Most Common Air Condition Issues: How to Fix Them?

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It’s scorching hot, staying outside is not an option, and you reach for the AC remote, but unfortunately, your trusted air conditioner isn’t working. You start to panic as you think about the possibility of a sweltering night ahead.

Most Common Air Condition Issues: How to Fix Them? (Image Credit Pexels)

You can’t imagine anything worse. Except, maybe, having to call a specialist and find out the unit is beyond repair. What are the most common air conditioner issues, and how do you fix them?

It’s Not Working At All

It’s common for ACs to break down, especially during the hot summer months when working overtime. The first thing you should do is check your breaker. If flipped, try resetting it. When this doesn’t work, there could be a more severe issue, such as a blown-out fuse or damaged wiring. In this case, it’s best to call a professional.

Sometimes, a unit can completely break down, requiring a replacement. Age, lack of maintenance, and power surges can lead to total failure. Consider ac replacement even before this happens when the unit is more than ten years old. You’ll prepare for the inevitable, save money, and have more peace.

It’s Blowing Warm Air

If your unit is running but not properly cooling your home, the refrigerant levels could be low. This is often the case in older, not appropriately maintained units. Leaks can also be the culprit.

If your AC is leaking tiny drops of water, that’s normal. However, it’s a more significant problem requiring a professional’s intervention when leaking refrigerant.

Another possibility is that the air filter is dirty, which is an easy fix. Simply replace the filter and see if that does the trick. The evaporator coil could have issues if the unit is still blowing warm air. Call a professional to recharge the system in this instance.

Dirty coils can also cause the system to blow warm air. They need regular cleaning to ensure proper function. When dirty, the unit works harder and uses more energy, causing higher utility bills.

The AC Is Making Unusual Noises

If your unit starts making strange noises, it could be that the fan belt is loose or needs a replacement. You can check this yourself and, if need be, purchase a replacement at your local hardware store. However, it’s best to have an expert handle this.

If the fan belt is okay, there could be an issue with the bearings in the motor. Again, it’s best to call a professional to take care of this. Other possible issues are a broken or damaged compressor or a refrigerant leak.

The AC Is Cycling On and Off

If your unit is cycling on and off more frequently than usual, the thermostat could be set too low. Simply turn up the temperature and see if that does the trick. There could be an issue with the compressor or the coils if it doesn’t. In this case, you’ll need to call a professional.

Another issue is an incorrectly sized unit. If your AC is too small, it won’t be able to cool your home correctly and will cycle more frequently. The best way to avoid this is to have a professional come and assess your cooling needs before you purchase a unit.

Water Leaking from the Unit

As earlier mentioned, some water leakage is normal for AC units. However, if there’s a lot of water dripping onto your floor, that could signify a clogged drain line. Simply clean out the drain line and see if that does the trick.

Be Proactive

Observing how the AC unit works enables you to detect problems before they cause more severe damage. By being proactive and scheduling regular maintenance check-ups, you can extend the lifespan of your unit and avoid many common issues. It means more savings on repairs and replacement in the long run.

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