While some air conditioner problems can be resolved by simple troubleshooting, others are rooted in wrong sizing, improper use, or faulty installation. The following is a list of common cooling system problems, most of which should be addressed by professionals.
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Leaking Refrigerant – Refrigerant isn’t a consumable substance like fuel. Air conditioners cycle refrigerant between the condenser and evaporator to generate cold air. If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, chances are it was undercharged during installation. But more likely, you have a leak somewhere in your air conditioner. Our technicians are trained to spot possible leaks first before adding the right amount of refrigerant to your cooling system.
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Not Cleaning the Filters – Air conditioning filters should be cleaned (or replaced, if disposable) at least once a year. Dirt in the filters blocks the air conditioner’s airflow, making it less efficient. Not only does it make your AC consume more electricity but also shorten its lifespan.
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Not Cleaning the Evaporator Coils – Another area that accumulates dirt is the evaporator coils. Evaporator units are typically located outside and often tend to be neglected. If your evaporator coils need to be cleaned, don’t try to clean it yourself. The evaporator assembly is connected to electricity and has to be disassembled before thoroughly washed.
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Failure Due to Wrong Sizing – The heating and air conditioning system has to be properly sized to the room it’s installed in. Too small, and the HVAC system will get overworked. Too big, and it will turn off too often than it should, which can also strain the system and lead to failure over time. Also, an oversized air conditioner won’t effectively dehumidify a room.
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Thermostat Sensor Problems – If troubleshooting requires that you remove the thermostat front panel, be careful not to knock the sensor behind the panel. Otherwise, the air conditioner would behave erratically, or turn off and on at unexpected times. If you’re not confident about handling electronics, have it addressed by an HVAC professional.
If you need air conditioning or heating repair services, call Birdwell Heating & Cooling Inc today at (256) 229-3009. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve the areas of Rogersville and Athens, AL.
