Introduction – The Most Common Problems With Air Conditioning
When it’s time to turn on the air conditioning, most of us probably give it little thought. We flip a switch or press a button, and cool air blows from the vents. What could go wrong?
The truth is that lots can go wrong with your air conditioning system in any given year and month. In fact, there are so many potential issues that you need to check your AC regularly to make sure it’s working optimally and not signalling an imminent failure.
If you find yourself sweating through another hot summer this article will provide you with useful tips on how to identify the most common problems with air conditioning and how to avoid them in the future.
Check Your Air Filter
One of the most common problems with air conditioning is an unclean air filter. Over time, the filter will collect dirt and dust that prevent it from doing its job correctly. This causes your air conditioner to work harder and can lead to an earlier breakdown.
If you do find that your air filter is dirty, then you can clean it with a vacuum cleaner or washing machine. If you clean it with water, though, you’ll need to let it dry before you put it back in or you’ll just create a humid environment that breeds mould.
You should clean your filter once every three months or so, depending on the filter type and your local environment. If you don’t clean the filter regularly, your air conditioner will have to work harder, increasing your energy bills and shortening the lifespan of your system.
A dirty filter can also lead to health problems. You can avoid these problems by cleaning or replacing your filter regularly. While some people do this every month, be careful not to over-clean the filter, or you could damage it.
Damaged Compressor
The AC compressor is one of the crucial AC components, responsible for regulating AC pressure and heat exchange using refrigerants.
Dirty coils, fluctuating refrigerant quantities, and lack of lubrication can result in AC compressor failure. If there is not enough refrigerant, the compressor will overheat and stop working.
If there is excessive refrigerant, the AC will overheat, producing excess pressure that may also cause it to fail.
Your Air Conditioner Is Over 10 Years Old
If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, you should consider replacing it. The lifespan of an air conditioner is around 15 years, so if yours is more than 10 years old, the chances are the compressor has started to wear out and will need to be replaced within a couple of years.
The other parts of your system will also be getting older and may begin to fail. The only way to know for sure if your air conditioning system is failing is to call in a qualified technician to assess it. However, there are a few signs that you can look out for to see if it’s nearing the end of its lifespan.
If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, you’ll likely see an increase in your energy bills. This is because the system is working harder to cool your home. You may also see a build-up of mould and mildew inside the vents or on the coils. This is a sign that the system is not working as it should.
Your Condenser Or Denser Is Broken
If you see debris inside your condenser or coils, then you may have a broken condenser or compressor. If this is the case, the best thing you can do is call in a qualified technician to repair it.
A broken condenser or compressor doesn’t just lead to inefficient cooling, it can also cause damage to your other home appliances. In extreme cases, it can even cause a fire.
A broken condenser or compressor can also lead to an increase in your energy bills, so it’s best to get it fixed as soon as possible.
Your Coolant Has Dried Up Or Evaporated
If you notice a strong chemical smell coming from your AC, then it may be low on coolant. If your AC runs low on coolant, it will break down and stop cooling your home. If you notice this smell, turn off the air conditioning unit and call in a technician.
This is a dangerous situation, and the sooner you get it fixed, the better. Your system may be low on coolant if your air conditioning is running, but isn’t cooling your home at all. If your air conditioner isn’t cooling your home but is running, then you probably have a system leak.
If your air conditioner is running but isn’t cooling your home even though there’s no leak, then it’s possible that your AC isn’t getting enough pressure to push the coolant throughout the system.
There’s Excess Dirt Or Dust In The Condenser Or Coils
If you see excessive dirt or dust inside your condenser or coils, it may be clogging up your system and impeding airflow. This can cause your home’s cooling system to work harder and will also lead to early wear and tear on the system.
If you find excess dirt in your AC, you can run a vacuum cleaner through the vents to clean it. Alternatively, you can use a water-fed brush to clean the coils. If you see dust inside the condenser or coils, you should call in a technician to clean it for you.
This kind of cleaning requires specialised tools, and you run the risk of damaging your system if you try to clean it yourself.
There’s Too Much Pressure In The Condenser Or Coils
If you see the pressure in your condenser or coils is above 60 PSI, then your system is working at above its normal capacity. This can cause premature wear and tear on your system, leading to an earlier breakdown.
If your system is working above its normal capacity, you’ll see a decrease in the cooling efficiency of your system. You may also notice that your air conditioner is working for longer periods of time.
If you see that the pressure in your system is too high, you should get it fixed as soon as possible. This can lead to permanent damage to your system and will end up costing you more in the long run.
Conclusion
Your air conditioner is a critical part of your home. While it is designed to provide you with comfort, it can break down and become a major source of frustration if it is not maintained properly.
That is why it is important to know how to detect the most common problems with air conditioning, so they can be fixed before they turn into a major problem.
