How to Troubleshoot Common Air Conditioning Problems

When your air conditioner isn’t working as it should, it can quickly turn your home from a cool retreat into an uncomfortable space. Fortunately, many common AC issues can be resolved with a bit of DIY know-how. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some simple troubleshooting tips to help you keep your air conditioner running efficiently and effectively.

If you have central air conditioning, problems can arise when rooms are closed off, disrupting airflow throughout your home. To avoid this, keep doors and vents open to ensure proper circulation.

On the other hand, for room air conditioners, you’ll want to close windows and doors to keep the cool air contained in that specific area. This keeps your unit from overworking.

Many air conditioner problems come from poor installation, lack of proper maintenance, or bad service. Here are a few things to look out for:

• Installation Issues: If your central air conditioner wasn’t installed correctly, you might have leaky ducts or low airflow. Also, the refrigerant charge (the cooling liquid in the system) must match the manufacturer’s specifications. Too much or too little refrigerant can make your unit less efficient and effective.
• Service Problems: Sometimes, unqualified technicians might not fix refrigerant issues properly. They might even add more refrigerant to an already full system, which can cause more problems. Make sure you hire a professionally certified HVAC technician.

Air conditioners are generally built to last, but if yours fails, here’s what to do:

• Check Fuses and Breakers: If your unit stops working, start by checking the fuses or circuit breakers. Let the unit cool for about five minutes before resetting any breakers.
• Compressor Reset: On a hot day, if the central air conditioner’s compressor shuts down, the high-pressure limit switch may have tripped. You can reset this by pressing the button in the compressor’s access panel.

• Refrigerant Leaks: If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, it either wasn’t filled correctly during installation, or it has a leak. If it’s a leak, simply adding more refrigerant won’t solve the problem. A trained technician needs to fix the leak, test the repair, and then refill the system with the right amount of refrigerant. Leaking refrigerant not only affects performance but can also harm the environment.
• Poor Maintenance: Dirty filters and coils can cause your air conditioner to work poorly or fail early. Regular cleaning or replacing filters can keep your unit running smoothly.
• Electric Control Failure: The compressor and fan controls can wear out, especially if your air conditioner cycles on and off frequently. This can happen if the system is too large for your home. Additionally, corrosion on wires and terminals is common, so it’s important to have electrical connections checked during a professional service.
• Sensor Problems: Room air conditioners have a thermostat sensor that checks the temperature of the incoming air. If this sensor is knocked out of place, your air conditioner might cycle on and off constantly or act unpredictably. The sensor should be close to the evaporative coil but not touching it. You can adjust it by gently bending the wire that holds it.
• Drainage Issues: In humid weather, check the condensate drain to ensure it’s not clogged and is draining properly. For room air conditioners, make sure they’re mounted level so they drain correctly.

If your air conditioner is giving you trouble, don’t hesitate to call in the experts. Explore our HelpHouse Contractor Directory to find a trusted and experienced HVAC contractor near you. Whether it’s for installation, maintenance, or repairs, a professional can ensure your system runs smoothly and efficiently.

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