Knowing the most common air conditioning issues and the symptoms that they can exhibit lets you fix problems early. This allows you to have emergency AC repair done while preventing problems from growing worse. The Department of Energy estimates that the average lifespan of an air conditioner is between 15 and 20 years. Regular maintenance and repairs can keep your air conditioner working even longer.
This is why it’s important to understand the warning signs of common AC issues and what you should do to fix them. With that being said, let’s get into it!
Damaged Hoses Cause a Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant is the gas within your air conditioner that moves heat away from your air supply. Without refrigerant, your air conditioner will be unable to cool air.
As a result, if you notice that the air coming out of your vents is hot, even with the air conditioner running and the thermostat set properly, the issue is likely a leak. A damaged hose or seal has allowed refrigerant to seep out, turning your AC into a large fan.
In the event of a refrigerant leak, you should avoid using your air conditioner at all until a professional has looked at it. You’ll need to have the damaged section replaced to prevent future leaks. The system’s refrigerant will also need to be completely refilled.
Emergency AC Repairing for a Broken Fan
On a somewhat related note, if your fan breaks down, it will no longer be able to move air throughout your home’s ductwork. A fan can break with time if the motor burns out or due to electrical issues.
You’ll know if the fan and blower system is not working properly because there will not be any air flowing out of your vents. This is a huge concern in Dubai, where temperatures can reach 50 degrees Celsius in the summer.
Clogged Ducts and Filter Blocking Air
AC Filter Cleaning
However, in some cases, the lack of air coming out of your vents is because of clogged ducts, not a damaged fan. This is more likely to be the case if you can see a large amount of dust and debris collected in the vents themselves.
You’ll likely also notice that a large amount of dust and other airborne particles are thrown into the air when your AC turns on. Not only can getting your ducts cleaned improve your airflow and restore comfort levels, but it will also improve your air quality and help reduce the symptoms of allergies.
Beyond your ductwork and vents, your air filter can also become clogged with debris. This can restrict the ability of your AC to push air through your ducts (and also lead to more dust collecting in them).
Keep in mind that you should also check to make sure that carpeting and furniture aren’t blocking your vents. While not a mechanical issue with the AC itself, this will still restrict airflow.
Dirty Condensers
ACÂ Condenser Cleaning
AC Condenser Coil Cleaning
The condenser is part of your AC unit located outside of your home. It works with the refrigerant within your unit to vent heat outdoors. Condensers have coils that do the venting, which can become covered in dirt and other material.
A dirty condenser will not be able to function as well as it should, and the performance of your entire air conditioner will suffer as a result.
This will make your AC much less efficient at cooling down air in your home, leading to warmer temperatures. You can clean a condenser by spraying down the sides with a garden hose and removing the grate over the top of it to access the interior. Removing sticks and leaves by hand is also a good idea.
You should also trim back any plants that are growing near the sides of your condenser. They can act as debris that slowly gets worse as they get larger.
Freezing
On a related note to the above points, an air conditioner that is not getting proper airflow or venting heat as fast as possible can sometimes freeze up. When this happens, ice will develop on the outdoor condenser.
Cleaning the condenser, replacing the air filter, and having the fan inspected can fix the underlying problem. However, you should wait for the ice to completely melt away from your unit (and for a professional to inspect all components) before turning it back on again.
Electrical Issues
Your AC unit is a complicated appliance that contains a great deal of wiring. Its electrical connections can become damaged or worn out, especially if you have an older home or unit. Damaged wiring can be hard to pinpoint straight away.
However, you will likely see that your air conditioner may start and shut off frequently. Other times, your circuit breaker in the central electrical panel for your home will trip when the air conditioner comes on. Both of these point to the fact that you likely need to have your wiring inspected for issues and replaced.
You shouldn’t leave old wiring alone for too long. Stripped or damaged wiring can cause sparking, which raises the risk of an electrical fire in your home. In less severe cases, it can prevent your AC unit from turning on at all.
Contact Us Today for a Free AC Repair Quote
Hopefully, this list of common AC problems can let you know when you should make emergency AC repair a priority. Being proactive in dealing with issues prevents other, more expensive headaches down the road.
If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms, you should contact us to get a free quote and immediately get started on restoring a comfortable temperature within your home.