What are the most common air conditioning problems?
1. Failed blower motor
A failed blower motor can cause a screeching noise, hissing, and/or whining. The average cost to fix a compressor is $1200-1500, and the average cost to fix a condenser fan motor is $700-900. Many factors can contribute to a failed blower motor, such as broken or defective parts.
2. Failed condenser fan
If the condenser fan has failed, the AC unit will not start correctly. To fix this, the condenser fan needs to be replaced. First, disconnect the power and remove the unit’s cover. Then, follow the wiring diagram exactly when reconnecting the power cables. Finally, turn on the power and check if it works.
3. Low refrigerant
If the air-conditioning system is low on refrigerant, it may not be able to effectively cool the air. This can lead to higher repair costs. To fix this problem, more refrigerant may need to be added to the system.
4. Plugged air filters or evaporator coil
The most common air conditioning problem is a plugged filter. To fix this, turn off the power, find the air filter location, and replace it with a new filter. Make sure that the arrow on the new filter is pointing in the right direction!
Another common issue is a frozen AC unit. To thaw it out, turn on the furnace, set the thermostat to have AC off but the fan on, or use a hair dryer. If you don’t want to wait, you can try one of these methods to speed up the process.
Another problem that can occur is dirt and debris buildup reducing the ability of evaporator coils and outdoor condenser coils to cool effectively. Cleaning these coils every year as well as keeping dryer vents, falling leaves, and lawnmowers clean can help avoid this issue.
Finally, if your AC isn’t cooling your home properly, check to make sure that all of the vents are open and unobstructed.
5. Bad capacitor
A capacitor is a device that stores energy in an electric field. The most common air conditioning problems that a capacitor can cause are low refrigerant levels, high humidity levels, insufficient airflow, and incorrect thermostat settings. Solutions to these problems often involve adjusting the settings on the AC unit or replacing the capacitor.
6. Failed contactor
A failed contactor is a malfunctioning piece of equipment that can have many causes, including operator error, defective parts, and environmental conditions. To fix failed contractors, correct the cause, and implement preventive measures to avoid future failures.
How can you troubleshoot air conditioning problems?
Step 1: Check the air filter
To check the air filter, turn off the power to the outdoor condensing unit and use water or compressed air to wash the coil. If you bend or damage the coil fins, it will do more damage than good. To test the AC condenser, turn on the power and listen for the compressor running, then check for signs that the fan is running (the fan should be audible). Check to see if the air is coming out of discharge vents colder than return vents. If your AC isn’t working, these quick hacks may help you get it up and running again.
Step 2: Check the evaporator coil
If your air conditioner isn’t working, one of the first things you should check is the evaporator coil. To clean the evaporator coil, first, turn off the power to the unit. Then remove any dirt and debris that may be around it. Next, use a hose to spray water at the coil, making sure to point it directly at the coil and not at an angle. Finally, turn on the power and check to see if the AC is running. If it still isn’t working, check the condenser fan.
Step 3: Check the condenser coil
To check the condenser coil, start by turning on the AC and listening to the compressor. If the compressor is not running, turn on the outdoor fan and check for debris buildup under the lid of the condenser coil. Clean debris with a garden nozzle and shoot water directly into coils to flush out the remaining debris. Check refrigerant level and charge or replace if necessary. Check the fan motor and belt for wear and tear. If there is still a problem, replace the condenser coil.
Step 4: Check the capacitor
To check the capacitor, disconnect the wires and remove the capacitor from the bracket. Touch the two terminals with an insulated screwdriver to check for continuity. Make a short between the two terminals on single-mode capacitors. Check the capacitor regularly to ensure it’s functioning properly. If the capacitor is bad, replace it.
Step 5: Check the blower motor
To check the blower motor, you should first turn off the power to the unit. You can then remove the access panel to the motor and use a multimeter to test for continuity. If there is no continuity, then the motor is likely bad and will need to be replaced. You can also check for any loose wires or debris that may be causing an issue.
Step 6: Check the contactor
To check the contactor, first, make sure that the power is turned off at the breaker. Next, disconnect the wires and replace the contractor. Test the AC by checking the 24v coil. If you want to confirm that your contactor is faulty, you can do so by testing the 24v coil. The contactor coil sends a signal to the AC condensing unit to open and let 240 volts flow. If there is no voltage flowing or if there are any breaks in the coil, then it needs to be replaced.
Step 7: Check the refrigerant
If the air conditioning unit is not cooling properly, the first thing to check is the refrigerant. This can be done by turning off the AC and disconnecting the hoses from the compressor. Next, check for leaks by spraying a leak detector around all fittings and joints on the AC unit. If there are no leaks, turn on the AC and wait 10 minutes for it to cool down before checking for refrigerant levels. If there is a low level of refrigerant, this may be due to a leak in the system or it may simply need to be refilled. In either case, it will likely require professional repair.
Step 8: Check for air leaks
To check for air leaks, the AC unit must be turned off. Next, water and/or compressed air can be used to clean the condenser coils. It is important to point the spray straight at the coil, not at an angle. After cleaning the coils, checking the outdoor fan, discharge air vents, and compressor for leaks will complete this process.
How can you fix common air conditioning problems?
Step 1: Check your air filter
If the air conditioner isn’t running, the first thing to check is the air filter. If it’s dirty, it could be restricting airflow and cause the AC to run less efficiently. To clean the air filter, turn off the power to the AC unit, remove the cover and hose down the coils.
Another quick fix is to check the condenser fan. If it’s not running, that could be why your AC isn’t cooling properly. You can try restarting it by turning off the power to the unit and then turning it back on again.
Step 2: Check your evaporator coil
If the AC unit isn’t running, one possible issue could be the evaporator coil. To check if this is the problem, look to see if the compressor is running and if the outdoor fan is also running. If neither of these is running, then it’s likely that there is an issue with the evaporator coil and it will need to be replaced.
Step 3: Check your condenser coil
To check your condenser coil, you should turn off the power and use a water hose or compressed air to clean them. You can also aim your garden nozzle upward into the top of the coil to remove debris, work all around the coil, and then aim the nozzle down and flush the debris down the fins. The Family Handyman has a guide on how to check your condenser coil. The possible solutions to checking your condenser coil may include replacing it, cleaning it, or fixing it.
Step 4: Check your capacitor
To check the capacitor, disconnect all wires from the old capacitor before replacing it with a new one. Make sure the new capacitor is properly secured by wiggling and bending the connectors if needed. Touch each terminal of the new capacitor to make sure they are connected correctly.
Common air conditioning problems that can occur include:
-The unit is not receiving power
-The compressor is not working
-There is a refrigerant leak
-The condenser is dirty or blocked
Step 5: Check your blower motor
To check the blower motor, first, turn off the power to the AC unit. Clean the condenser coils with water or compressed air. Check to see if the blower motor is working by testing for airflow inside your home or ductwork. A failed blower motor can cause your AC not to work. Checking the blower motor and common air conditioning problems can help diagnose and fix the problem.
Step 6: Check your refrigerant
If the AC isn’t running, the first step is to check the condenser coils and clean them if necessary. Next, check the refrigerant levels. If the pressure is too low, it may need to be replaced.
Step 7: Check your contactor
If the AC unit’s contactor is not working, first turn off the power to the AC unit. Next, disconnect the AC unit’s power cord from the wall outlet. Remove any covers from the AC unit’s indoor and outdoor units. Check for a broken or clogged coil or fan blade inside either the indoor or outdoor unit. If you find a broken or clogged coil or fan blade, replace it with a new one and reattach the cover. Reconnect the AC unit’s power cord to the wall outlet and turn on the power to the AC unit.
