During the hottest days, you want to escape into your home and cool off with the air conditioning system running. However, the last thing you want is for it to stop working or show signs of wear. So here are common air conditioning issues to know.
Turning On and Off Again
You may notice your AC system repeatedly turning on and off. This occurrence is short cycling. Instead of completing full cooling cycles, the air conditioning unit will keep starting and stopping consistently.
Dirty air filters may be the culprits when your AC unit keeps shutting down. These can prevent your air conditioning unit from producing optimal airflow, forcing it to work significantly harder and shut down prematurely. It could also result from poor system placement or dead thermostat batteries.
Water or Refrigerant Leaking
Leaking refrigerant or water from your air conditioning unit is one of the most frustrating issues you can come across because it’s not as easy to detect. Leaks occur in coolant lines, but you may notice brightly colored stains near or around your AC unit. You can expect some condensation from AC units, but excessive moisture accumulation could result from leaks.
Leaking refrigerant and water can come from degraded connections and lines in your AC system. Furthermore, faulty condensate pumps and blocked drainage pipes can also result in leaks. So if you see signs of water or refrigerant leakage, shut your AC unit off and contact a technician to repair it immediately.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Some of the best benefits of AC units are that they enhance indoor air quality and maintain constant temperatures throughout the day. They also minimize pests, reduce allergic reactions, and protect appliances from overheating. However, one issue homeowners should remain aware of is the freezing of evaporator coils. This can result in your AC unit not receiving enough air to maintain operation.
Your evaporator coils can freeze over, causing your AC unit to stop working. Factors like dirty filters, faulty fans, and blocked ducts and vents can result in insufficient airflow to your system. So it’s crucial to regularly change your air filters to maintain proper airflow and maximize indoor air quality.
Unpleasant Odors from the AC
You shouldn’t notice any odd or unfamiliar odors when running your air conditioning unit throughout the day. Your home should smell clean and refreshing due to the air conditioners’ air filters removing pollutants and debris particles from the air. However, an unpleasant odor from your air conditioning unit is a common issue every homeowner should take seriously. Some unpleasant smells can occur for a few reasons. For one, mildew odors can result from your AC unit being unable to drain properly, and electrical odors could result from wiring issues. So turn your AC unit off immediately, check the air filters, and replace them if they’re dirty or clogged. Schedule regular cleanings in your ducts and unit to prevent odor buildup.