including dirty filters, broken fans, clogged lines and malfunctioning thermostats.
4. Broken Fans
AC units have two fans. One directs cool air into the home while the other blows over coils to remove heat.
The biggest indicator of a broken fan is that your home becomes extremely hot, but a visual inspection of the unit will confirm if one isn’t running. Broken fans might be caused by capacitors, contractors, belts, power issues or even the motor.
5. Clogged Filter
Many AC owners forget that their unit contains an air filter, and it’s integral to replace it and ensure it’s clean. A dirty air filter brings allergens into your home, reduces airflow and cooling efficiency and increases your electric bill.
Change the filter once a month to avoid buildup. It’s a five-minute process that keeps money in your wallet and health hazards at bay.
Are You Experiencing AC Issues?
Even when individuals experience common air conditioner problems, it’s best to have a professional inspect the unit and make repairs.
At R & R Heating and Air, we’ll have your unit up and running in no time so you don’t have to swelter in your abode. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to speak to a representative about your AC unit.
It’s time to escape the heat and transform your boiling house into a cool sanctuary.
