When it is blistering hot outside, air conditioners are the only source keeping your house cool and comfortable. However, just like other home appliances, air conditioners can encounter certain problems such as ineffective cooling at high temperatures. You should let AC repair services inspect the unit for problems. Let’s discuss some potential reasons along with solutions to help you troubleshoot the problem.
Clogged Air Filter
A clogged air filter is one of the most common causes of ineffective HVAC cooling. Air filters, filter the outside air before it enters your house. This means the contaminants and other harmful particles in the air are caught by the filter.
As a result, the air filter tends to get dirty with time. However, the problem is that most homeowners either ignore or fail to maintain them. This impacts the performance of the AC, especially the cooling. So, if you notice that your air conditioner’s cooling is fishy, you need to check the air filter.
Simply clean it using plain water and make sure to perform an inspection once or twice a month depending on the usage.
Dirty Coils
Air conditioners consist of evaporator and condenser coils. These coils produce heat as the air conditioner does its job. Plus, these components are installed in the outdoor unit, which means they have to withstand not only dirty but also extreme weather conditions.
As a result, moisture mixed with dirt and other external factors such as snow prevent the dissipation of heat. If the coils are covered with layers of dust, they will simply overheat and reduce the overall performance of the air conditioner.
To prevent this issue, perform regular inspections. If not possible, hire an expert to do the job. It will cost you some money, but will also ensure the coils are working smoothly.
Faulty Compressor
A compressor is one of the most crucial parts of an AC. It is the compressor that helps produce cool air. Therefore, if the compressor is malfunctioning for some reason, your air conditioner will not perform regardless of the required temperature.
Fortunately, compressors are tough components and will last years until needing a replacement. However, then again, maintenance is required. In the case of compressors, it is not only about removing dirt but also checking the refrigerant level.
If your AC is old, chances are that cracks and damages to the components like coils are causing leakage of the refrigerant. That said, the compressor will work harder than usual to make up for the loss and will eventually overheat to the point where it will give up.
In such a situation, you will need a replacement that is going to be expensive. Inspecting and ensuring the compressor is working perfectly fine is a professional’s job. And if you already follow the maintenance schedule, you do not need to be worried about the compressor giving up anytime soon.
Faulty Thermostat
Modern air conditioners come with built-in thermostats. A thermostat is designed to communicate with the control board of the air conditioner. If you are using an old unit with an aftermarket thermostat, chances are it needs a replacement.
It could also be that the thermostat requires calibration. In such cases, the thermostat will not be able to communicate properly with the control board and the AC will not produce cool air. To calibrate or replace the thermostat, consult a professional.
Defective Parts
In addition to the compressor and coils, an air conditioner comprises many other parts. These parts work together to produce warm or cool air. For instance, a faulty fan motor or capacitor might prevent cooling.
If that is the case, your air conditioner will produce unusual sounds when turned on. Instead of ignoring the sound and waiting for it to go away on its own, you should turn off the unit and inspect the issue. It could be that something is stuck in the motors or you have a blown component.
Do not attempt to fix the issue on your own as you might end up injuring yourself or damaging other components. Simply consult HVAC contractors Chantilly and convey the issue so that they can determine the root cause. Even if you’re not sure which part is malfunctioning, let a professional inspect the unit for finding out the issue.
Undersized AC
Another surprisingly common problem when it comes to ineffective cooling is undersized AC. Most homeowners believe that installing a small-sized air conditioner is going to save them money. However, the case is the opposite.
One of the fundamental tips you need to keep in mind while purchasing an air conditioner is considering the area. Air conditioners help save electricity by reaching the adjusted temperature and reducing the RMPs to simply maintain the temperature and reduce electricity consumption.
In the case of an undersized AC, it will continue running at its peak to sustain the temperature. Instead, it should trip once the desired temperature is achieved. Therefore, you need to keep in mind that an undersized AC is never going to be a smart investment.
Measure the area where the AC needs to be installed and pick your option accordingly.
Bad Contactor
Even though a malfunctioning contactor is a rare case but not impossible. A contactor is a device that helps your AC turn on and off. If it is malfunctioning, it will prevent the unit from starting up. Fortunately, replacing a contactor is neither expensive nor time-consuming.
The only reason a contactor might give up is due to corrosion or damage. Plus, this could be a tricky issue to identify. That said, you will be needing a professional on your side to fix the problem.
Obstructions
Choosing the right installation point for an air conditioner is as important as maintenance. Air conditioners take in air from the outside and expel hot air in return. However, this process is only possible if the air conditioner is provided sufficient room to breathe.
If either the outdoor or indoor unit is obstructed, the air conditioner will struggle to cool down the area. As a result, you might think there is a problem with the air conditioner. Furthermore, if the outdoor unit is surrounded by trees and bushes, dead leaves and shrubs can easily end up inside affecting the performance.
In such a case, you will need to make sure both the indoor and outdoor units are clear of obstructions and place them away from heat-producing sources as well.
How Often Does An Air Conditioner Need Maintenance?
Air conditioners require thorough maintenance once or twice a year depending on the usage. AC maintenance should always be performed by a professional and not by a non-technical individual. Moreover, maintenance is a service that is going to be expensive in some cases.
However, consider it as an investment. Part of maintaining an air conditioner does not only mean cleaning and removing dirt but also identifying and replacing or repairing components before they can cause trouble.
Conclusion
Air conditioners are fairly simple and easy machines to maintain. All you need to do is follow the tips mentioned above and hire air conditioning repair services McLean to perform annual maintenance. Plus, keep an eye out for unusual signs that might indicate a problem like weird noises, odor, AC running constantly, and others.