Central Air Conditioning Problems You Should Let The Experts Handle

By: John Garcia | Date Posted: December 17, 2021

Central Air Conditioning Problems

Failure to prioritize proper maintenance can lead to issues in air conditioners that may require professional attention. While minor problems like dirty air filters can be addressed independently, major issues should be handled by experts. Problems may arise from factors such as poor installation, faulty service procedures, or irregular maintenance. It’s important to differentiate between problems that can and cannot be resolved independently. Attempting to tackle complex AC problems without expertise can exacerbate the situation. Seeking professional help when necessary is advisable. Here are common AC problems that should be addressed by professionals.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

Your air conditioner’s evaporator coils are responsible for absorbing heat from the environment like a sponge. They contain a refrigerant that is used to control the temperature and humidity in a room. Warm air must circulate around these coils for them to function correctly. While this may appear to be counterintuitive, it properly adjusts the airflow to guarantee maximum cooling. When there isn’t enough warm air surrounding these coils, they become too cold and a layer of ice builds on the outside. As a result, your AC systems will either release warm air or no air at all. In case this happens, you need to get expert help to fix the airflow regulation of your air conditioning system.

Dirty Condenser Coils

Dirty condenser coils in air conditioning systems can hinder heat transfer, leading to increased energy consumption and potential system failure. This issue is common in polluted urban areas like New York and Singapore. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure optimal performance, as it helps identify the need for cleaning or repairs promptly. Professionals stress the importance of keeping condenser coils clean to maintain system efficiency and longevity.

Leaking Ducts

The duct system connects to your AC unit and delivers chilled air throughout your room. However, holes or cracks in the ducts can lead to air leakage, reducing efficiency. Causes include rodent damage or negligent installation. Duct leaks increase energy consumption as cooled air escapes before reaching the room.

Clogged Drains

Clogged Drains

Your air conditioning system has to remove heat and moisture from your room to cool it completely. While the warm air is dispelled out of the condenser coils, the moisture needs somewhere to get out of as well. For this purpose, drain lines are present in your AC system, which empty the absorbed moisture into a pan and finally down a drain. If any element of the drain system becomes clogged, or if the pan becomes full, the water will flow backward, causing serious damage to your air conditioning system. Moreover, this issue can create water leaks, which can harm your ceiling, walls, or furnishings. Therefore, if you discover any water leaks from your system, you must contact a professional as soon as possible.

Fan Issues

Your AC system has two fans: one cools indoor air by blowing it over the evaporator coils, while the other expels hot air outside. If either fan malfunctions due to reasons like faulty motors, worn belts, or insufficient lubrication, airflow is disrupted, causing issues. Neglecting this problem can lead to compressor failure, resulting in AC unit failure.

Low Refrigerant

The refrigerant is the material that is responsible for removing the heat and humidity out of a room in order to cool it. However, if leaks develop in the refrigerant lines there won’t be enough refrigerant left to cool the air. To fix this problem, an air conditioning technician would not just have to replace the refrigerant but also find all the leaks in the system and fix them. Therefore, this can be a time-consuming and expensive process.

Thermostat Problems

If your AC unit has the traditional dial-type thermostat, its calibration is required to be set perfectly otherwise your system won’t be getting the correct instructions. Although this problem is comparatively easier to fix, you should still get help from an expert with reinstalling or recalibrating your unit’s thermostat. Experts suggest that you get the new programmable thermostats calibrated with the help of a professional, otherwise small errors could affect the performance of your system.

Electric Control Failure

If the air conditioner system is turned on and off frequently, the compressor and fan controls wear out and malfunction. The wire system could also be affected by corrosion and therefore, regular maintenance and inspection are required for air conditioning systems to ensure their efficiency.

Air conditioners are no longer a luxury in many regions, however, their problems are still very common. While many people try to solve these problems by themselves, that may not always be the best idea in case of complex malfunctions occur. It is therefore important that you know when you get professional help to ensure that your AC unit remains in shape.

Thank you for reading!

John
 

John is the founder and chief editor of Homienjoy. With over 15 years of experience in the home improvement industry, John is passionate about helping homeowners confidently tackle their projects. Holding a civil engineering degree and working as a contractor, project manager, and consultant, John brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Homienjoy community.

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