If you live in an area that is warm all year round, then you know how important it is to have an air conditioner in the house. So when your air conditioner begins to develop problems, you have no option but to get it fixed…fast!
If you consider that such repairs might be costly, then it makes more sense to prevent the problem before it develops. This means you have to know what to look out for so that you can then keep your air conditioner in good shape.
Here are 8 of the most common problems that are likely to affect the functioning of your AC unit:
Clogged Drains
The AC is supposed to remove moisture from the air and drain it via a drain line. However, the drain ducts may get clogged with dust and dirt, thus causing the water to back up. This may damage the system. It may also cause condensation on walls and furniture, thus triggering mold growth.
Low Refrigerant/Leaks
Refrigerant is the coolant that the AC uses to eliminate heat from the building. If there are leaks in your refrigerant ducts, there won’t be enough refrigerant to keep the air cool. This kind of problem may require a technician to resolve. It’s always advisable to work with a qualified HVAC professional, and you can contact Swift Services for more details on how to fix such a problem.
Corroded or Frozen Evaporator Coils
These coils are designed to absorb heat from the air and release cooler air through the air ducts. But if the coils become corroded or too cold, the AC will produce warm air or no air at all.
Clogged Filter
A dirty filter minimizes air flow and may also cause your AC to freeze. To check if your filter is clogged, try to shine a light through it. Depending on the type of AC you have, you may be able to clean the filter yourself or change it either monthly or every three months.
Leaky Ducts
The AC ducts that run through the ceiling and walls are supposed to carry cooled air throughout the room. However, these ducts can get punctured by careless workers or rodents, thus causing the cool air to go to waste inside the walls.
Dirty Condenser Coils
Condenser coils are located on the outside of the AC and are responsible for expelling heat from the building. Since they are exposed to the elements, they can easily get covered in dirt or soot and may need to be cleaned by an HVAC technician.
Thermostat Problems
Make sure that your thermostat is in the correct setting. If you have the old type of thermostat, ensure that it’s calibrated properly or simply replace it with one of the new programmable ones.
Fan Problems
An AC has two fans – one blows over the evaporator coils and the other helps the condenser coils to expel heat outside the building. Sometimes due to a faulty motor or debris, the fans stop working properly. If the problem isn’t resolved, the compressor will fail and your AC will need to be replaced.
You need to have scheduled maintenance to ensure your AC is in good working order. Take some time to troubleshoot for potential problems and if necessary, get your air conditioning repaired as soon as possible. You will save a lot more money that way.
Leave a Reply