Were you aware that excessive heat claims over a hundred lives in the U.S. every year? It also causes illnesses, including heat rash, cramps, exhaustion, and stroke. Extreme discomfort can also make people aggressive or angrier.
So, it’s no wonder the CDC itself recommends air-conditioning use.
For the same reasons, it pays to learn about the most common air conditioner problems and how to fix them.
That’s what you’re about to learn in this guide, so read on before your faulty AC makes you all Hulk-like.
Weak Airflow
Weak airflow is one of the most common AC problems that can trace back to a clogged air filter. After all, it’s where the air that the air conditioner has yet to cool passes through first. It’s there to trap airborne particles, keeping the system’s internal cooling components clean.
Thus, an air filter that accumulates thick layers of filth allows little air to flow into the system. As a result, your AC has little air to cool, leading to weak airflow.
Your AC filter can become clogged after one to three months, depending on your indoor air quality. Sooner, if you’re one of the 40% of people in the US living in areas with unhealthy air pollution levels. The same is true if you have pets, a family member smokes indoors, or use fuel-burning appliances.
Try replacing or washing your filter to see if that improves the airflow.
Blows Out Warm Air
Check if the thermostat setting is on FAN/ON mode, and if so, set it to COOL. Otherwise, the AC fan will keep running and blowing unconditioned air. By contrast, the COOL mode ensures the fan only blows already-cooled air.
If that’s not the problem, inspect the outdoor air conditioner for dirt and debris build-up. Clear away leaves and trash, and make sure there’s at least a 2-feet clearance on all sides.
If that still doesn’t resolve the issue, you may have a frozen evaporator coil. This component absorbs heat and moisture from the air and, from there, cools it. So if ice (or filth) covers it, it can’t do its job and might even cause your AC to leak water.
You can check out this guide for more information on defrosting evaporator coils. It may take hours, though, so if you want to resolve the problem ASAP, it’s best to call the pros for same-day AC repairs.
No Signs of Life
Electrical malfunctions can cause circuit breakers, such as the one for your AC, to trip. That stops electricity from flowing into the connected appliances. Such problems can occur due to a power surge, a short-circuit, or an over-current.
You can easily reset a tripped AC breaker by sliding its switch back to the ON position. You can find this inside your main service panel, with a label stating it’s for the air conditioner.
If your AC does power on but trips the breaker again, please don’t turn it back on. Instead, call a pro for air conditioner repairs, as it can indicate an overheating system. Turning the unit back on can cause it to fail and even pose electrical hazards.
Fix These Air Conditioner Problems ASAP
As you can see, the most common air conditioner problems, such as no power or airflow issues, can be easy to fix on your own. So the next time you encounter them, try our troubleshooting steps first. If they don’t help, that’s your cue to schedule your AC for immediate professional repairs.
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