After chilled winters and moderate spring, it’s time for hot summers now. In summers it is really tough to survive without ACs.  If you have spent a hot summer in your home with air conditioner problems, then you know how tough it is and it’s certainly an experience you don’t want to repeat. Here we will discuss some common air conditioner problems during summer and how to prevent them.

1. LOW REFRIGERANT

Refrigerant is used in air conditioner to remove the heat and humidity from the air in your house.  Without refrigerant, there would be no air conditioning. There are chances of leakage in your AC unit and with low refrigerant lines your AC won’t effectively cool the air inside your room.  Due to leakage only there are chances of low refrigerant levels in your AC. You must hire experienced AC technicians who can check the refrigerant level and if there is any leakage then they will repair the holes in the lines too. If the level of refrigerant is low then your AC technician can refill it to appropriate level.

2. Dirty or Clogged Parts

When your AC unit was shut throughout winters, chances are high that it accumulated dirt. This dirt when cover the condenser coil, it won’t work properly. Also in summers when AC runs throughout the season, this dirt enters your AC and effect the cooling of your AC. Dirt also clog the drains and other important parts of your AC. Dirt is very common issue and that is why regular washing of your AC is required. If you will not remove the dirt then heat transfer is impeded, and your unit has to work harder to do its job which can led to system failure. Dirt and debris lower efficiency of your AC unit and raise energy bills.

3. FAN PROBLEMS

Air conditioner usually has two fans. One fan works to blow the indoor air over evaporator coils to cool it and the second fan blows air over the outdoor unit’s condenser to expel the absorbed heat outside the building. If any of these fan stops working properly, you won’t get enough cooling in inside your room. When this problem is neglected for longer period of time then it can lead to compressor failure. These fans usually stop working due to faulty motor, worn belts, lack of lubrication, dirt and debris.

4. Frozen evaporator coils

Evaporator coil is filled with refrigerant and it absorbs heat in the air. After absorbing heat it send air back into house as cold air. These coils require warm air circulating around them to work properly. Due to any reason if they get too cold, a layer of ice can build up on them outside and it can then affect your AC’s working. Usually this problem is caused by clogged air filters.

5. Dirty Air Filter

Dirty air filter of your AC can to lead to a lack of cooling, air flow problems, and a shortened life span for your system. Filter needs to be changed after regular interval of time and in some cases filter is reusable and should be cleaned when it get dirty. When you run your AC for long time the filter gets dirty and you should replace it whenever you think it’s necessary to change.

6. Thermostat problems

Another common problem that usually persists is thermostat problems. This problem is easy to fix by replacing or recalibrating your thermostats. Always check the settings if they are correctly set up.

7. Leaking ducts

The ductwork in your home carries the cool air to your rooms from the air conditioner. If there are holes or any breakage in the duct then it will leak the cool air out. Due to the leakage your AC unit has to work harder which will unnecessarily drive up your energy bills.

8. Clogged Drains

When AC units create condensation while working, all the moisture is drained out through the drain line or condensation drain. An AC pipe usually develops a clog due to algae. When warm air that blows over the evaporator coil, the drain pipe gets humid and as the condensate travel through the drain pipe it makes a perfect environment for algae to thrive. These leaks can also lead to mold growth and can damage your walls, ceilings, and floors.

9. AC Unit Constantly Turns On and Off

Due to faulty or loose wiring your AC can constantly turns ON and OFF. Also if the condenser coils, evaporator coils, or air filters are dirty then you will notice this problem with AC. You must instantly call your technician for help if this problem regularly persists.

10. AC System Won’t Turn On

Sometimes your AC won’t turn on if there is low voltage or any other power problem at your home.  A damaged thermostat can also be the reason for this. This problem is easy to fix as you need to check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker or blown fuses and if it’s the reason then you should fix them up. If the problem is of thermostat then you should repair it or you should get it replaced.

11. Compressor problem

It’s the compressor which helps your AC unit to provide you a cooler air. Compressor gives energy to the refrigerant and propels it through the coils to carry out heat exchange. If the compressor will stop working then your AC won’t cool your house. The reason for compressor problem is mainly the low refrigerant and if you will not fill the refrigerant to a normal level then the compressor will get hot and eventually seize. Also if the refrigerant exceeds the normal level then it will return to the compressor and eventually it cause a compressor failure.

12. Your AC Unit is Too Loud

Though all AC units make some sound but if the sound is louder than usual, it simply means that there might be some problem with the AC. You have to check your ductwork, fans, and exterior vents as dust and debris is enough to cause your AC to be louder than usual.