10 Common Air Conditioner Issues and Easy Solutions

It seems air conditioner problems happen when you need them the most. However, some issues are easy to fix without having to call a repair service. Learn 10 common air conditioner problems and how to fix them.

  1. Unit Not Turning On

If the unit isn’t coming on at all, ensure the breaker hasn’t tripped. Open the electrical panel to your house and flip the breakers and break them into position. For window units, check that the cord is not damaged and pushed all the way into the outlet. Try to plug the window unit into another outlet.

  1. Malfunctioned Thermostat

A malfunctioned thermostat on a central air unit can prevent the unit from working properly. Test the thermostat for current, and check for wire damage. If the display is blank, change the batteries. Sometimes too much sunlight or an unbalanced thermostat can cause the sensors to register room temperature incorrectly.

  1. Air Conditioner Not Cooling or Blowing Hot Air

Try setting the thermostat to a lower temperature, and changing filters. When filters get dirty, they block air coming through the unit. Remove debris and leaves around the outside unit to keep it clear of obstructions.

  1. Coolant Leaks

When the coolant gets low, you may hear hissing sounds from the unit indoors, or the unit won’t cool correctly. Inspect the outside of the unit for coolant leaks. If the unit leaks coolant, only a professional HVAC technician can change it.

  1. The Unit Runs Constantly

A temperature set on “manual” could cause the unit to run constantly so switch it to “auto cool”. It may also mean some parts are not the correct size for your unit. Other causes of a constantly running AC unit include a frozen or dirty evaporator coil or a  restrictive filter.

  1. Vibrating Window AC

A vibrating window AC commonly means incorrect installation or imbalance. Consult your manual to ensure you followed all of the installation steps.

  1. Warm Air Leaks

If you feel warm air around the window unit, inspect the seals around the window and install insulation panels. A modern window unit typically comes with insulation panels.

  1. Worn Capacitors

The fan can’t run without a signal from the capacitor, and a clicking noise is a common sign of a problem. An HVAC technician will commonly need to replace this part.

  1. Full Drain Pans

An HVAC drain can get blocked with debris like the filters. Not emptying the drain pan could cause water backup leading to leaks inside walls and ceilings.

  1. Uneven Cooling

If some rooms feel cooler than others, check for obstructions in front of vents or over registers. Clean air registers and vents with a vacuum every few weeks or as needed to keep air flowing.

Simple DIY repairs can save you money. Get your unit inspected annually by an HVAC tech to keep your unit running properly.  Consult with your local air conditioning repair service. Learn more at https://kerrcountyac.com/.