Common Air Conditioner Problems

Whether the unit is at your home or office, there are many common A/C problems to keep in mind. When the weather gets hot and humid, the last thing you want is for your unit to fail. For the benefit of your family or employees, think about these common issues.

Incorrect Usage

The number one problem we see with air conditioners is improper operation. When you turn your A/C unit on, close all the windows and doors in the rooms being cooled. Energy is wasted when cool air is blowing into a room, only to go right out the window of an adjacent room.

Also be smart about how you operate your air conditioner. When it’s hot and muggy, the impulse may be to crank the A/C as high as it can go. You want relief from the heat but putting your air conditioner into overdrive all the time is asking for trouble.

If you’re going to be away from home, turn the unit off or run it at a lower level, so you are not wasting energy.

Air Conditioner Leaks

When you have a leak, you should contact a trained technician to fix it, test the repair and charge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant.

Sensor Problems

Room air conditioners feature a thermostat sensor behind the control panel, which measures the temperature of air coming into the evaporator coil. If the sensor is knocked out of position, the air conditioner may cycle or continue to operate erratically. The sensor should be near the coil but not touching it. Adjust its position by carefully bending the wire that holds it in place.

Improper Drainage

Another area to keep an eye on is the unit’s drainage. When your air conditioner is leaking water, you’ll see it on the floor. Like the filter, the drain line can become clogged with dirt, dust and lint. If a clog occurs, the drain pan will fill up and water will leak out, potentially causing damage to the A/C unit.
 
This spring, test your air conditioner before summer weather arrives. If the unit is malfunctioning, call M.J. Fahy & Sons. We have been in business for over 130 years, offering dependable HVAC service. Schedule an appointment today!