Is your air conditioner blowing hot air, making strange noises, or not turning on at all? We can tell you why.
Most common air conditioner problems have simple explanations and solutions. And you’ll find all you need to know about these listed in the guide below.
Learn the symptoms, causes, and fixes of common AC problems right here.
1. AC Not Turning On
An AC that won’t turn on may indicate a few different problems. First of all, perhaps your thermostat is broken, set wrong, or out of batteries. Before anything else, check that your thermostat is receiving power and that it is set properly.
If your AC still won’t turn on, The problem could be electrical. Check that all switches in your circuit breaker are on and test your AC. If it still won’t turn on, or it keeps tripping the circuit breaker off, call an AC repair professional.
2. Air From the AC Isn’t Cold
The most common cause of this problem is a clogged air filter. This can cause the condenser unit to freeze up, diminishing its ability to cool the air it blows back into your house. Air filters should be changed every 1-3 months, depending on filter type.
Aside from this, you could have a leaky or clogged duct that is causing the problem. In this case, you’ll have to call in the professionals.
3. The Outside Unit Is Icing Up
As we said, a clog in the system can cause the outdoor condenser unit to ice up. Additional causes include insufficient coolant, a malfunctioning blower motor, very cold outdoor temperatures, or a stuck contractor. If changing the air filter doesn’t work, call it in.
4. Noisy AC
No AC is supposed to be noisy when operating. If your brand new AC makes loud/strange noises right out of the box, you don’t have to stand for it. Consumers are protected by the AC equivalent of the “lemon law,” which you can read about here.
Old ACs, however, make all sorts of noises as certain components get worn out. Rattling, banging, thumping, or screeching usually indicates that your fan blade is loose or contacting debris or some other component. In this case, check the outdoor unit for debris and clear it if you can.
Buzzing/clicking can indicate an electrical problem. Hissing might indicate a dangerous freon leak. Call these problems in right away.
5. Smelly AC
Strange odors coming from your AC usually indicate a dangerous problem/health risk for your household. For example, a drainage problem can cause odors from mold/mildew buildup. Mold can even get into the condenser coil or air ducts and cause an unbearable odor like ammonia or urine.
These have a negative impact on the respiratory health of those in your household, especially those with asthma and allergies. If it’s a dead rat or other animal in your ducts causing the odor, this isn’t good for your health, either.
Lastly, you may smell a burnt/electrical smell. This usually indicates either burnt-out wiring or a malfunction of one or more of the metal parts. Since these problems could potentially spark a fire, turn off your AC and call for emergency AC repair right away.
Diagnose and Fix Your Common Air Conditioner Problems With This Guide
Have you noticed any of these AC issues at your house? If so, follow the tips above to take care of them once and for all. Also, share this guide on common air conditioner problems and solutions with anyone you know who’s experiencing these issues.
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