Faulty circuit breaker or fuse is one of the most frequent causes of air conditioner breakdowns. While some customers may feel comfortable changing a fuse or a blown circuit breaker on their own, it can be somewhat dangerous because they are dealing with their electrical system. Incorrect installation of a central air conditioner can lead to duct leaks and low airflow. Often, the refrigerant charge (the amount of refrigerant in the system) does not match the manufacturer's specifications.
If the refrigerant is not correctly charged during installation, the performance and efficiency of the unit are impaired. Unqualified service technicians often fail to detect refrigerant charging problems or even worsen existing issues by adding refrigerant to a system that is already full. Common central air conditioning issues arise when rooms are closed and the flow of air through the house is blocked. On the other hand, if you have an air conditioner in the room, the opposite is true.
Make sure to close the windows and exterior doors of your house to isolate the room or a group of connected rooms as much as possible from the rest of the house. For a list of common air conditioning problems and what to look for, see our Energy Saver 101 infographic on home cooling. Other common problems with existing air conditioners result from faulty installation, poor service procedures, and inadequate maintenance. If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, either because it was undercharged at the time of installation or is leaking. If there are leaks, simply adding coolant is not the solution.
A trained technician must fix any leaks, test the repair, and then charge the system with the correct amount of coolant. Remember that the performance and efficiency of your air conditioner is greater when the refrigerant charge matches the manufacturer's specifications exactly and is not undercharged or overcharged. Refrigerant leaks can also be damaging to the environment. There are many causes of air conditioner unit failure, including proper installation and regular maintenance of the air conditioner. However, being careless with your air conditioning system can cause serious problems that could even cause your air conditioning unit to stop working.
You should know some common causes of air conditioning unit failure.Dirty filters can cause many issues, such as decreased air flow, lower indoor air quality, and increased energy consumption. They can also cause your air conditioner to work harder and stop working if the coil freezes. If the compressor of a central air conditioner stops on a hot day, the high-pressure limit switch may have triggered; you may be able to reset it by pressing the button, located on the compressor access panel. A crack or blockage in the drain pan or condensate pipe could send water to the air controller or compressor. Compressor and fan controls can wear out, especially when the air conditioner is turned on and off frequently, as is common when the system is oversized.
If the air conditioner is still not working properly after trying to repair the thermostat, the problem may be with the air conditioning unit itself. Therefore, it is important to keep the coils clean with regular adjustment once or twice a year for optimal performance and to avoid potential air conditioning breakdowns. Duct cleaning every three years ensures that air can pass through, and inspections identify loose areas, voids, and cracks in the ducts. Knowing some of the most common causes of air conditioning problems allows you to take preventive measures. You might want a quick fix, but sometimes home methods to fix your air conditioning problems aren't always effective and can leave you feeling hot for longer than necessary.
