There are a lot of things that can go wrong with your air conditioner. However, there are also some common problems that you can troubleshoot and do AC repair yourself.
One of the most common AC problems is a frozen coil. This is caused by a faulty condenser that cannot cool the refrigerant that is inside of the coil.
1. Frozen Coils
When the air conditioner coils freeze, it is a major problem. This can prevent your AC from delivering cool, comfortable air to your home and can result in increased energy bills.
The best way to avoid frozen coils is to ensure that your air filters are replaced regularly. Changing them every one to three months is a good rule of thumb.
Dirty air filters can cause low system airflow which in turn reduces refrigerant’s ability to extract heat from the air. When this happens, the evaporator coil will ice up because it cannot circulate refrigerant vapor to its optimum temperature of about 40 degrees.
Frozen coils are a common issue that can easily be solved by troubleshooting the problem. However, if the issue persists it is best to call a professional. They will be able to locate the source of the issue and fix it for you.
2. Unusual Sounds
If you notice sounds, such as screeching, squealing, or grinding, coming from your air conditioner that you haven’t heard before, it could be an indication of a serious problem. In these cases, it’s best to call in a professional HVAC technician.
Your air conditioning system has two main components: the compressor and fan motor. The fan makes a whirring noise, while the compressor is like a deep buzzing sound.
In some cases, these sounds are a result of a loose belt or a faulty capacitor. In others, they may be a sign of a clogged air filter or other issues.
If you’re experiencing any unusual sounds, check your thermostat settings and make sure the unit is plugged in properly. Also, be sure to clean your ducts and air filters regularly to keep your AC running smoothly.
3. Unbalanced Airflow
Unbalanced airflow can be a serious problem that affects the way your AC works. It can cause strange sounds, stale air and even a loss of heated or cooled air in certain rooms of your home.
If your home is experiencing these issues, it’s important to troubleshoot and fix the issue immediately. This can save you money on your energy bills and help you avoid an expensive repair or replacement down the road.
The most common reason for unbalanced airflow in residential homes is duct design or installation problems. In order to restore air balance, HVAC professionals seal or insulate accessible under-insulated ducts and add dampers to direct the flow of air from your HVAC unit and shift it accordingly.
Increased fan speed can also help improve airflow to specific spaces in your home. However, if the problem persists, it’s best to call an experienced technician for help. They can perform air balancing, inspect your ductwork and adjust the motor speed to achieve better airflow in each space of your home.
4. Clogged Drain Lines
Often overlooked, a clogged AC drain line can cause major problems. A clogged line allows excess water to remain inside the system for an extended period of time, which can lead to short circuits and malfunctions.
When this occurs, it’s important to clear the clog as quickly as possible. This is best done by a trained technician.
To remove a clogged drain line, the technician will first vacuum out any debris that’s trapped in the line. They may also use a wet vac.
If the clog is not easily removed by vacuuming, they might try to blow air through the drain line with an air compressor or bicycle pump. This is another effective and easy method to clear a clogged AC drain.
Keeping your drain lines clean can prevent a lot of clogs from developing in the future. One way to do this is to mix vinegar and pour it into your AC drain line every month. This will kill off molds and mildew that can build up inside the drain line over time.
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