Most people ignore the signs that their air conditioning Brisbane unit is misbehaving, making it difficult to diagnose problems. Air conditioning problems can occur for a variety of reasons. One common problem is the refrigerant not flowing properly, which might be caused by a clog in the air conditioner’s coils. If the air conditioner has low refrigerant levels, it will be unable to produce cold air.
The weather is heating up and that means one thing for many people: air conditioning season. As you get your home ready for the cool air, it’s important to be aware of some common air conditioning problems. Here are 13 of the most common ones:
Leaky ductsÂ
Air leaks out of ducts due to holes, seams, or poor connections. This causes your AC unit to work harder and results in higher utility bills. There are ways to find duct leaks, including using a smoke pencil to detect them. If you suspect there is an issue with your AC system, immediately contact an air conditioning professional.
Cracked or dirty evaporator coils
The evaporator coil is an essential part of the AC system, so it’s important to keep them clean and in proper working order. Dirty coils can cause damage to your unit and your HVAC technician will likely need to replace them. The evaporator coil may also crack due to extreme temperatures. If you spot a crack, contact an AC company right away to avoid further damage.
Uneven coolingÂ
If one room in your house is hotter than the others then you may have uneven cooling. Often this can be caused by dirty filters or air conditioner compressor problems. Dirty evaporator coils also cause heating issues because the compressor must work harder to move hot air out of your home.
Loud operationÂ
Very loud operation means that either something is wrong with the fan belt or motor bearings are going bad – both of which would require professional assistance. There could also be loose screws rattling around in the housing casing, so it’s worth checking to see what’s causing the noise.
An improperly sized AC unit or one that needs repair can be very noisy. You may hear rattling, buzzing, hissing, or screeching noises. If you have an old unit, it’s likely to be noisier than a newer one.
Humming compressorÂ
If your air conditioner is humming, it typically means that the capacitor needs to be replaced soon. The compressor may also be getting too much voltage. This results in a loud hum and decreased cooling performance so if you detect this issue please contact an AC professional.
Inefficient coolingÂ
If your AC system is not cooling your home as efficiently as it used to, it might be time for a tune-up. A professional will clean and adjust your unit so that it runs more efficiently and save you money on your utility bills.
Short cyclingÂ
If your air conditioner suddenly seems far less efficient, then there’s probably an issue with the circuit board or thermostat. Short cycling is another AC problem that can cause inefficiency. This occurs when your AC unit keeps turning on and off before it has a chance to cool your home properly.
Water leakageÂ
Inadequate drainage can cause water leakage and a buildup of mineral deposits. It can also be that the drain line might be clogged, the condensate pump might be faulty, or the coils might be frozen. This results in decreased cooling efficiency which wastes electricity and water.Â
It can also damage your air conditioner itself. Ensuring proper drainage is important to maintain the unit, so be sure to contact an AC technician if you see any signs of base or drain pan leaks.
Short cyclingÂ
The compressor shortens when it turns on and then off again in a short period. This typically occurs when the condenser fan motor does not have enough power to push air through your AC unit. A professional can inspect your system to determine the cause, fix the issue, and improve your home’s cooling performance.
Noisy outdoor unitÂ
Loud outdoor units typically have a loose fan blade or external debris that is affecting the unit’s performance. If your air conditioner is loud, check around the outside of it for any obstructions and investigate whether there are any damaged parts on the unit.
Odour
An AC unit might have a strange odour when it’s in use. If this happens, the air may not be circulating properly and the filter might need to be cleaned or replaced. Also check for proper drainage, to ensure that condensation is being removed from your system – this can cause mould to grow. You should also call an AC technician if you detect any foul odours, as it might be a sign of a more serious problem.
Insect infestationsÂ
Insects can infest your AC system by nesting in the ducts or inside the unit itself. This can cause a variety of problems such as increased energy usage, decreased cooling performance, and even system failure. If you have an insect infestation, be sure to contact an exterminator to get rid of them and prevent future problems.
Clogged filtersÂ
If your air conditioner’s filters are clogged, it can decrease airflow andÂ
cause the system to work harder. This results in decreased cooling performance and higher energy bills. Be sure to check your filters regularly and replace them when they are dirty.
These are just some of the most common air conditioning problems. If you experience any of these issues, be sure to contact an air conditioning professional right away. Remember, regular tune-ups can save you money on your utility bills and prevent more serious AC problems down the road.
As you can see, several things can go wrong with your air conditioner. It’s important to be aware of the most common issues and know when to contact a professional. By keeping your air conditioner running efficiently, you can improve your home’s comfort and save money on energy bills.
