A properly functioning AC is a must-have for maintaining indoor temperatures, especially during the hot summer months. Without it, the high temperatures can make indoor environments uncomfortable.
For the best performance, always install units from reputable brands. Even so, it doesn’t mean you are immune to occasional failures.
An AC could fail due to many issues. Factors such as heavy use due to high humidity and exposure to salt in places like Florida accelerate wear and tear, raising the likelihood of occasional breakdowns. To stay ahead, you need to maintain them and replace them regularly.
But if you’ve done that and your AC suddenly stops working or struggles to operate, don’t panic. You need to troubleshoot it, and a few fixes might help resolve the issue. More often, the inefficiency is due to clogged air filters or damaged parts. Knowing how to perform a quick check can help you spot and fix problems early.
Here’s how to troubleshoot your AC for common problems:
1. Check the
Power SupplyIf the AC unit is not working, checking the power supply is the first step to troubleshooting AC issues. Usually, it’s one of three issues: the AC is not plugged in, the circuit breaker is blown, or the unit is damaged. Check if the unit is plugged correctly and if there’s a power supply.
Next, check the status of the circuit breaker. If it’s tripped, reset it for the unit to turn on. It’s still not working; check if the fuses are blown, which is a common problem following a storm. You also want to inspect for physical damage. If there are broken parts or burnt marks, it might be time to call in a professional technician for troubleshooting AC issues and repair.
2. Check Air Filters
One of the common causes of poor AC performance, especially in Palm Beach Homes, is dirty or clogged filters. When the air filters are filled with dirt, proper airflow is restricted, which makes your AC struggle to circulate cool air. If you haven’t changed the air filters in some time, check if they are clogged.
Open the housing unit and hold the filters up to the light to see if they are very dirty. If you’re still not sure, place your hands over the air unit. If you feel warm air, that’s a good sign that the air filters are clogged, so replace them. This simple switch will greatly improve its efficiency.
To prevent such issues in the future, always check the air filters monthly and replace them at least once every 3 months.
3. Inspect the Thermostat
Another reason your AC may not be turning on is that the thermostat is set incorrectly. Check the settings to see if they have been interfered with and reset them if necessary. Switch it to cool if it’s set to heat or fan to see if the temperature turns low.
Sometimes, the display flickers or shows incorrect temperature readings when the device overheats. If it’s exposed to sunlight, move it or shield it from direct heat to cool it.
But if the display is completely blank, it means power is not being passed through, which could be due to a tripped circuit breaker or low battery levels.
4. Clear the Outdoor Unit
Condensers do the heavy lifting, and Florida’s humid air only makes their work harder. The outdoor condenser plays a crucial role in expelling hot air from the indoor space. Unfortunately, if it’s blocked, airflow is drastically reduced, preventing the system from properly dispensing heat and resulting in inefficient home cooling.
To ensure the condenser is working properly, check if it’s blocked and clear any debris. Also, ensure the fins are in good condition and that leaves of surrounding plants are not obstructing airflow. If the fins are bent, correct them to ensure they spin freely to propel air effectively.
5. Unclog the Drain Line and Pan
Overflows can happen due to clogged drain lines, which prevent water from draining properly. So, check the drain pan to see if there’s water overflow. When the AC is running, moisture from the air collects, and water droplets typically form on the evaporator coil, draining into the pan. A clog in the line interferes with drainage, allowing water to accumulate and overflow.
To fix it, clear the drain line using a wet or dry vacuum for proper drainage. Modern AC units come equipped with a safety sensor on the drain pan that automatically shuts off the system when there’s too much water, preventing overflow and potential damage.
6. Defrost Frozen AC Coils
Frozen evaporator coils prevent the AC from efficiently cooling your home. When the coils are completely covered, it becomes hard to transfer heat from the air into the refrigerants inside the coil. When the refrigerant is not heated regularly, it becomes extremely cold, causing the surface of the coils to freeze.
So, turn off the AC and check for layers of ice on the coils. Safely defrost the coils using a blow dryer or heat gun—no open flames that can damage the coil. Ensure the coil is well defrosted, clean it thoroughly, and turn on the AC.
7. Check for Low Refrigerant Level
If your home feels warmer than usual despite the AC running, you might be staring at low refrigerant levels. This issue develops over time due to leaks. When the refrigerant escapes, the level drops, making it difficult for the system to absorb heat from the airflow and cool itself. Since refrigerants are chemicals, they require careful handling, and DIY projects are not advisable. Contact a technician to avoid refrigerant leaks, potential system damage, or safety hazards.
Conclusion
If your AC is making strange clicking, buzzing, or humming noises or simply fails without warning signs, something is not right. When this happens, it can be stressful if you don’t know how to resolve the issue. But these simple steps make things a lot easier now. From filters to fuses, you can now troubleshoot common AC problems on your own with visual checks and simple tools.
To prevent future problems, one of the best things you can do is schedule regular AC inspection and maintenance. Checking your system routinely prevents failures at the peak of the hot seasons. While you can handle small tasks, it is recommended to have preventive maintenance performed by a reliable, licensed AC repair and maintenance company for comprehensive maintenance, repairs, and replacements. Do it right, and you address issues early, preventing more costly, larger problems.
