Being able to maintain and troubleshoot your home air conditioner can save a homeowner a significant amount of money. Being able to identify and possibly treat a few of the more common problems can help keep the air conditioner running well and it can save you some money on repair costs. If your air conditioner seems to be operating at a reduce function, you will want to know how to identify some of the common air conditioner problems.
Drainage problems
One problem that can cause air conditioner problems is an inability to drain water from the system. This problem can cause the air conditioner to function at a reduced capacity and it can also make for a less efficient cooling system. If there is a problem with the drainage, it is most likely due to a clogged condensate drain. A clogged condensate drain will not only cause reduced function for the air conditioner, but it can also cause the drainage pan to overflow. A clog can be removed from the condensate drain by removing the line from the furnace and flushing it out with compressed air.
Refrigerant problems
Every air conditioner is designed to have a specific amount of refrigerant in the system. Having too much refrigerant in the system can cause reduced function in an air conditioner. Having an air conditioner that is overcharged would likely be due to an error made by a technician or installer when the air conditioner was being worked on. When it comes to a lack of refrigerant, it could be due to human error, but it could also be the result of a leak. If there is a refrigerant leak it is important to get a certified technician to service the unit and fix all of the leaks. That is where Haley Comfort’s technicians can help! Once the leaks are fixed the technician can recharge the system to the manufacturer’s specification.
Electrical problems
It is not uncommon for an air conditioner to experience electrical problems. The compressor for an air conditioner is outside and that includes some of the electrical connections. Over time the connections and terminals that connect your air conditioner to your electrical service can become worn or faulty. If your air conditioner won’t start, it could be due to a problem with the wiring, breaker or possibly the disconnect. You can check the service panel for your electricity to see if the breaker needs to be reset. You can also look at the outdoor disconnect for the air conditioner to make sure that it is engaged. Before you check the outdoor disconnect you will want to turn the breaker for the air conditioner off.
For the most part an air conditioner is a well constructed and durable piece of your home climate control system. However, there can still be occasions where it is not functioning properly. The best way to avoid air conditioner problems is to perform the regular maintenance such as changing the filters and cleaning some of the parts. To get the most out of your air conditioner, keep up on the routine maintenance and schedule a thorough inspection at the beginning of every usage season.