How to Troubleshoot Common AC Problems

If your air conditioner is having trouble, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem. You should check the refrigerant levels, clean the air ducts, and look for a faulty circuit breaker.

Also, make sure to inspect the condensate drain.

Check the condensate drain

When troubleshooting common AC problems, one of the most important things to check is the condensate drain. Clogged condensate drains can cause water damage and mold growth. Fortunately, there are some do-it-yourself solutions you can try on your own. For example, you can pour vinegar down the drain line, which will kill any algae. Alternatively, you can use a wire brush and bucket to clear out the trap. You can also contact a professional HVAC repair service to take care of the problem. The most obvious sign of a clogged condensate drain is a pool of standing water around the indoor air handler. In some cases, you may also notice a musty smell. If this is the case, you should turn off the power to the unit and investigate.

A quick inspection by a trained technician can reveal whether there’s a problem with the drainage system. They may suggest a safety float switch, which turns off the unit when the overflow reaches a certain level. A condensate drain is frequently overlooked during regular air conditioner maintenance. However, checking the system for any signs of problems can prevent costly repairs down the road. To avoid condensate drain clogs, consider using a monthly flush of the line. This will help remove dirt and bacteria that may have built up over time.

Another important consideration is avoiding algae and mold growth. These types of fungi and bacteria can contaminate your indoor air and possibly cause health issues. Aside from the condensate drain, you should also inspect the indoor air handler. This is usually located under the unit. Depending on the type of HVAC system you have, it may be surrounded by a removable access panel or directly underneath the unit.

Check the coils

If your air conditioner is having trouble keeping cool, it’s a good idea to check your coils. Not only are these a key part of your system’s functionality, but they can also be responsible for a lot of performance issues. The best way to keep your AC coils in good shape is to follow a preventative maintenance plan. This includes regular inspections by an HVAC specialist and changing filters regularly. Aside from the usual cleaning and maintenance, you may want to consider an anti-corrosive coating for your coils. While this will not make your coils immune from rust and corrosion, it will help keep them from becoming brittle and more prone to wear and tear.

Another good reason to check your AC coils is to see if it is freezing up. During the colder months, this can cause serious problems for your home HVAC system. It will make the unit work harder to produce cool air and may result in higher utility bills. Other reasons for frozen AC coils include moisture buildup, dirt and debris on the condenser, and poor airflow. When you have these types of problems, you may need to call in a repair professional to fix the problem.

Fortunately, the most common problems can be easily fixed on your own. Just take the time to perform a few simple tests. You can check for the smallest leak in your system. Check the temperature of your indoor and outdoor coils. For example, if your indoor coil is freezing, the temperature should drop below 35 degrees Fahrenheit. To confirm that the system is working properly, you can use a digital thermometer or multimeter to measure the current.

Check the refrigerant levels

The air conditioning system relies on the refrigerant to provide cool air to the interior of a vehicle. Without the correct amount of refrigerant, the system will not work efficiently. Low refrigerant levels can be caused by a number of reasons. Refrigerants are made from either gas, fluid, or both. They are used to help the cooling process and also absorb heat from the home. A low refrigerant level can cause several problems, including hot air, a frozen evaporator coil, and less cool air from the ducts. Checking the refrigerant levels to troubleshoot common AC problems is one way to get a system up and running again. However, if you suspect that your system needs to be replaced, a professional HVAC technician can check it out for you.

Some of the most common problems with your air conditioning system include a faulty compressor or a bad run capacitor. Having a proper tune-up can prevent these issues. Other common problems include a tripped circuit breaker or a dirty air filter. If you don’t know how to check these components, you can look up trouble codes in your vehicle’s repair manual. These codes are a quick and easy way to diagnose an issue. One of the most common ways to detect an AC leak is the test soap technique. This involves putting a solution of water and soap near the leak and watching for bubbles. Although the technique is effective, it can sometimes be ineffective for small leaks.

Leaks can occur at any time. To avoid getting electrocuted, never attempt to fix a condensing unit yourself. Always contact a professional for help. A malfunctioning thermostat can cause problems switching to your AC unit. The problem may be the result of a clogged filter or an obstruction in the ducts. It is important to inspect your AC system for leaks before adding refrigerant.

Check the circuit breakers

If you are having trouble with your air conditioner, check the circuit breakers to see if there is an obvious problem. Tripped breakers are one of the most common causes of AC failure. When a breaker trips, the unit cannot turn on. The circuit breaker is a safety mechanism that shuts down the AC system before it becomes dangerous. During an electrical surge, this device is also crucial to ensuring your AC stays operational. Usually, this involves tripping the “cool” breaker. In addition, you can also check the temperature of your outlet. A malfunctioning thermostat can send wrong cooling instructions to your AC unit. That is why it is important to monitor these changes.

Some common AC problems are caused by faulty wiring. Short circuits can be dangerous to both equipment and people. To prevent the dangers of tripping a circuit breaker, always check and adjust all wiring connections. Other AC problems can be caused by a power surge. This can occur when the grid is hit by lightning, or when the power is reconnected after an outage. These surges can damage equipment and increase the risk of a fire. However, a tripped circuit breaker can be easily corrected. Typically, it is not a good idea to try to fix a circuit yourself unless you have some electrical training.

Before you call in a repairman, make sure you have checked the circuit breakers. You may also want to make sure that the main breaker is switched back on. It can be difficult to troubleshoot complex equipment, especially if you don’t have the right tools or the right knowledge. An expert HVAC technician will be able to help you solve your problem, though.

Clean the air ducts

If you are looking for ways to troubleshoot common AC problems, you may want to start by examining your air ducts. Keeping these parts clean is important for both energy efficiency and health. When your air ducts aren’t clean, your HVAC system will have to work harder. It will also cost more to run, and you will see an increase in your electric bill. Your ducts should be cleaned regularly to prevent a buildup of dust and other grime. This will help your AC unit work more efficiently, and will also help your family’s health.

You should also be aware that debris can build up in the ducts, causing them to clog. Dirty filters can also restrict airflow. Also, if your air ducts aren’t balanced, they can create uneven temperatures in your home. Other issues may indicate that you need to replace or repair your HVAC system. Depending on your specific AC, you may need to find a professional to fix it. A broken fan motor or faulty compressor can also cause noisy and squealing noises. Another sign you need to clean your air ducts is a burning smell in your house. Dust and debris are burned off of your air conditioner, releasing a burning smell. However, if you aren’t sure, you can take a cloth and wipe it down.

Lastly, if your thermostat has a bad odor, you may need to change it. The odor could be caused by debris, dirt, or mold in the air. Some HVAC systems can also cause a musty smell. This can be a sign of a moldy air duct or a rodent infestation. Once you have discovered the problem, you can call a specialist to come and take a look at it. They will be able to tell you how to fix it. If you need AC repair in Mesa, AZ or anywhere else in Arizona, give PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air a call!