Did you know that a new air conditioner can cost you more than $7,000 in the United States?
Depending on where you live, a working air conditioner might be necessary to be comfortable and content.
If you are noticing that your air conditioner isn’t working as well as it once did, you might have a problem.
Read on to learn more about common air conditioner problems and how to fix them and save money!
1. Blowing Warm Air
One of the most obvious air conditioner problems that people notice is warm air.
When your AC unit isn’t pushing out cold air, you could be dealing with a number of issues. Check the air filter on your home AC unit to ensure that it doesn’t need to be replaced. Replacing a filter can make a big difference in the air quality and save you money from repairs.
Another reason you want to clean the filter is that is can clog the condenser unit, which prevents the AC from getting cold. Many people recommend changing your air filter every month to have the best quality of air.
Warm air could also be caused by overheating engines in the unit and wiring issues.
2. Won’t Turn on
When your air conditioning system isn’t turning on, you either need it to be fixed or replaced.
Most AC units come require batteries for the thermostat to work. Change these batteries with new ones to see if the problem gets resolved. It the thermostat turns on, make sure that you check the settings to ensure everything is where you would like.
When the thermostat is running, but the air conditioner is not, you might have an issue with a circuit breaker. The best way to fix this issue is by resetting the circuit breaker by flipping the switch from on to off and then back on again.
Other problems that could prevent your AC from turning on could include faulty wiring, broken hardware, and stripped cords. Most people choose Carrier ACs, if that’s also the AC you own, you can find a Carrier manual on Manualsnet, a website that offers tens of thousands of different manuals to use freely.
3. Unit Is Freezing
Have you ever looked at your AC unit and noticed frost or ice building up?
When condensation starts to build on your air conditioner, is can quickly grow and lead to major damage. Many people notice this problem when it is hot outside and the unit is trying to keep cool in the high temperatures.
Air conditioners can also freeze up from insufficient airflow, low coolant, and blower motor problems. Lower outside temperatures and blocked contractors can also contribute to a frozen unit that doesn’t work.
Unplugging the air conditioner and allowing it time to thaw can help save it from permanent damage. You should address this problem as soon as you notice it. After the unit is thawed, wipe it clean and dry before turning it back on.
4. AC Makes Noises
There is nothing worse than hearing strange noises from an expensive utility.
If your AC unit is making a hissing sound, you might be dealing with leaking refrigerant. Clicking sounds can often signify issues with connection problems in the unit that prevent it from turning on and off.
A broken air conditioner might also make rattling, banging, and thumping noises is something is wrong with the blower or motor. When your fan motor isn’t working efficiently, you will likely hear a screeching sound. You should also listen for buzzing sounds, which could mean faulty electrical wires.
5. Refrigerant Leaking
Another common AC issue is leaking refrigerant.
Refrigerant is a liquid coolant that helps control the temperature of air being pushed out. When this liquid leaks out of the unit, it can not only cause a mess, but all impact its ability to function.
If you notice that refrigerant is leaking from your unit, https://www.lexairconditioning.com/mckinney-tx/ is a great resource. The McKinney team can get your air conditioner working with affordable prices and quick service. Most people notice low efficiency, freezing coils, and inconsistent cooling.
You can also monitor your utility bills to make sure that your AC isn’t consuming too much power from running too frequently.
6. Signs of Water
Water surrounding your air conditioner is never a good sign.
It is most common for AC units to leak water on hot and humid day, but it can leak at any point that it is turned on. When the temperature is below 60 degree Farenheit, the water can easily freeze and lead to larger issues.
Some of the reasons that AC units leak is from old air filters, blocked pipes, and low coolant levels. If the installation didn’t go like it should or the condesnator pan breaks, you might also notice water building up.
7. Frozen Evaporator Coils
An efficient air conditioning unit should have a working coil.
Evaporator coils help provide air flow and get the unit producing cool air. A common problem that people deal with is when the coil freezes and can not work properly. When the coil freezes, the entire unit can freeze and it won’t work.
Make sure that you change out your air filter and look for blocked ducts or vents. Broken fans in the unit can also impact the coil and lead it to freezing.
8. Control Failures
If you recently turned your air conditioning unit on and it didn’t work to the settings, you might need repairs.
Electric control failures are common and can be easy to fix. The compressor, blower motor, and fan motor all run on the electric controls, so you should always fix the issue right away. Typically this problem happens with connection problems, preventing components from turning on.
Avoid These Air Conditioner Problems
Knowing common air conditioner problems can help you maintain your AC and save you money.
Looking for signs of damage can help you identify problems before they become too large and require a replacement. Although you might need to replace your AC unit, there are things you can do to keep it from going bad and consuming your energy.
Don’t wait to get help if you have a broken air conditioner, it tends to cost much more if you push it off.
Be sure to check out our blog for more articles about common AC issues and home maintenance!
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