Common AC Problems and How to Troubleshoot Them
Nothing is worse than having your air conditioning go out in the summer. According to
AC repair in Houston at Housepro, it can take a long time to get a repair person out to your house in the middle of summer. You can try to fix or at least detect a few AC problems on your own if you know how to troubleshoot them.
The Air Conditioner Will Not Turn On At All
If you cannot turn on your air conditioner, check your circuit breaker to ensure it did not blow a fuse. If the circuit was tripped, all you have to do is flip the switch back on.
If you have a window-style air conditioner that will not turn on, it may be because the
condensation drain is clogged. Look at the bottom part of the air conditioner that is outside. You will see a drain. If the drain is clogged, turn off the air conditioner and use an attachment from a wet-dry vac to clean it.
If neither one of these things works, there may be a problem with the wiring, and you should call for repair.
Hot Air is Coming Out of the Air Conditioner
If your AC is blowing hot air, it may be because the filter is dirty. This is a very easy problem to fix. All you have to do is replace the filter. Most filters should be replaced every one or two months. Some top-quality filters may last longer.
In some cases, the refrigerant in your air conditioner may be low. The refrigerant should not dissipate for the entire life of your air conditioner, and you should never have to replace it. If your refrigerant is low, you probably have a leak in the system, and professional repair is required.
The Air Conditioner is Turning On and Off
Your air conditioner is supposed to work in cycles. It removes hot air from a room, chills it, and blows it back inside. Some air conditioners short cycle. When this happens, the AC unit does not complete a full cycle, and it may not chill the air properly.
The problem is sometimes caused by a dirty air filter. If you replace the air filter and the problem persists, you should call an HVAC specialist. Short cycling often occurs when you have the wrong size air conditioner for your home.
Strange Noises are Coming From the Air Conditioner
Hearing strange noises in your home can be spooky. Air conditioners often make strange noises when a belt inside the system is not appropriately aligned. The noises may happen when the belt is simply worn out. If you hear a grinding noise, it may be because the motor bearings are wearing down.
If your AC is making noise, it is best to call for a repair person. They can replace the belts and lubricate the motor. The problem can be avoided in the first place by getting regular maintenance.
