5 Likely Reasons for Air Conditioner Malfunction

A functional air conditioner is essential for a safe and comfortable indoor space. Your home's AC unit maintains optimal indoor temperature and removes pollutants from the air.

However, like with all electrical systems, your home's air conditioner can fail. When this happens, your home can become uninhabitable, especially in summer. An AC malfunction also leaves your family exposed to contaminants in the indoor air. For these reasons, always keep your AC system in tiptop shape.

The first step in proper AC maintenance is to learn the major causes of breakdowns. Below are some of the most likely reasons your home's AC unit has failed.

1. Refrigerant Leak

The refrigerant inside copper coils absorbs heat from your indoor living space and turns from a low-pressure gas to a high pressure liquid. The air conditioner efficiency depends on the optimal levels of the refrigerant. When there's a leak within the coils, your AC system malfunctions.

If your AC unit is not working, consult a HVAC contractor for immediate inspection. The professional examines the amount of refrigerant in the tank and assesses any leaks. Quick repairs reduce further energy wastage and save you money in cooling your home.

2. Clogged Air Filter

The air filter in an AC guarantees that the airflow is clean. With time, this component gets clogged with dust and dirt. A dirty filter affects the efficiency of your air conditioner and can increase the energy consumption to cool your home.

The AC unit works overtime, and this can damage some internal components. If you notice any problems with the quality of air that flows into your house, contact a heating and cooling contractor immediately. A filter change boosts the quality of indoor air and improves the overall efficiency of the unit.

3. Thermostat Problem

Some symptoms of thermostat trouble include an AC that suddenly stops or doesn't achieve the desired temperature settings. Short cycles and continuous operation are also problems associated with thermostat setting problems.

If the thermostat is on and you still have cooling problems, you need to consult an experienced HVAC contractor for AC troubleshooting. The problems could originate from poor installation, wrong calibration, electrical problems, or other issues. Your HVAC technician has the right tools and expertise to diagnoses the problem and sort it out safely.

4. Inadequate Maintenance

An air conditioner plays a crucial role in your home to keep your family healthy and comfortable. If you overlook this system, there's an enormous risk of failure because of dirt and dust buildup among other problems.

A faulty AC exposes your family to unsafe indoor conditions in the middle of summer. Regular AC inspection by a certified HVAC technician can identify any problems before they worsen. Such assessment saves you a lot of money in repairs and also increases the life of the unit.

5. Breakers or Fuse Problem

The most common electrical problems for air conditioners involve blown fuses and circuit breakers. Electrical problems are dangerous, and you should let a qualified technician handle these.

Your AC might blow a fuse or trip the circuit breaker because of a dirty filter, faulty condenser pan, or loose electrical connection. An experienced HVAC technician corrects the underlying issue before they replace the blown fuse.

Without a smooth running air conditioner, your home can turn into a dangerous space. If you detect any AC problems, don't try DIY techniques. Call in a qualified HVAC contractor to do the job.

For any air conditioner solutions in Fresno, CA, or the surrounding areas, contact us at Art Douglas Plumbing Inc. We bring over 49 years of heating and AC service experience to every job, which guarantees the highest level of customer satisfaction. Try us today.