11 Most Common Problems with Air Conditioners | Air Conditioning Repair in Mansfield, TX
Because most air conditioners are subject to daily use, it’s common for them to run into problems. Most homeowners simply do not realize the importance of daily maintenance and routine inspections which could minimize the cost of repairs. There are several components in an air conditioner, most of which are subject to wear and tear over a certain period of time.
Not giving your air conditioner due maintenance means that it will fail to cool as efficiently as it is designed to. Every year, your air conditioner loses about 5 percent of its efficiency without maintenance. This reflects as a higher electricity bill and also means your unit won’t be cooling as efficiently as it should.
Let’s discuss some common problems with air conditioner sand how you can get them fixed. It is important to understand that most problems are not simple DIY procedures that could be repaired by inexperienced individuals.
No Air Coming Out of the Unit
If your unit is no longer giving air, whether cool or warm, it probably means that the outside unit is not running as it should. The solution is relatively straightforward and most often means that the circuit breaker has tripped. Simply reset the circuit breaker and your problem will take care of itself.
Another common problem that requires the aid of air conditioning repair in Mansfield, TX is the replacement of the blower belt.
The Air Conditioner is Not Turning On At All
If your air conditioner is not turning on at all, your thermostat could be the culprit. Reduce the temperatures to cool and check the electrical panel for a blown fuse. Other common problems include issues with the power supply and the furnace power switch. In most cases, the thermostat can be fixed easily by swapping out old batteries with new ones.
If this doesn’t solve the problem, you would need air conditioning repair in Mansfield, TX.
No Cool Air Comes Out At All
If the air conditioner has been turned on for several hours but no cool air is coming out, this could mean several issues. The most common, and arguably easiest fix, is a dirty air filter. In this case, you can simply take out the air filter, clean it with a dry towel and place it back in. It is highly advisable to get a replacement air filter but for the time being, cleaning the air filter should do just fine.
If this doesn’t fix the problem, then it probably means that your refrigerant levels have started falling or the condensate drain has been blocked. It is advisable at this point to hire air conditioning repair in Mansfield, TX.
Low Quantity of Refrigerant
Your air conditioner will not be able to cool properly if it runs out of refrigerant. Low levels of refrigerant either mean that there is a leak or your unit was uncharged to begin with. This is exclusive the domain of expert air conditioning repair in Mansfield, TX and should not be attempted by homeowners.
Air Conditioner Not Turning On
It is common for pets, particularly dogs and cats to chew on exposed wire. This is not only dangerous for the pets, but also cuts off the supply of power entirely to crucial components of the air conditioner. The best way to avoid this problem is to prevent it in the first place. Keep exposed wire out of reach of pets and children alike.
If you find instances of damaged wire, it is time to get thorough inspection by calling in professional air conditioner services in Mansfield, TX.
Problems with the Compressor
A failed compressor could mean several things, including dead capacitors, burnt wire or problems with the compressor itself. This isn’t very common but when the problem does take place it usually means you need to have it replaced outright. It goes without saying that you will need to ensure you get a compatible compressor that functions as it should. Taking help from professional air conditioner repair in Mansfield, TX is highly recommended.
Strange Sounds Coming from the Air Conditioner
If your air conditioner is making noises, it helps if you try finding out the type of noise emanating from it. A noise that can be likened to a ‘squeal’ means there are problems with the belt. This either requires realigned the belt or replacing it entirely. If the unit makes a grinding noise, it means there are issues with the motor’s bearings.
Sometimes the best fix is to tighten cover panels that may have become loose. Rattling noises are common indicators of loose panels. They often slap against the panel under the influence of external pressure.
Failed Condenser
The condenser is an important part of the air conditioner, and if it fails, then so would the unit. Common reasons why it fails to work could be due to a blown fuse, tripper circuit breakers or malfunctioning thermostats. Unfortunately such a fix requires the aid of a professional air conditioner repair in Mansfield, TX.
The Unit Turns On and Off Intermittently
If the air conditioner has problems turning on and off, it means there is dirt contaminating the condensers and evaporators. Common fixes include clearing out debris which is obstructing the normal operation of the unit.
Frozen Coils
Frozen coils mean that your air conditioner has been turned on for several hours. The simplest fix is to turn the air conditioner off for a few hours and wait for the ice crystals to evaporate. Now is also a good time to check for obstructions in air ducts and air filters.
The Circuit Breaker Trips
If the circuit breaker trips when your air conditioner suddenly turned on, it could mean there is a weak wire that needs to be replaced. This problem could also arise due to the compressor not being properly grounded or there is a defective capacitor.
The Bottom Line
As you can imagine, most of these problems require knowledge and experience to properly fix them. We caution the reader to not attempt these repairs themselves. If your air conditioner is experiencing problems simply drop us a call or visit our website at Minuteman Heating and AC.