If you’ve had a hot summer in CA at home or at a business that suffers from air conditioning issues, this is an experience you don’t want to repeat. Don’t turn your summer comfort into an opportunity! Here are some of the most common causes of air conditioning problems and the simple steps you can take to avoid air conditioner repair issues.

7 reasons for air conditioning problems:

1. Low refrigerant level. Refrigerants are substances that air conditioners use to remove heat and moisture from the air in your home or business. A leak in the refrigerant lines of your system may result in an insufficient amount of refrigerant to cool the air effectively. Unfortunately, correcting this air conditioner problem is not just about replacing the refrigerant. HVAC service technicians should detect pipe leaks and the holes. This can be a long and expensive process, especially if there are multiple leaks.
2. Refrigeration evaporator coil. The air conditioner’s evaporator coil is filled with refrigerant and absorbs heat from the air like a sponge. It might seem counterintuitive, but for these coils to work properly they need warm air to circulate them. If there is a problem with the airflow and the evaporator coil gets too cold, an ice sheet may form on the outside. When this happens, either warm air is supplied from the air conditioner power register or no warm air is supplied.

3. The condenser coil is dirty.

   The unit condenser coil is part of the outdoor unit and exits the building to remove heat from the air. If there is dust or dirt in the condenser coil, it will not function properly. This is a very common problem in CA, where the air is full of soot and pollution. 

4. Fan problem. There is a fan that cools the air by blowing indoor air into the unit’s evaporator coil, and a fan that blows air into the outdoor unit’s condenser and removes heat absorbed outside the building. If any of these fans fail to operate properly (such as engine failure, insufficient lubrication, belt wear, or excessive dust or debris), the airflow eventually deteriorates and air conditioning problems occur. . It could happen. Ignoring this problem can lead to compressor failure. It is often the death penalty for air conditioning.

5. Pipe leaks.

   A duct system through walls and ceilings carries cold air from the air conditioner throughout the space. However, if the duct has holes or cracks (likely caused by rodents or careless workers), expensive cooling air will get tangled up inside the walls, which won’t help. And of course, this situation can make the air conditioner run more violently and increase energy costs.

6. Thermostat problem. Your calibration may be wrong, especially if you are using an older dial thermostat. In other words, the air conditioner may not have received the correct command from the control system. You can easily correct this problem by replacing or recalibrating the thermostat. If you are using a new programmable thermostat, the schedule may be difficult and may not be configured correctly. If you still have the manual, check the instructions to make sure to set the thermostat correctly.
7. The drain hose is blocked. Any moisture that your air conditioner removes from the air has to go somewhere. It must be removed from the space, through the drainpipe, into the pot, and finally into the drain pipe. If the pipes or drains are clogged or the pot is full, water can back up and damage the system. Leaks can also damage walls, ceilings, and furniture. If you don’t see it soon, it’s getting moldy.

Air conditioning problems: refrigerated evaporator coils

If the air conditioner is not cooling properly, the evaporator coil may be frozen. This is a common problem with home air conditioners and occurs when waste builds up and the unit cannot get enough air to function properly.

Spots on the coil restrict airflow and hot air does not reach the refrigerant. In this case, the refrigerant cools, and the humidity in the coil freezes.

Over time, the coil becomes wrapped in ice to prevent the refrigerant in the coil from absorbing latent heat. This communication problem can ruin the soft air conditioning in your home.

Refrigerated Evaporator Coils Solutions:

To diagnose this problem, first, check for damage. Next, defrost (thaw) the evaporator coil. You can do this without using any device. Make sure to turn off the power. Evaporator coils typically take 24 hours to completely thaw. You can speed up the process by using a hairdryer. However, take care not to overheat the coil. In moderate frost, run the system in fan mode. The blower melts the frost without stopping the unit.

Air conditioning problems: condenser failure

If the AC power turns on or off suddenly with a click, it may indicate a problem with the capacitor. The capacitor is an important part of the air conditioning unit and is responsible for providing the first thrust for the engine to start running.

Capacitors can overheat on hot summer days when AC has to work hard. In addition, power fluctuations and frequent changes in thermostat settings can damage capacitors.

Capacitor Failure Solutions

Consult a professional to check your capacitors. Unfortunately, there is a risk of electric shock and you cannot replace it by yourself.

Simple steps to avoid air conditioning problems:

1. Replace the dirty air filter. The airflow problems that cause the coils to freeze are usually caused by the clogging of the air filter.
2. Inspect the pipe and the hole. If the crate doesn’t seem to have enough air or if your energy bills keep going up, have an HVAC professional check the condition of the ductwork.
3. Install the programmable thermostat and learn how to use it. It solves the problems of the old control system by installing a new, more precise, and energy-efficient thermostat. You can also remotely control the thermostat using your smartphone or tablet.
4. Remove brushes and debris from around the outdoor unit. If there are leaves, debris, or dust in a condenser or outdoor fan, the unit cannot effectively dissipate heat.
5. Don’t neglect regular maintenance. You can easily avoid many of the most common causes of air conditioning problems with regular maintenance. Before starting your system for the first time each spring, have an HVAC professional check and adjust your system. It’s relatively inexpensive, and you don’t need to make an emergency call when the air conditioner shuts down on the hottest day of the year.

Advice for air conditioner Repair contracts

Did you know that the maintenance of your air conditioner is the most advantageous if you take out an annual maintenance contract?

You need to sign a legally written contract, and if you don’t understand what applies, keep shopping. A reputable service provider will understand what you are signing.

Author Bio:- Michael Cabral 

Michael is a marketing manager at EZ Heat and Air. He loves writing about innovative and hybrid HVAC installation tips. His articles help readers to have valuable insights into the importance of duct cleaning, water heater maintenance, and air conditioner repair, optimum working of the thermostat, Mini-split and heat pump installation in Orange County. Read articles for more information on keeping your HVAC system in tip-top condition and leading a hassle-free life.