When an AC unit gives out, breaks down, and leaves you dry, the repair bill is the least of your concerns. If you live in a particularly hot place, like in the south, and your air conditioner repair services take their time, you are in a world of hurt.
However, most good services offer a 24/7 emergency service, which is lucky because you don’t want to spend 2, 3, or more nights shuffling around in your bed trying to fall asleep. On the other hand, good services also offer maintenance plans, that actually prevent serious malfunction by regularly cleaning and keeping the unit up to snuff.
However, nothing lasts forever, and certainly not air conditioning units. They work for the better part of the day, sometimes even constantly, and things can go wrong. Several common problems may happen to an average AC, and here are some of them and how to diagnose and possibly them…
Common AC Problems and How to Diagnose and/or Fix Them
Typical air conditioner problems (in alphabetical order) include but are not limited to:
- Breakers (Fuses)
- Capacitors
- Compressors
- Condenser Coils
- Drainage Line
- Evaporator Coils
- Filters
- Refrigerant Leaks
- Thermostat
- Worn Contactor
Breakers (Fuses)
Alright, fuses should go after filters, but it’s the same thing as breakers so its first on the list. These are metal wires or filaments, usually in a casing of some sort, that are safeguarding the AC’s motor from overloading, or the compressor from overheating. It is the first part checked when the Ac dies. Unless you are a certified repairman, you’re gonna have to call one.
Capacitors
Capacitors are one of the most important AC components. They are small cylindrical containers that start the motor, as they store and supply energy. It is tough to diagnose this, but if you feel or hear your AC working kind of sluggish, it is because there isn’t sufficient power due to capacitor failure.
Compressors
The compressor serves to pump in the refrigerant. The part works exactly as it sounds, it is a cylinder with pistons and valves that pumps it up. Needless to say that if this part os not working, the whole point of the AC is lost. But, the unit itself still might be looking like everything is in order. So, if you notice something weird with your room temperature, time to call the air conditioner repair services.
Condenser Coils
The condenser coil absorbs the heat from the indoor and releases it into the outside. This is another crucial part of the machine. Again, if your room is not as cool as it should be with your current AC setting, call a repairman.
Drainage Line
This is one part we all know about. Everyone was splashed from an AC’s drainage line hanging outside of a building in the street at least once in their life. This is a way for the moisture that the evaporator coil collects to leave the machine. The drain itself can get clogged, greasy, which shouldn’t be hard to repair by yourself, provided the proper tools are available.
But, if a serious clog can cause the drainage pan to fill up, which is inside the unit itself. Once that happens, it will leak all over and it might cause some serious, potentially life-threatening damage. IF your drain isn’t leaking, as usual, try to unclog the line. If it’s still bad, call an expert.
Evaporator Coils
As mentioned, evaporator coils work closely with the drainage system, as they collect the humid from the air that passes over. They remove the humid, condense it into the water, and drain it into the drain pan. However, by doing so, evaporator coils also absorb the heat from the air and return it to the house cold.
This is another crucial part of the whole system and, as it deals with humidity, it can corrode but not too soon. Their life spans are usually 2-3 years. If your air is not cool enough and you ruled out all other problems, this is it.
Filters
A dirty filter is the #1 most common problem with AC units, as most people are aware of. Some units have replaceable filters, others have washable, suited for multiple uses. A suggestion about how often to change or wash it is usually suggested by the manufacturer, but it is usually once a month or a bit longer.
Many air conditioner repair services offer standard plans where they keep tabs on when your filters need replacing or cleaning. If you want to diagnose this for yourself, use a flashlight on the filter. If light can’t pass through it, its time to clean/replace it.
Refrigerant Leaks
This malfunction is very serious and it is not easily diagnosed if you’re not an expert, although the AC will clearly malfunction. The refrigerant absorbs indoor air’s heat, which makes it increase in pressure. As it cools down, it’s pressure will decrease, but with time some leaks happen and when they do, some other parts inside the AC are bound to be damaged as well. This one is for expert hands only.
Thermostat
An AC cannot function without a thermostat. It controls its workings completely. It needs to be clean, leveled, no exposure to direct sunlight, and set up correctly. If problems with it still happen, a repairman might know more.
Worn Contactor
Contactors work alongside capacitors to provide the proper power supply to the AC, including powering up the compressor motors and the fan. If any of these show poor performance or stop working, your contractor might be worn out. Since this is an electrical problem, an expert must be brought in.
