When your air conditioner stops working on a hot day, your first instinct might be to call a service technician. However, sometimes the problem is simple, and you can troubleshoot and fix it yourself. Let’s examine seven of the most common AC system problems for residents in Sebastian, FL.
Air Conditioner Won’t Turn on at All
If your air conditioner won’t turn on at all, check your electrical panel and make certain that the circuit breaker didn’t trip. Also, read your service manual and find out if there are any system overload switches on the air conditioner itself. Finally, check the condensate overflow switch.
If any of these have tripped, you can usually push the button and restart the unit. If it does it again or keeps doing it frequently, it’s best to call for a repair since this can indicate a serious and potentially hazardous problem with the unit.
AC System Runs Without Cooling
The first thing to do when this happens is to check and change the filter. Also, make sure that ice hasn’t formed on the coils. If neither of these is the case, it might be time to call for air conditioner repair.
Room Temperatures are Too Hot or Too Cold
The first thing that you should check is the thermostat to make sure that it wasn’t bumped or adjusted by someone else. Also, make sure that the thermostat has good batteries. If everything seems to be functioning properly, the source of the problem might be a thermostat on the air conditioner itself, which will require a service call.
Water Leaking From the Air Conditioner
Modern systems can produce a large volume of condensation, particularly in humid climates — sometimes up to several gallons a day. However, water pooling at the base of the air handler might mean that a pipe leak has developed. It’s best to have this checked out by a professional.
Central Air Conditioner Doesn’t Blow Air
If the amount of air coming from the system is reduced, it could be several things. It might be a dirty filter, a dirty coil, a dirty squirrel cage blower or something blocking the airflow. If you have checked all these things, it could be a broken fan motor, and it’s time to call for a repair.
Air Conditioner Won’t Turn Off
If the room has reached the set temperature, but the unit will not turn off, check for dirty condensing unit coils. If the thermostat screen is blank, this might be the problem, and you may need a replacement.
Sometimes, the contacts on the outdoor run relay can become welded together over time. If you think the problem is the electrical system, you should turn the unit off at the circuit breaker and call for a repair immediately. This isn’t something that you should attempt to fix yourself.
Noises Coming From Air Handler
If the air handler is making a buzzing sound, try switching the HEAT/COOL switch to the OFF position. Then turn the fan switch from AUTO to the ON position. If this doesn’t work, it may need a new part.
If the system makes a squealing or grinding noise, there might be a problem with the blower. If the unit isn’t cooling properly, your system needs repair. You should shut it off and not operate it in this state because doing so can cause more damage to the unit.
These are some of the more common AC system issues and some simple solutions that might resolve them. However, if these solutions don’t work, or you notice any of the more serious signs that were mentioned, it’s time to call Barker Air Conditioning and Heating. We provide many different services for heating and cooling systems of various types and offer prompt, courteous service.
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