You should expect a good quality modern air conditioning unit to operate trouble-free for many years.
However, air conditioners are complex systems with many components that can become faulty leading to reduced airflow, poor cooling, higher energy bills or causing the air conditioning to stop working. There are several common air conditioning problems.
Low refrigerant levels
Warm instead of cold air blowing, poor performance, or hissing and bubbling sounds indicate low refrigerant levels. A frozen evaporator coil is also an indicator of low refrigerant levels, which are often caused by a leak and can damage the compressor, resulting in an often-expensive job to replace. If refrigerant levels are low, turn off the air conditioning and call out an engineer to fix the leak and top up the refrigerant.
Dirty air filter
A dirty or clogged air filter restricts air flow, causing the air conditioner to work harder and burn more costly fuel. Checking and replacing the filter should be part of the regular air conditioning maintenance procedures.
Drainage problems
Clogged or damaged drainage systems can cause water build-up or leaks. If debris, dirt, and dust have accumulated in the condensate drain line, they need to be cleared.
A rusty or damaged drain pan can cause leaks and needs to be replaced. Disconnected or loose drainpipes also cause leaks.
To deal with drainage problems, first switch off the unit. Clear any debris or dirt in the condenser drain using a wire brush, bleach or a vacuum. Check all components for rust, cracks or leaks and see if the drain pan and pump are dry and clean.
If any component in the drainage system is damaged or faulty, call out a qualified engineer.
Faulty thermostat
A thermostat that is not working correctly will not turn the AC unit off and on, or cause the unit to maintain inconsistent temperatures.
If the thermostat has batteries, check them and replace them if necessary. If there are loose or damaged wires get professional help.
The thermostat may have a reset mechanism that sets it back to factory settings. This sometimes fixes glitches.
If problems persist, the thermostat may need replacing.
Poor airflow
There are several possible reasons for poor airflow. Air filters may be blocked, there is a leak, the condenser is dirty, refrigerant levels are low, the fan is faulty, or vents are clogged. All these issues can be diagnosed and fixed by a qualified engineer.
Electrical issues
Some electrical issues can prevent the air conditioning from functioning.
If no power is reaching the unit, it obviously won’t switch on. A power surge can trip the circuit breaker which can easily be reset. If the circuit breaker continues to trip, this probably means that the unit is drawing too much power. A faulty capacitor can cause the AC unit to fail or trip the circuit breaker.
Faulty wiring, which is corroded, loose or frayed causes electrical problems.
A circuit board controls the electrical functions of an air conditioner unit. If this fails, it prevents the unit from working properly.
If there is no power in the property then obviously the cause may not be found in the air conditioning system.
All electrical issues should be fixed by a professional electrician or air conditioning engineer.
Leaky air ducts
If the air conditioning system has air ducts, regularly check for leaks that allow air to escape and reduce the system’s efficiency.
Regular maintenance
Regular maintenance helps prevent air conditioning problems. A qualified engineer should check the system at least once a year, but there are some maintenance tasks and checks that can be done by the system owners.
Check that the thermostats are calibrated correctly and read the proper indoor temperature. For smart thermostats, make sure they are programmed to optimise the air conditioning system.
Regularly change the air filters or clean them. Visually inspect the pipes, connections, and AC unit for leaks.
Keep the unit clean. If the air conditioning unit is outdoors, make sure that it is free from grass, leaves, and other debris.
Get expert help
Contact Xgas to book an air conditioning service and test to make sure that is working efficiently.
If you are considering installing air conditioning, consult with Xgas about the best options for your home or business.