Many people have an air conditioner in their homes these days. This is no surprise, especially when you consider the benefits these air conditioning systems have. Of course, with more air conditioners in people's homes, it is worth reading up on some common air conditioning problems and their respective solutions. The weather in Fort Worth is forever changing and more and more families rely on their
My Air Conditioner Does Not Turn On
One common problem that homeowners could encounter is that their air conditioner does not turn on. Evidently, this problem can have many potential causes.
The most evident cause of an air conditioner not turning on is that your unit is not plugged in. Some thermostats can also hold batteries, so it is worth checking if your air conditioner is plugged in and if your thermostat requires any batteries. While it may seem like a pretty straightforward problem, you would be surprised just how many people call the repair service only to find out that their AC plug got pulled out of the socket somehow.
Secondly, be sure to check your fuse box. As you already know, a fuse box covers the power of several sections of your home. When something gets overloaded, one of these fuses can blow. Subsequently, you will not be able to turn on your air conditioning unit. To fix this problem, simply replace the blown fuse or flip the disabled switch.
If the air conditioner does not turn on, try to lower the temperature on the thermostat by five degrees and check if your air conditioner turns on. Sometimes, slight deviations on your thermostat can prevent your air conditioner from turning on.
When these measures do not fix the problem, your air conditioner may have a broken motor or compressor. If these problems occur, you have to contact a professional as soon as possible.
The Air is Not Cool Is A Common Air Conditioning Problem
When your air conditioner turns on, but when the air is not cool at all, your air conditioner may have encountered one of the common problems. Like the previous issue, there can be many causes of an air conditioning system that does not provide cool air.
One of the first things to check when the air conditioner does not provide cool air is the thermostat. Most problems with air not cooling down can be traced back to the thermostat, so always check for issues such as the temperature setting, did someone reset the thermostat programming, or does it need replacement batteries.
When the thermostat appears to be set correctly, reduce the temperature on the thermostat by five degrees. If the thermostat is placed in a warm environment, it could cause a faulty temperature reading for the rest of the house. When you turn down the air conditioner and cool air is provided, you may have to find a better spot for your thermostat.
If these tips do not work, and your air conditioner is actually providing hot air, you need to contact an air conditioning technician as soon as possible. Even though there could be many underlying issues that contribute to this, one of the most common is a refrigerant leak.
Not Enough Air
The airflow of an air conditioner is one of the most important aspects of an air conditioning system. When there is a problem with the airflow, it could affect and even ruin the entire unit. Therefore, in these cases, it is always best to consult a technician as soon as possible.
One of the components that could cause reduced airflow is the air filter. There may be dirt, debris, dust, or pet hair inside your air filter. Cleaning the air filter could fix the problem, but some cases may require a completely new air filter.
The vents of your air conditioner could be affected by dirt and debris too. Therefore, you should always check the air conditioning vents inside your home if they are blocked with any dirt or debris. By clearing the blockage, airflow can be restored.
Another potential cause of reduced airflow is a duct leak. Evidently, the leak must be repaired to fix the problem. Naturally, it is best to contact a professional to execute this repair.
My Air Conditioner Is Making A Strange Noise
Loud and strange noises associated with an air conditioning system is another potential problem homeowners can encounter. Noises coming from the air conditioner can be anything from a slight hissing and humming to an outright rattling sound.
When it comes down to fixing a noisy air conditioner, you will need to always contact an HVAC technician. The cause of the noise could be anything from loose to a worn component. Attempting to repair these yourself could cause significant damage and a hefty repair bill to boot.
My Utility Bill Keeps Going Up
Running an air conditioner when it has a problem can be extremely expensive. An increase in a utility bill can have numerous causes. One of the most common contributors is the fact that you need an air conditioner upgrade. If your system is too old, it becomes less efficient and uses too much energy. Therefore, investing in a new system can be a lot cheaper long-term.
Your air conditioner may need a repair too, as problems like improper insulation and a reduction in airflow can also impact your air conditioner's efficiency. To pinpoint the problem, contact an HVAC technician.
Signs Of Leaks
There are many things that can start leaking in an air conditioning unit. While some of the signs may be obvious, others are more subtle. Here are the most obvious signs of an air conditioner leaks.
- Air conditioner is no longer cooling;
- Electricity bill is increasing dramatically over the course of one month;
- Your air conditioner is producing warm air;
- Visible ice on the outside of your air conditioner;
- Strange hissing or bubbling noise coming from the air conditioner.
Please note that homeowners should never attempt to fix leaks themselves. Almost all types of refrigerant are poisonous, which means they can be a potential hazard for everyone who lives in your home. So, if you suspect a leak, contact an HVAC professional as soon as possible.