It’s the height of summer, and for many people, that means one thing: air conditioning. Whether you have a central AC system or a window unit, when it’s working properly, air conditioning can make your home cool and comfortable on even the hottest days.
Unfortunately, air conditioners can sometimes break down, leaving you stuck in the heat. If your AC isn’t blowing cold air, or if it’s making strange noises, it’s time to troubleshoot the problem and see what needs to be done to get it back up and running again.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the most common issues that can affect air conditioning systems, and we’ll explore some easy ways to fix them. So if your AC isn’t working as it should, read on for some helpful tips.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
There are a few things that can cause the coils to freeze, but the most common is low refrigerant levels. When the coils freeze, the AC unit can’t blow cold air, and it may even make a strange hissing noise. You may even notice water dripping from the unit or ice forming on the coils.
The best way to thaw frozen coils is to turn off the AC unit and let it thaw on its own. This can take a few hours, so be patient. Once the coils have thawed, you can clean or replace the filters and check the refrigerant levels. If everything looks good, you can turn the AC unit back on. However, if you detect a leak in the refrigerant, you’ll need to call a professional for help. As noted by the folks from BillyAircon, refrigerant leaks are not something that should be fixed by amateurs. Certified technicians have the tools and training necessary to safely repair refrigerant leaks and replenish the system with the proper amount of refrigerant.
Dirt Build Up
One of the most common issues that can affect an air conditioner is a build-up of dirt and dust on the coils. The coils are responsible for cooling the air, so when they’re covered in dirt and dust, they can’t do their job properly. As a result, your AC won’t blow cold air.
To clean the coils, you’ll need to remove the AC unit from its window mount or split system housing. Once it’s exposed, you can use a brush or vacuum attachment to remove any dirt and dust. Be sure to clean both the inside and outside of the coils. If they’re very dirty, you may need to rinse them with water. Just be sure they’re completely dry before you put the AC unit back in place.
Clogged Filters
While dirt and dust on the coils can prevent your AC from blowing cold air, a more common issue is clogged filters. The filters are responsible for trapping dirt, dust, and other airborne particles, and over time, they can become clogged with debris. When the filters are clogged, the air can’t flow properly through the AC unit. As a result, the unit has to work harder to cool the air, which uses more energy and increases your utility bills.
To clean or replace the filters, you’ll need to locate the filter compartment, which is usually located behind the front grille of the AC unit. Once you’ve found it, remove the old filter and either clean it or replace it with a new one. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to see how often the filters need to be replaced.
Thermostat Issues
If your AC unit isn’t blowing cold air, one possible reason is that it’s not getting power. First, check to make sure the unit is plugged in. If it is, then the problem may be with the thermostat. The thermostat is responsible for turning the AC unit on and off, so if it’s not working properly, the unit won’t run.
To test the thermostat, set it to a low temperature and see if the AC unit comes on. If it doesn’t, then you’ll need to either replace the batteries or replace the entire thermostat. If you’re not sure how to do this, it’s best to call a professional for help.
Squeaky Belts
The belts are responsible for turning the compressor, so when they start to make noise, it’s usually an indication that they’re starting to wear out. If the belts are squealing, you’ll need to replace them as soon as possible. Otherwise, they could break, which will cause the AC unit to malfunction.
You may try to fix the problem by lubricating the belts, but this is only a temporary solution. The best way to fix squeaky belts is to replace them with new ones. To do this, you’ll need to remove the old belts and install the new ones in their place. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions so you don’t accidentally damage the AC unit. If you are not confident in your ability to do this, it is best to call a professional.
While many things can go wrong with an AC unit, these are some of the most common issues. With a little knowledge and a few tools, you can easily fix most of these problems yourself. So, if you’re having trouble with your AC unit, don’t hesitate to give these solutions a try. And if all else fails, be sure to call a professional for help. It might cost a little more money, but it’s worth it to know that the job will be done right.
