January 03, 2017

Common Problems of Air Conditioner

Common Air Conditioner Problems for Dallas Homeowners

When temperatures soar and your air conditioning unit is not cooling in the summer heat, you need a quick solution. While many air conditioning repairs require a professional, homeowners can learn how to troubleshoot and fix some common home A/C problems themselves.

This video shows the common problems of A/C.

COMMON AIR CONDITIONER PROBLEMS

Air conditioner manufacturers generally make rugged, high-quality products. If your air conditioner fails, begin by checking any fuses or circuit breakers. Let the unit cool down for about five minutes before resetting any breakers. If a central air conditioner’s compressor stops on a hot day, the high-pressure limit switch may have tripped; reset it by pushing the button, located on the compressor’s access panel.

REFRIGERANT LEAKS

If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, either it was undercharged at installation or it leaks. If it leaks, simply adding refrigerant is not a solution. A trained technician should fix any leak, test the repair, and then charge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant. Remember that the performance and efficiency of your air conditioner is greatest when the refrigerant charge exactly matches the manufacturer’s specification, and is neither undercharged nor overcharged. Refrigerant leaks can also be harmful to the environment.

INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE

If you allow filters and air conditioning coils to become dirty, the air conditioner will not work properly, and the compressor or fans are likely to fail prematurely.

ELECTRIC CONTROL FAILURE

The compressor and fan controls can wear out, especially when the air conditioner turns on and off frequently, as is common when a system is oversized. Because corrosion of wire and terminals is also a problem in many systems, electrical connections and contacts should be checked during a professional service call.

SENSOR PROBLEMS

Room air conditioners feature a thermostat sensor, located behind the control panel, which measures the temperature of air coming into the evaporative coil. If the sensor is knocked out of position, the air conditioner could cycle constantly or behave erratically. The sensor should be near the coil but not touching it; adjust its position by carefully bending the wire that holds it in place.

DRAINAGE PROBLEMS

When it’s humid outside, check the condensate drain to make sure it isn’t clogged and is draining properly. Room air conditioners may not drain properly if not mounted.

Air Conditioner Service

When temperatures soar and your air conditioning unit is not cooling in the summer heat, you need a quick solution. While many air conditioning repairs require a professional, homeowners can learn how to troubleshoot and fix some common home A/C problems themselves.

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