Air conditioning manufacturers usually make durable, resilient, high-quality products. These units transfer the heat from your home to the warm, outside environment. With over 2/3 of American homes having air conditioning, it becomes a huge inconvenience when the air conditioner is not working well.
Most problems with air conditioning units can be resolved in advance with regular maintenance. If you are having problems with your air conditioner not running, or not cooling enough, check these 5 most common air conditioner problems before calling for service.
- Improper Operation
Your air conditioner is not meant to cool the outside. Close all windows and doors. Consider the area that your air conditioner is designed to cool. Are you using it for an area that is beyond its capability? Have you added additional space to your home without upgrading the air conditioner? Check to be sure you have power to the air conditioner. Start by checking fuses or circuit breakers. Reset your unit by allowing it to cool down for five minutes before resetting the breakers. Is the thermostat set correctly? Verify that it is set for the right temperature and appears to be trying to turn on the air conditioner at the right temperature. - Faulty Installation and Poor Maintenance
Common problems often result from faulty installation, poor service, and inadequate maintenance. If your central air is installed improperly or not charged correctly, you can expect problems like:- Leaky ducts
- Low airflow
- Inefficiency
Be sure to keep filters and coils clean to keep your unit working efficiently. The compressor or fan may fail prematurely if they are constantly exposed to dirt.
Be sure that air intakes (return airs) are not blocked, and your unit can get adequate airflow.
- Refrigerant Leaks
Low refrigerant means either a faulty installation or a leak. Adding more refrigerant is not the answer. Have a trained technician fix the leak. After testing the repair, he can recharge the system with the right amount of refrigerant. Your technician will also know how to repair a faulty installation. - Drainage
Be sure your condensation drain isn’t clogged and is working properly. If there is water on the floor at the base of the furnace this is an indication the the drain may be plugged. - If your unit is constantly turning on and off, you can expect the compressor and fan controls to wear out. This is especially true if your system is oversized. Have your professional technician check for this as well as any corrosion on the wire and terminals.
For more information on a specific problem, contact the experts at Jennings Heating and Cooling.
