What are the most common Ac problems?
If you live in a hot environment, there is no doubt that an ac unit is the best option among all the other available options such as ceiling fans etc. Whether you opt in for a single room unit like window or portable ac units, or a whole house system you will inevitably get to a point where your ac unit needs some sort of repair, this could be as a result of the unit just getting closer to it's end of life and parts needing replacement or due to other issues like freon leak or capacitors problems etc. What ever the case maybe, at one point or another, you will come across an issue .
Understanding the common ac problems will certainly help you in determining the best cause of action when you do come across these problems, since the various ac types might have problems specific to the type of ac unit, we will look at the common problems for each type of ac unit, starting with the central or whole house unit.
Most Common Central / Split System Ac Problems
Central or split system air conditioners have a condenser that stays in the exterior of the house and an evaporator coil that lives inside the furnace which is located inside the house and thus the reason it's referred to as a split system. Below, we list the common central/split air conditioners problems:
1.Bad Capacitor
A capacitor is a cylinder shape device inside the AC condenser unit, used to provide the power that the AC unit needs to run continuously, they can be a single or dual run capacitor. Although they have a shelf life and will eventually need to be replaced, regular ac maintenance like cleaning your condenser unit, replacing your furnace filter etc., can help keep the capacitor working longer. Sometimes the signs of a bad capacitor are obvious when you look at them because you will notice it pop out at the top, there are times when the signs of a bad capacitor are not obvious and the only way to know if they are good or bad is to use a meter and test them.
2.Low Refrigerant
When you notice that your ac is not doing enough cooling, it is possible that you have a low refrigerant issue, which could be a result of a refrigerant leak. and you might notice freezing of your suction line or compressor when you look at the condenser unit outside. Your evaporator coil inside your furnace might also start freezing, and once this starts to defrost you will notice water dripping from your furnace and to the ground. It might be a good idea to find a nearby ac repair service
3.Water Leaks
Although there might be many reasons to see water on the ground inside your furnace room such as low refrigerant causing the evaporator coil to freeze, one other possible reason is a clogged condensate drain, this is the drain connected to your evaporator coil inside your furnace. This drain usually connects to a sump pit or other drain, and over time this host or drain pipe will get clogged up and cause water backup, you can disconnect the host or fitting and host it down with water to clear the blockage.
Most Common Window Air Conditioner Problems
1.Water dripping from the window AC
Water dripping from your air conditioner is a common problem among most window air conditioners. The angle on which you mount your unit can be the major cause of this problem, as improper mounting results in water dripping the different parts. When mounting, ensure that the unit is mounted in a slightly sloping position towards the back on the unit. You will notice the condensed water will drip outside via the drain pipe if the unit is inappropriately installed. Having a proper reinstallation is the appropriate way to correct this issue.
2.The compressor keeps switching on and off frequently
When the compressor keeps switching on and off too frequently, it highlights an issue with the temperature sensor or thermostat. A faulty thermostat or temperature sensor can cause your window AC to switch on and off too frequently.
You can correct this by ensuring you place the temperature sensor in a proper position adjacent to the evaporator coil. After which, check and ensure that the filter isn't clogged. You can consult a reliable window AC professional repair service to correct the problem.
3.Ice formation on the window AC
You may realize ice formation on your air conditioner when the unit has more than the required refrigerant amount. The ice formation results when there is a drop in the cooling temperature below the normal range. The temperature drop results in the room moisture condensing on the appliance's coil and freezing. You can rectify the issue by correcting the refrigerant level in the unit.
4.Low cooling performance
You may realize that your unit has low cooling performance, producing fewer cooling effects. Lack or improper functioning coolant is usually the common reason your air conditioner has cooling problems. The coolant is essential in cooling the air in the window unit by circulating through the Ac's evaporator coil, sending cool air into your room.
Thus, you'll realize insufficient cooling when your air conditioner has an insufficient coolant level. Furthermore, a clogged filter can also be a major cause of the lower cooling performance of your window ac. add the necessary coolant amount to rectify this issue
5.Compressor switching off without cooling
When using these appliances to cool your house, you may realize that the compressor goes off without cooling your house after switching on. An increase in temperatures above the normal range is usually the main cause of the compressor going off. After the temperature increases, the sensor cuts off the power supply to protect the compressor from damages resulting from the fluctuation in the temperatures.
Additionally, having an unstable power supply and limited space outside for air circulation are the main causes of switching compressors, even without any cooling effect. Keeping your air conditioner 3-5 feet from any distractions would be the best remedy for the problem.
Common Portable Air Conditioner Problems
Many homeowners prefer installing portable ACs for the home cooling system, as they're efficient and reliable. Furthermore, these air conditioners have faster installation and lower maintenance costs. Nonetheless, these air conditioners come with various issues or problems affecting their performance, efficiency, and duration. Below are the common problems your portable AC might develop:
1.Airflow restriction
The most common problem with portable AC is the restriction of airflow. Dirt or dust can clog or block the airflow in the exhaust duct, resulting in a high-pressure complication in the unit. You should check any obstruction to the airway as it may result in your portable unit freezing up.
2.Power issues
Portable air conditions are usually prone to various power issues. These power issues may result from unmatching power sources, thus preventing your unit from working properly with the power source it's hooked into. The best way to solve this problem is to check the appropriate power requirements of the unit before powering it. Furthermore, ensure that you've got the right circuit breakers and temperature sensors.
4.Strange smell from the portable air conditioner
A strange smell from your portable ac can signify a major problem. The smell may be mold growth inside the unit. If the ac unit has a lot of stagnant water, this could create the appropriate conditions for mildew and mold breeding. The growth of these micro plants may significantly reduce the permanence and reliability of your Unit.
The appropriate solution to the problem is to inspect the unit's interior to check for any signs of mold growth. You can control the problem by regularly cleaning the ac to prevent mold growth and reduce the emission of a musty smell.
5.Leaking
Leaking is a common problem in portable air conditioners, especially in areas with more humidity levels. When the humidity is high, the unit's water reservoir tends to quickly fill up the system, resulting in leakages from the cooling unit.
The problem can result in improper cooling effects, as a result of parts not working appropriately to enhance proper air circulation. You can easily solve the problems by opening the unit and draining the water out. Ensure that you also remove any dirt that can cause clogging that might hinder adequate drainage in the unit.
6.Low cooling effect
This is a common problem among most portable air conditioners due to clogged air filters, dirty coils, insufficient coolant, and a faulty thermostat. A faulty compressor, defective parts, and high atmospheric temperature can also result in the inconsistent cooling effect of the air conditioner.
Common mini split ductless air conditioner problems
Mini split ductless air conditioners are effective and reliable and do not require ductwork, which makes them easier to install that the ducted central ac units
Despite their reliability, they do have occasional problem that you should be aware of. Below is a list of common mini split ductless air conditioner problems.
1.Failed indoor air handler
The ductless AC has various air handlers connecting the single outdoor with a power source, refrigerant, or condensate lines. The condensate lines pass through a particular hole in the air handlers. If you notice leaks from the condensate line, it reveals that water has been built up behind the wall or unit.
3.Loss of refrigerant
Loss or leaking refrigerant is a common problem with ductless split units. When you fail to recharge the refrigerant or repair the leakage, it reduces coolant levels in the system which can result in the unit compressor breaking down. The best solution to the issue is to repair any refrigerant leaks to prevent a reduction in the refrigerant level.
4.Thermal energy death
Although ductless mini split units have similar condensing and evaporating refrigerant systems to the ducted central ac, ductless systems are usually prone to holding less thermal energy when the temperature outside the appliance drops.
The temperature drop causes heating problems as the air becomes too cold, making the ductless mini-split unit struggle to siphon heat from the air.
5.Malfunctioning defrost cycle
Most ductless mini-split systems have a proper defrost cycle. The defrost cycle is key in melting all the ice forming outside the unit. A malfunctioning defrost cycle results in the ice covering the exterior parts of the cooling unit, and the system stops drawing heat from the surrounding air. When you realize that the exterior parts of your system are cold, it'll be wise to deactivate the entire system and seek professional Ac repair services to prevent the problem from getting worse.
