Air Conditioning Troubleshooting: Six Common Problems

 

ventilation duct, 3d Illustration

It’s common for air conditioners to malfunction from time to time, and it’s important to remember that this may be down to a variety of reasons. Read on to find out the most common air conditioning problems and how to fix them.

Unit making a loud noise

If you begin to notice unusual grinding or whirring noises coming from your AC, you may need to call in an HVAC technician to take a look. These symptoms typically suggest there are mechanical issues with the fan motor, compressor or airflow. Unfortunately, this is not something that you’ll be able to mend yourself – make sure you hire a professional to deal with the problem safely.

Water leaking from AC

While it may be normal to see condensation around your air conditioner, excessive water is a sign your system is leaking. This is most likely caused by dirt and dust mixed with moisture from the AC clogging the condensate drain line. If you suspect that your unit is leaking water, you need to call in an expert.

AC not turning on

There could be several reasons why your air conditioner is not turning on. Potential causes include:

  • A malfunctioning thermostat
  • Clogged air filters
  • A tripped circuit breaker
  • Loose wiring

To determine the exact cause, it’s best to contact a professional.

AC blowing hot air

Sometimes, you may observe your AC blowing hot air instead of cold. This could signify your air filters are blocked. Try not to worry, as these filters are relatively easy to replace – it’s a good idea to do this once or twice a year. Another cause could be low refrigerant levels. This could indicate a leak, so try to get this fixed as soon as possible.

Refrigerant leaking

A refrigerant is essentially a gas that is responsible for absorbing heat from the indoor air. If you have low levels of refrigerant, you will notice that your AC will continually blow warm air. It’s important to contact an expert immediately if you suspect a leak, which will most likely have been caused by holes or cracks in the coils that circulate the refrigerant.

Smells coming from AC unit

A bad smelling coming from your AC unit could be down to a number of different factors. An AC that smells like fire or burning indicates one or multiple of your electrical components are faulty. We advise that you immediately turn your unit off and contact a professional to have a look. If you are getting a mouldy or musty smell, it is likely that excess water in your drip lines are causing mould and mildew to grow – again, it’s best to contact an expert to get the problem sorted out.

If you’re looking for aircon installation across Bristol, Bath and the South West, get in touch with the experts at Ian Hobbs Technical Services Ltd – we’re an experienced aircon company that knows exactly what you’re after. Our skilled and experienced team are on hand to discuss your requirements and provide a free, no obligation quote. Get in touch today to find out more about our services.