Your air conditioning system should be working with summer just around the corner. Unfortunately, many homeowners experience common AC problems resulting in discomfort, high energy bills, and unexpected breakdowns. This guide will cover the most common issues and their solutions to keep your unit in shape.
From lack of cooling to strange noses and higher energy bills, understanding essential air conditioners can save you time and money.
AC Unit Weak or Not Cooling
If you notice your air conditioner is barely blowing any air or not cooling properly, you have a problem. Common causes include:
- Clogged or dirty air filters block airflow
- Low refrigerant levels as a result of leaks or improper charging
- Thermostat issues like incorrect settings or a faulty sensor
- Dirty condenser coils prevent heat transfer
Luckily, there are a few troubleshooting tips you can use to resolve this issue. Try the following:
- Replace air filters every 1-3 months for optimal performance
- Check thermostat settings to ensure it’s set to cool
- Schedule an AC inspection to check for refrigerant leaks
- Clean condenser coils to remove dust and debris
By maintaining your air conditioner, it can cool your home more efficiently, reducing the need to repair your AC and avoiding expensive fixes.
Water Pooling Around the Indoor or Outdoor Unit
When water starts pooling around your air conditioner, you might start to panic! However, this isn’t the way to handle it. First, you can have to figure out which of these problems caused it:
- A clogged condensate drain line results in water overflow
- Frozen evaporator coils caused by restricted airflow or low refrigerant
There are a few things you can do to fight back against this problem. Here are some answers:
- Unclog the drain line using a wet/dry vacuum or vinegar solution
- Turn off the AC unit to give the frozen coils a chance to thaw completely
- Schedule professional AC maintenance to check refrigerant levels
Never ignore leaks! Leaving them alone for too long can result in water damage and mold growth.
Air Conditioner Making Strange Noises
Is your AC unit louder than usual? If this is the case, you might be dealing with one of the following issues:
- Loose or broken parts inside the compressor or fan
- Debris stuck in the fan blades creates an obstruction
- Electrical problems causing buzzing or clicking sounds
Although there isn’t a universal cause to this problem, there are a few things you can do to quiet down your system, including:
- Turn off your AC unit if you hear loud noises
- Check the fan blades for debris and remove any blockages
- Call AC technician in Calgary to prevent further damage
If you’re hearing odd noises, you should pay attention. These sounds indicate more severe mechanical issues that should be addressed sooner rather than later.
Higher Energy Bills
A broken air conditioner can get expensive pretty quickly. That’s why your best bet is to get it fixed sooner rather than later, especially if you rely on central air conditioning to keep your home comfortable. Higher bills are caused by:
- Dirty air filters makes the AC work harder
- Leaky ductwork wasting cooled air
- An aging AC unit losing efficiency
If your AC unit is causing your energy bills to skyrocket. Here are some tips:
- Replace air filters regularly to reduce strain on the system
- Seal duct leaks for better airflow and efficiency
- Purchase a new energy-efficient air conditioner if yours is more than a decade old
By lowering your energy consumption, you can reduce your energy bills and extend the lifespan of your AC.
Air Conditioner Turning On and Off
When your AC unit is constantly turning on and off, it’s hard to stay cool during those hot Calgary summers. This could be a result of the following:
- Dirty condenser coils causing overheating
- An incorrectly sized AC unit that’s unable to regulate temperature
- Malfunctioning thermostat resulting in short cycling
When this happens, there are few things you can do. You can resolve this issue by trying the following:
- Clean condenser coils to improve heat dissipation
- Reach out to a Calgary HVAC technician to determine if your AC unit is the right size
- Replace or recalibrate the thermostat if you’re running into issues
Short cycling can wreak havoc over time—don’t let the repair costs add up too quickly.
Solve Air Conditioner Issues Today
If you’re experiencing problems with your air conditioner, there are solutions. At Mr. Mike’s Plumbing, we want Calgary residents to stay cool and comfortable all summer.
Is your conditioner having issues? Contact us today!
