Air Conditioner Problems and How to Solve Them

air conditioner problems

What are common air conditioner problems? Air conditioners maintain optimum air quality in homes, offices and learning centres. While professionally installed AC units are reliable, they tend to develop problems eventually. The best strategy against this is regular servicing. But, let us discuss some of the common problems that occur in air conditioning units.

Air Conditioner Problem 1: User Error

If your AC unit seems to run up the electricity bill, make sure that no one in your office or home opens windows to respond to hot weather. Some air conditioner maintenance problems occur because of open windows. Unless you wish to cool the entire neighbourhood and earn a hefty bill for your pains, keep the windows closed when the AC is running. Sometimes compressors switch off automatically on extremely hot days as a result of overwork. Hence, take a look at the reset button before looking for someone for air conditioning repair in Surrey. And, remember to check for a tripped breaker.

The first rule of maintaining your air conditioner unit at an optimal level is proper installation. If you are looking for Surrey air conditioning installation professionals, we can provide assistance.

Air Conditioner Problem 2: Refrigerant Problems

The right amount of refrigerant gas; no more or less than the manufacturer’s recommendation, is essential for the efficiency of your air conditioner. Nevertheless, most AC units tend to leak small amounts of refrigerant gas over time. Hence, it is important to conduct regular air conditioning maintenance checks. However, as refrigerant gas is controlled under UK regulations, you need to call a licensed air conditioning technician to fix AC unit leaks, test and ensure that the refrigerant gas remains at the required level.

Air Conditioner Problem 3: Inadequate Maintenance

As dust and debris accumulate, replace AC filters to help keep the unit and airflow clean by collecting particles. If you don’t clean the AC unit filters from time to time, it gets harder for air to pass through. This build up of dust and grime leads the system to work harder, consume more electricity and hasten the wear and tear of other AC components. The same issue is true to other parts of the air conditioning system such as the condenser, cooling coils and fans. The best method to prevent your air conditioning unit from breaking down is to make sure you keep up with your AC maintenance and annual servicing.

Air Conditioner Problem 4: Electrical Failures

Wires and terminals in AC units corrode eventually. And, you will inevitably have to replace electrically driven parts such as the compressor and fan. However, you can delay this by making sure that the air conditioner is matched in power to the size of the room or the building. If this isn’t the case, it can switch on and off too often, which tends to wear on the electrical components. When you first look for Surrey air conditioning installation assistance, ask the technicians to help match the AC system to the size of the building.

Air Conditioner Problem 5: Malfunctioning Sensors

If the thermostat is malfunctioning or poorly positioned, and other sensors are similarly placed, the system could switch on and switch off often. The most important sensor is located close to the cooling coil and air inlet; ensure that the sensor does not touch the coil.

Air Conditioner Problem 6: Drainage Issues

The evaporators on your air conditioner produce condensate. If the moisture does not drain properly, your AC unit will not work properly. Prevent outlets from getting clogged, and make sure wall mounted evaporator units are level. Water could leak near the coils if ice forms, which indicates inadequate airflow. Clean your filters and make sure the inlet vents are clear.

Air Conditioner Problem 7: Air Inlet Blockages

The vents that draw air into the AC unit attract all sorts of other things such as windblown leaves, insects, wasp nests and even crisp packets. Therefore, you should check those occasionally. You could also secure external vents with mesh baskets to help with this issue. But, even that is not an entirely foolproof solution.

Air Conditioner Problem 8: Hot and Cold Areas

This is generally not a problem if the air conditioner is properly zoned. However, the problem could develop over time due to leaks in ducts, cracks or separated joints. If the problem persists, it could mean that the room absorbs more heating from the good old sun than the others. You can solve this problem by using thermal blinds or filer coating your window glass.

Air Conditioner Problem 9: Noises

Hearing a flapping sound? It might be a jam in your fan blades. You can check this after switching off power. But, screeching or rattling sounds could indicate a more serious issue. If this is the case, call an air conditioner technician.

To avoid high AC maintenance and replacement fees, contact our team to book an AC Service call out or contact us for maintenance and service quote.