10 Possible Reasons Your A/C Isn’t Functioning Correctly
If you rely on your air conditioner in warm weather, it can be devastating when it doesn’t work as it should. Nothing will ruin a hot summer day more than having to sit through the heat, take cold showers, and wait for the night to cool off the house. If your AC unit is on the fritz and blowing warm air, making funny noises, or just not working at all, it could be caused by one of the following issues.
- You have a cheap or old unit
Cheap and old air conditioners have one thing in common: inefficient parts. For instance, your AC’s evaporator coils might not be as efficient as needed to cool your home.
If you have an older unit, there’s a good chance you’ve got copper coils. Newer units use microchannel coils. Microchannel evaporator coils are more efficient than standard copper coils, and are specifically designed to resist corrosion and enhance heat transfer for more efficient cooling. If this is the source of your problem, it’s time to get a new unit.
- Your air conditioner is too small
Depending on the space you’re trying to cool, your unit might be too small. Small air conditioners can’t keep up with the demands required to cool larger spaces, and will either run too hard and overheat, or run up your electricity bill while leaving you with a warm home.
- Your air filter is really dirty
A dirty air filter is one of the most common reasons an air conditioner won’t cool a space. With so much dirt, dust, and debris in the filter, the air can’t get through, and efficiency decreases (or stops).
It’s advised to check your air filters once a month and replace them every 1-3 months with regular use. If you haven’t checked or replaced them in a while, put that at the top of your list before you call out a service professional.
- Your thermostat is broken
Although it’s not too common, there’s a chance your thermostat might be broken. If your air conditioner thinks the temperature is different than it really is, it won’t know when to turn on or off. Make sure your unit is set to cooling mode and has fresh batteries if it isn’t hardwired. If the thermostat needs to be calibrated, you’ll likely need to call a pro.
- You have a refrigerant leak
Air conditioners use refrigerants to cool your home. If it’s leaking, your A/C won’t work properly. Unfortunately, a leak can also damage your compressor, so this is an urgent repair.
- Your evaporator coils are frozen
Frozen evaporator coils will push warm air through your vents. Unfortunately, all it takes is a dirty air filter to freeze your coils. If you think your coils might be frozen, turn your A/C off long enough to allow them time to thaw, replace your air filter, and try again. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, you’ll need a technician.
- There’s an electrical issue
Like all electrical appliances, your HVAC system won’t function properly or at all if there’s an electrical issue, like faulty wiring or a blown capacitor. If you suspect an electrical problem might be the cause, check your breaker panel for a tripped circuit. If resetting the breaker doesn’t help, call in a pro and don’t attempt to DIY the job.
- Your condenser coils are dirty
Condenser coils are responsible for releasing heat from your home, and if they’re dirty, your air conditioner will work harder. It’s safe to wash the coils with a hose, but don’t use a pressure washer. If you see any debris blocking the coils, like leaves or dirt, remove it and wipe them down.
- There’s a drainage issue
Your air conditioner needs to drain the condensation it collects, but if the drainage system is clogged, it can cause water damage and total system shutdowns. You can try clearing the drain with a shop vac, or call a tech for maintenance.
- It was installed wrong
Sometimes a poor installation job can cause an A/C unit to not work properly. If you’ve never installed one before, or if you had a friend do the job, it’s a good idea to call an HVAC technician to ensure it’s done correctly.
Regular maintenance is a must
Air conditioners malfunction periodically, but many issues can be prevented with regular maintenance. By installing the right size unit, changing your air filters, and having it regularly serviced by a pro, your A/C will be ready when the summer heat arrives.