There are few things more frustrating than spending money on an air conditioner and realizing that it isn’t doing its job. After all, during the hot months of summer, you want to keep you and your family cool. Yet, it can be frustrating trying to find out the reason behind it if you’re not a professional. Fear not, here are some potential reasons why your air conditioner may be malfunctioning.
Dirty Filters
Your air conditioner comes with a filter designed to trap dust, dirt and other particles so that it doesn’t circulate through your home and into your lungs. However, these filters aren’t built to last forever.
Over time they become dirty and clogged and restrict air flow. Ultimately, they make your system work harder to produce cold air. Some of the signs of a dirty filter are low airflow and increased energy bills.
You want to check your air filters regularly, and clean and replace as needed. Most filters should be replaced every one to three months depending on how often you use your air conditioner, which is something that can be done by calling an air conditioner service or trying yourself.
A Leak
The substance that cools the air in your air conditioning system is known as a refrigerant. Whenever your air conditioner is low on the substance it won’t be able to cool your home. Most often low refrigerant levels are the result of a leak which unfortunately can lead to even bigger problems. For example, a persistent refrigerant leak could lead to ice buildup on the air conditioner coils.
Some of the telltale signs that you have a leak is a hissing sound from the unit and also warm air blowing from the vents. Not to mention, a leak will often lead to higher humidity levels in your home. If you notice a combination of these signs, it’s important that you call a technician immediately to locate and repair the leak.
Thermostat Problem
The first thing you want to do is check the thermostat’s battery to ensure that it isn’t a power issue when controlling the temperature. Sometimes it’s just as simple as that. However, it may be something more serious like replacing the thermostat altogether. In this case, it’s recommended to call a professional to determine whether it needs to be replaced, and if so, let them carry out the thermostat replacement. Attempting to replace a thermostat yourself could be rather difficult, so it’s one of those tasks that’s better off left to the pros
Electrical Issues
In some cases, your air conditioner may have an electrical issue. For example, a tripped circuit breaker can occur if your air conditioning unit is using too much power. In this case, you want to call an electrician to determine if it may be an electrical issue at play and fix it promptly.
Jenny Pino is the visionary founder and chief editor of AppliancesIssue.com. With a background in appliance service and repair spanning over 15 years, Jenny brings a wealth of hands-on experience to the table. Her expertise extends to various appliances, including refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers.
As the driving force behind AppliancesIssue.com, Jenny’s passion for research and problem-solving ensures that our content remains at the forefront of addressing your appliance concerns. She sets the direction for our blog, guiding the team to create comprehensive troubleshooting guides and solutions for everyday appliance issues.
Jenny is dedicated to making AppliancesIssue.com a one-stop resource where readers can find practical answers to appliance problems while honing their DIY skills.