While air conditioning is used in many areas of the world, your geographical area can play a role in why you may be experiencing issues with your equipment. There may be hundreds of factors why your air conditioner is not operating correctly, but there are some problems that are common in North America. So, here we’ll explore the top 5 problems that could be causing your AC to break down.
Faulty Wiring
Your air conditioning system is sophisticated with yards or wiring connecting all the vital components. Unfortunately, this means that faulty wiring can have a massive impact on functionality or in a worst case scenario cause a fire hazard. Bad wiring can trip your circuit breaker or prevent your system from getting power. Since wiring is such an essential component of your air conditioning system, it is vital to ensure that your all your wiring is certified and checked by an experienced HVAC technician. This will enable any haphazard or shorty wiring to be replaced before it can cause a massive problem later.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is the chemical used to cool the air inside your air conditioning system. Without refrigerant, the system cannot properly perform the heat transfer to move hot air outside your home and provide cooled air in each room. The refrigerant lines inside your air conditioner are designed to be a closed system, so a reduced refrigerant level suggests a leak. Any leaks will need to be identified and repaired before the refrigerant can be recharged and restore full functionality.
Outside Fan Not Operating
The fan inside your outdoor unit is responsible for conveying heat from inside your home to the air outside. When the fan in your outside unit is not performing correctly, it impairs this heat transfer and places the compressor under excessive strain. If left unchecked, the compressor may overheat, tripping the safety overload or causing internal compressor damage. You’ll need help from an experienced HVAC technician to assess the outdoor unit and identify the underlying problem. To prevent further damage, you’ll need to shut off your air conditioner until your HVAC technician can correct the problem.
Non Functioning Outside Unit
It is not just the fan that can go wrong in your outside unit, so if it is not operating correctly, you’ll need to identify the underlying cause. A non functioning outside unit could be due to a lack of power, faulty thermostat or contractor problems.
Frozen Coils
A frozen coil is often an indication that there is an airflow issue. This can be caused by an obstructed return air duct or dirty air filters. A frozen coil could also be due to low refrigerant levels. It is not sufficient to simply try to defrost the coil, as the underlying problem will need to be investigated and corrected. Fortunately, in most cases, a frozen coil can be resolved by clearing a blocked duct or air filter, but you should never ignore this issue as if left unchecked, a frozen coil could lead to further problems and impair functionality.
Air conditioning equipment can be complex and sophisticated, so it is always best to rely on the expertise of a professional HVAC technician. An experienced technician can assess your system and repair any underlying issues to ensure that your air conditioner continues to keep you and your family cool.