As temperatures rise, homeowners rely on their central air conditioning system on a regular basis. When cool air isn’t flowing from the vents, an air conditioner repair may be needed. Unless you’re a trained HVAC technician, we don’t recommend opening your unit and testing or replacing parts. However, there are some simple air conditioner troubleshooting steps you can take to determine the severity of the problem.
Most Common Ac Repair Problems
Understanding some of the most common reasons your AC may not be working will help you feel more confident during the a/c repair process. From simple solutions, like recharging refrigerant, to larger challenges, like a FAILED AC CAPACITOR, look for these symptoms to pinpoint the problem.
- Refrigerant Leak
AC refrigerant is a chemical that takes a liquid or gaseous state to transfer heat out of your home and deliver cool air back into the space. Without refrigerant, or if there is a leak in the system, the air conditioner will not be able to cool the air coming into your home.
Signs of an AC refrigerant leak:
- Unexpected increase in cooling cost: Without the proper amount of refrigerant, the unit will work harder to try to lower the temperature in your home.
- Air coming from vents isn’t cool: Without refrigerant, the HVAC loses its cooling capacity. You may hear the unit running and feel the air being dispersed throughout the home, but it likely won’t be cool enough to make your space comfortable.
- Increased indoor humidity: A lack of refrigerant means the indoor temperature is higher and an increase in humidity isn’t far behind.
- The outdoor unit makes a hissing sound: If your unit sounds like it’s releasing air or hissing, a leak within the system is likely.
- There is low airflow throughout your home: Refrigerant is partly responsible for creating the amount of cool air needed to reach your desired temperature. Without it, your HVAC unit can’t pump out the same amount of air.
The AC repair needed to address a refrigerant leak may include repairing or replacing the line where the leak has occurred and recharging the unit. Recharging your home’s AC is when HVAC System and Installation Service Dubai adds more refrigerant to the unit and, if needed, pressurizes the chemical to ensure it will operate properly in your AC.
- HVAC drainage issues
An air conditioner’s cooling process produces condensation, which normally flows away from the equipment, allowing the unit to operate smoothly. However, if a clog develops in the condensate drain lines or drip pan, or if outdoor humidity levels are high, moisture may back up into your air conditioner.
Excess condensation will increase indoor humidity levels and hinder the air conditioner’s performance. It could also cause damage to the unit’s components. There are three likely drain issues to look for in your AC troubleshooting process:
- Water leakage and spilling: When algae, mold, or other debris blocks the trap or pipe, the condensate pan will fill with water and can eventually overflow. If left unaddressed, the water can damage your drywall, floors, or HVAC system.
- Mold growth: An odor of mildew or dampness may indicate mold is growing in the drain tube. Scheduling regular cleaning of the condensate drain will help avoid poor indoor air quality because of mold spores.
- Drain trap: A U-shape trap is connected to the condensate drain and allows water to flow out of the system. The trap can become clogged or dry out. Mold, mildew, and fungus can develop if water doesn’t flow properly, causing sewage odors to back up into your home.
If your air conditioning system shuts down, it may be because the overflow components were triggered and the float switch signaled for the unit to turn off. AC Repair Dubai should help you with this kind of AC repair.
- Air conditioner broke compressor fan
Your air conditioner’s outside unit is home to the compressor, fan, and condenser coils. These components work to release heat from the air, transferring it out of your home to produce a cool indoor climate.
When the outdoor fan isn’t working correctly, the heat transfer process is hindered. A broken fan can cause the system’s compressor to overheat, triggering the air conditioner’s safety controls and turning off the air conditioner.
Symptoms of a bad AC compressor:
- Lack of hot air being released from the outdoor unit: The compressor is designed to release hot energy outside and deliver cool air indoors. If the fan in your outdoor unit is expelling lukewarm or cool air, the compressor may need to be repaired. The unit makes strange noises. Banging, screeching, or clicking noises coming from the outdoor unit when the AC is turned on may point to electrical problems with the compressor.
- Indoor temperature isn’t cooling off: The fan inside your home may work properly even when the compressor has failed. If the outdoor unit doesn’t sound like the motor is running, call a technician to explore possible a/c repair options.
- Circuit breaker continually trips: If the compressor begins to pull too much power to perform, it will overheat and trip the circuit breaker. This could be a warning sign that the compressor is about to fail.
There are other ways a bad compressor will present itself, but these are a few of the most common problems. Replacing or repairing the compressor is not a DIY job. Allow a qualified home AC repair specialist to diagnose and fix the issue.
- Frozen condenser coils
Poor airflow through your cooling system can cause ice to form on the condenser coils. A number of problems can contribute to poor airflows, like a dirty air filter or blocked return air ducts.
A clogged drain pipe or a refrigerant leak may also cause the condenser coils to freeze. If you suspect the coils are frozen, you’ll likely need an HVAC repair professional, but you can still try these AC troubleshooting steps.
- Thaw the coils: Turn the AC unit off or to “fan-only” mode. It can take up to 24 hours for the coils to thaw completely.
- Check the filter: If airflow has deteriorated because of a dirty filter, change it and wait for the coils to thaw before turning the system on. If the coils refreeze, call a technician.
- Schedule preventative maintenance: Whether you’re able to determine how to fix home air conditioner problems yourself or rely on a pro, schedule seasonal maintenance now to prevent further damage to your unit. Finding local AC repair contractors
A local AC repair contractor is your best bet for quality, timely cooling system repairs. Do your homework before hiring the first company available. Read online reviews of the contractor’s service and follow our tips on how to choose the best Technical Services in Dubai for a better repair solution.