Top 2 Common Air Conditioning Problems And Solutions
As temperatures get warmer and more humid, more and more will be asked of your air conditioning unit so as to keep the home comfy. Unfortunately, this added pressure may also lead to unforeseen malfunctions, which could result in torturous conditions inside the home. The good news is that most problems are easily diagnosed and fixed. Here is a look at 2 common AC malfunctions, their causes and how you can diagnose and fix them.
AC runs, but does not blow cold air
Lack of cool air from your AC is often caused by low refrigerant. The vital liquid could be low due to leaks, or the unit might have been undercharged from the onset. In case of a leak, you need to call in a contractor to locate and fix the leak and add in the right amount of refrigerant. Overcharging your AC unit will lead to inefficient cooling - as the refrigerant won't match the manufacturer's specifications - so it is best to leave this to the pros.
Insufficient cooling could also be caused by leaks in the ductwork inside your AC, leading to the escape of air conditioned air. This problem is common in older air conditioners, which have had their ductwork degraded over time. A classical sign of leaking ductwork is a gradual lack of cool air from the unit. In such cases, you will need to hire an expert to seal or replace damaged ducts.
AC conditioner won't run
Without a functioning condenser or capacitor thermostat, your AC won't be able to provide the cooling you need or might even fail to run at all. If the unit won't work, but the fans inside your home are fully functional, the problem could be a broken thermostat. Check to see if the thermostat is turned on and set to a level lower than room temperature. If adjusting the thermostat does not do the trick, then the problem could be as simple as a tripped circuit breaker.
A condenser could stop working if clogged up by debris. This is especially true if it is located outdoors, where rocks, sticks and dirt can get in and damage internal components. Leaves and branches from around your condenser could also get sucked into vents, causing air blockades and damage to the capacitor. To increase the performance of the condenser, have an expert clean it out occasionally. For more information, contact an HVAC specialist like Kassel Appliance & Ac Repair.