5 Most Common Air-Conditioning Problems and Repairs You Should Address Immediately
When you live in a region where summer temperatures get really high, you need an efficient HVAC system to keep your home cool at all times. In most cases, people choose to install an air conditioning system to increase comfort levels during the warmer months of the year, as well as to reduce high humidity and prevent asthma and allergies.
However, after many years of use, AC units may begin to show their first signs of old age or start experiencing mechanical problems that affect their overall performance and efficiency. While some of these problems can be easily fixed, others may require more detailed servicing by professional technicians to restore the system back to its former condition. In any case, it is always a good idea to be aware of the problems air conditioners may have so you will know how to address them properly.
In this post, we give you an outline of the five most common AC issues and how you can fix or prevent them instantly. You may even consider various rooftop AC installation options to fit your needs.
AC not turning on
If you are unable to turn on your air conditioning system, there are a few things that could be the cause of that. The issue might be something minor like your thermostat batteries dying which you need to replace immediately, or something more serious like loose wiring which needs to be properly inspected by a certified HVAC technician so it can be repaired properly.
For example, if you live in Canada’s capital city, search for reputable HVAC installation Ottawa-based services to hire highly skilled contractors who can maintain, repair, and service your AC professionally.
Dirty or clogged filters
One of the most important parts of an air conditioning system is the air filter. Its main purpose is to block airborne contaminants such as dust, pollen, and other debris from accumulating on your unit’s internal components and polluting your indoor air. That’s why it needs to be cleaned regularly so you will maintain fresh air in your home and improve the performance of your AC.
Otherwise, dirty or clogged air filters can lead to serious problems including frozen evaporator coils, inadequate cooling, short cycling, and general wear and tear. This can also increase your energy consumption which will result in higher utility bills.
Refrigerant leaking
Another common AC problem you should be aware of is refrigerant leaking. The refrigerant is that part of the air conditioning system which is responsible for cooling the air within your unit as well as your home. If there are any leakings present, they could reduce your system’s efficiency, damage your compressor and cause excessive moisture.
Minor refrigerant leaks can be easily fixed by topping up the refrigerant. However, with major leakings, there could be a fault within the pipes, which have to be changed immediately by a certified AC technician to prevent further problems with the system.
AC fan failure
Air conditioners usually come with indoor and outdoor units. The outside unit of the AC consists of a fan that is responsible for transferring heat from indoors to outdoors. If the fan doesn’t operate properly, this transfer won’t happen and it will cause the unit’s compressor to overheat or trip the safety load. If the issue isn’t addressed immediately, it could lead to costly repairs and even a complete AC replacement.
To fix the fan failure, you should remove the outer casing of the unit and visually inspect for any wiring problems. If you aren’t able to diagnose the issue, call a professional for a quick repair.
Strange noises and smells
Strange noises and smells may also be a sign of serious AC problems. For example, burning smells could be an indication of wiring issues. If your air filters are dirty or clogged, it can cause your air conditioning system to overheat and produce a burning smell.
On other hand, if you hear strange vibrations, squealing, or grinding noises coming out of your unit, then they could be a sign of problems with the motor bearings. In either case, it is imperative that you call up a technician for a quick fixup.
Final thoughts
Like any other home appliance, air conditioning systems can also experience some issues that can affect their performance and efficiency. Knowing how to recognize these problems will help you find the best solution and restore your unit back to its previous working condition.
For more information, refer to our post and learn about the most common issues and repairs in AC systems.
