Air conditioners occasionally experience problems, they can occur for a number of reasons. In some cases, these issues can be quickly resolved at home, but in most situations, you will need to hire a professional, like Climate Environmental, to come out inspect and fix your unit.
Here we discuss various and frequent air conditioning problems, as well as how to troubleshoot them. It’s usually better to get in touch with air conditioning experts, and at Climate Environmental we specialise in air conditioning repairs, in our experience we have came across the following common air conditioning problems:
AC is Making Loud Noises
If your air conditioning unit is making a loud noise, it could be caused by many things, some common causes of loud noises from air conditioning units include:
- Loose parts: Over time, parts of the air conditioning unit can become loose, this can cause rattling or banging sounds when the unit is running.
- Dirty or clogged air filters: When air filters are dirty or clogged, the airflow through the unit can be restricted, which can cause loud noises.
- Worn fan bearings: The fan in the air conditioning unit is supported by bearings, which can wear out over time. When the bearings are worn, the fan can make a loud, grinding noise.
- Compressor issues: The compressor is responsible for pumping refrigerant through the unit, and it can make a loud noise if there is a problem with the compressor, again this can be the unit’s bearings.
- Vibrations: If the unit is installed with improper supports or placed on an uneven surface, it can cause it to vibrate and create a loud noise.
An AC expert will be able to identify the source of the noise and take the necessary steps to repair or replace the affected parts. Additionally, they will also be able to check if the unit is still under warranty and if the noise is normal. In the meantime, you can do some quick checks by yourself if you are able to safely access your unit. For example, check if there is any debris surrounding the unit or if any parts seem to be loose. You can find out more about air conditioning noises here.
AC Unit Not Turning On
If your air conditioning unit is not turning on, it could be caused by several factors. Some common causes include
- Power issues: The air conditioning unit may not turn on if there is a problem with the power supply, such as a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker.
- Thermostat issues: If the thermostat is not working properly, it may not be able to send the signal to turn on the air conditioning unit. This could be caused by a dead battery or a malfunctioning thermostat.
- Safety switch issues: Some air conditioning units have safety switches that can be tripped, preventing the unit from turning on. The switch is usually located near the indoor or outdoor unit and can be reset with a button or switch.
- Electrical issues: There might be some damaged electrical wiring preventing the unit from turning on.
- Refrigerant issues: A lack of refrigerant can cause the unit to not turn on. This can be caused by a leak in the refrigerant lines or a malfunctioning compressor.
You can check the thermostat settings, make sure the temperature is not in the “off” position, or set it to a temperature higher than the current room temperature. Then check the circuit breaker to see if it’s tripped or if there’s a blown fuse. Check the safety switch and reset it if necessary. Also, check if there’s power supply to the unit. If none of those solve the problem, then it’s best to call a professional to avoid any potential damages or safety hazards.
AC Unit Blowing Hot Air
If your air conditioning system is blowing hot air, it could be caused by several factors. Some common causes include:
- Low refrigerant levels: Air conditioning systems rely on a certain amount of refrigerant to cool the air. If the refrigerant level is low, the air may not be cooled properly, causing the system to blow hot air. This issue could be caused by a leak in the refrigerant lines or an insufficient amount of refrigerant in the system.
- Clogged air filters: Air filters that are dirty or clogged can restrict airflow, which can cause the system to blow hot air.
- Incorrect thermostat settings: If the thermostat is set to the wrong temperature or mode, it can cause the air conditioning system to blow hot air.
- Blocked ducts: If the ductwork that transports the cooled air are blocked or clogged, the air may not be able to circulate properly and may come out as hot.
- Malfunctioning compressor: The compressor is responsible for pumping refrigerant through the system. If the compressor is malfunctioning, it may not be able to properly cool the refrigerant, causing the system to blow hot air.
You can do some simple checks by yourself to try to diagnose the problem. Check the air filter and change it if it’s dirty, check the thermostat settings, look for any visible leaks and unusual behaviour in the unit. But if you are not familiar with the A/C system, it is best not to touch any component inside the unit and call a professional.
The AC Refrigerant is Leaking
If you suspect that the refrigerant in your air conditioning system is leaking, it’s important to have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible. Refrigerant leaks can cause a variety of problems, such as reducing the efficiency of the system, causing it to freeze up, or making it completely stop working.
A professional will be able to locate and repair the leak, and will also be able to determine how much refrigerant needs to be added to the system in order to bring it back to the proper operating levels.
It’s also important to note that refrigerant leaks, not only harmful to your AC unit, but also harmful to the environment. Refrigerants are considered as a greenhouse gas, and having a leak could significantly raise the GWP (global warming potential) of your HVAC system. So, it’s important to address the issue as soon as you suspect the problem
You can look for some signs of a leak, like:
- Reduced cooling power and air flow.
- A hissing or bubbling sound coming from the air conditioning unit.
- Frost or ice on the refrigerant lines or on the evaporator coil.
- An increase in your utility bills.
- These signs may indicate that there is a leak in the system and that it needs to be repaired as soon as possible.
For all of your Air Conditioning Issues, Call Climate Environmental Today
Should you be experiencing problems with your air conditioning system, get in touch with the team at Climate Environmental today. We can provide a range of air conditioning repairs, troubleshooting, servicing and maintenance.