The air conditioner is an extremely important appliance to have in your home, keeping you cool and safe from heat exhaustion during those blistering summer months. Since the beginning of widespread air conditioner use, heat-related deaths have decreased by 80%. It’s incredibly important to take air conditioning maintenance seriously and be able to properly identify the air conditioner problems and solutions. Here are 3 indications that your air conditioner is in need of repairs.
Common Air Conditioner Problems
Common air conditioning problems can occur for a number of reasons. It’s important to know what to look for. Here are some ways to diagnose air conditioner problems:
Leaking Water
An air conditioner that is leaking is most likely a sign that it does not have enough refrigerant. However, adding more refrigerant is not enough to fix the problem. You should get an experienced technician to fix the leak and test out the repair. Additionally, they should make sure the system is charged with the correct quantity of refrigerant. Remember that your AC’s efficiency and performance are highest when the refrigerant charge matches the charge specified by the manufacturer and is not overcharged or undercharged. Furthermore, refrigerant leaks may harm the environment. If your air conditioner is leaking freon, try to get it repaired as soon as possible.
AC Not Working
An air conditioner might not work properly for many reasons. For example, a thermostat may not be set correctly. You must turn the temperature DOWN in order for it to be cooler in the home. If the air conditioning coils and filters become dirty, your air conditioner won’t work correctly, and the fans or compressor will be more likely to stop working prematurely. Alternatively, it could mean that there are drainage problems. Make sure the condensate drain is not clogged and is draining correctly when it’s humid outside. Room air conditioners might not drain properly if not mounted at the right level.
AC Not Cooling
If your air conditioner is not cooling, this could be a sign that the controls of the fan and the compressor have worn out. This often happens when a system is oversized, particularly when your air conditioner is constantly being turned on and off. Call a repair service and ask them to check electrical connections and contact, as corrosion of wires and terminals is also an issue found in many air conditioning systems.
How to Maintain Your Air Conditioner
If an air conditioner is going to function efficiently and effectively during all its years of use, it must be properly maintained. Failing to keep it in good condition will lead to a decline in its overall performance. Here are some ways to maintain an air conditioner:
Clean Filters
If you clean or replace an air conditioner’s filters consistently, this will ensure its efficiency, as clogged and dirty filters will reduce its airflow. Furthermore, it can lower energy consumption by more than 5%. If the airflow is obstructed, air can bypass the filter and deposit dirt directly into the evaporator coil, impairing the coil’s ability to absorb heat. Some filters may need to be replaced entirely, while others can be reused. During the cooling season, you should replace or clean them every 1 or 2 months. Replace them more frequently if you’re consistently using your air conditioner, if the surrounding air is dusty, or if you have furry pets in your house.
Clean The Coils
An air conditioner’s condenser coil and evaporator coil will collect dirt over a period of time. A filter that’s been cleaned keeps the evaporator coil from quickly soiling. However, it still collects dirt, insulating the coil, reducing airflow, and reducing its heat-absorbing ability. Thus, make sure to have the evaporator coil checked annually, it should be cleaned when necessary. Additionally, condenser coils that are outside may collect large amounts of dirt if there’s lots of dust or foliage nearby. Minimize dirt close to the air conditioner’s condenser unit. Remove any source of dirt or debris, such as falling leaves, dryer vents, and lawnmowers. Also, clean the area surrounding the coil and trim foliage by 2 feet or more. These measures will allow for better airflow near the condenser.
The Fins on the Coils
Aluminum fins on the condenser coils and evaporator coils bend easily, blocking airflow throughout the coil. Try to avoid flattening these fins. These can be combed back into their normal condition by a qualified technician.
Clean Drains to Avoid Condensation
If your drain channels are clogged, your air conditioner unit will not be able to reduce humidity. This results in excess moisture, which can discolour your carpet or walls. Make sure your drains are cleaned out. This is done as part of an annual maintenance.
Check Window Seals for Room Air Conditioners
Check the seal between the air conditioner and the window frame at the beginning of each cooling season to make sure it makes contact with the unit’s metal case. Moisture can damage this seal and let cool air escape.
Prepare for Winter
When winter comes, cover your room’s air conditioner or remove and store it. Those with central air conditioners should cover the outdoor unit as well to keep it from being destroyed by winter weather and debris.
Hire a Professional
If you need assistance with more than just general maintenance issues, hire a service technician who can help you identify and fix your air conditioner problems. They should take the following measures:
- Make sure the air conditioner has the right quantity of refrigerant
- Check for leaks in the refrigerant
- Check for duct leakage in the central systems, and seal it
- Measure airflow throughout the coil of the evaporator
- Make sure the electric control sequence is correct and ensure the heating and cooling systems cannot run at the same time
- Clean and tighten connections, check electric terminals, and apply a non-conductive coating if necessary.
- Check belts and inspect oil motors for wear and tear
- Check the thermostat for accuracy
Looking for an air conditioner repair in Mississauga? Air Quality Dunrite has been providing amazing air conditioning and air quality services in the greater Toronto area since 1989. Contact us at (416) 342-1939 or visit us at 30 Pennsylvania Ave #14, Concord, ON L4K 3V9!