Common-Problems-of-Air-ConditionerAir conditioning systems are quite complicated appliances, therefore it is not a surprise that at times things can go wrong. In recent days, an air conditioner that isn’t working correctly is one of the most common problems for every homeowner, especially in the hot summer season. 

In such a scenario, it is very crucial to maintain your air conditioning system properly with air filter changing, cleaning, fan cleaning, water pipe cleaning, inspections and other basic maintenance processes. But, sometimes, even the best-maintained air conditioning system unit can undergo a breakdown. Here, in this informative post, we have described some common technical issues of an air conditioner system. Hence, read on to find out what the most common air conditioner issues are.  

Air Conditioning System: Some Common Problems

There are several types of issues that you might encounter on your air conditioning system. As an air conditioner is a very complex appliance unit, so at times issues are bound to occur. Though you can resolve the simpler ones yourself, many may need expert care. 

Additionally, there are some minor technical issues that can lead to plenty of flaws in the air conditioning system. For your better understanding, here, in this context, we have highlighted some of the most common air conditioner problems that you might encounter on a consistent basis. Thus, take a look at the below passage in detail to know some of the most common AC system faults, as well as what to do whenever you encounter them.

1. The Air Conditioning System Stops Working Completely

This is the most common problem that a lot of homeowners encounter in their air conditioning system. Sometimes, the air conditioning system stops working completely thereby making some harsh noises. Your air conditioning system might stop working because of plenty of reasons. It can happen due to the batteries of the thermostat, improper configuration of the thermostat and temperature as well. Whenever the air conditioning system shuts down suddenly, you require to verify the batteries of the thermostat at first. 

In case, the thermostat batteries are dead, then replace them in order to fix this issue. If the batteries of the thermostat are still in the valid state, then ensure that the thermostat is in the mode of “cooling” and at the particular temperature settings that you want. Alternatively, you can even check the circuit breaker of your air conditioning system. Moreover, you might need to flip the AC circuit breaker to the “on” state. In case, you fail to resolve this issue by executing these basic tricks, then it is suggested to take help from the experienced technician in this field. 

2.  The Air Conditioning System Works, but the Air isn’t Cold

This is the most troublesome issue among all the encountered issues of the air conditioner. Sometimes, your air conditioning system works but the air is not as cold as it should be. This is the most annoying issue that a lot of homeowners have faced. You might encounter this error on your air conditioner even on the correct temperature settings. Hence, there is a high chance that this annoying issue may happen because of the dirty air filter of your air conditioning system. Also, you need to check the thermostat of the air conditioner to verify that it is configured with the correct settings. In case, you set the thermostat of the air conditioner at the coolest temperature and don’t feel a contrast on the airflow of the air conditioner, then you might require a new one. 

Next, you need to investigate the zone of the air conditioning system to ensure that the area is completely clear of shrubs and debris. Keep the plants and bushes at least 3 feet away from the air conditioning system. And it is a better idea to protect the air conditioner from the dry tree leaves and other debris by covering the roof portion of the air conditioner. In case, you discern refrigerant leaks on your AC, which basically influences how the air conditioning system freezes the airflow, take professional help to repair or replace the refrigerant reservoir of the air conditioner. 

3. Water Drips from the Air Conditioner

Water drips from the air conditioning system because of the clogging in the condensate line and the PVC pipe of the air conditioner, through which the water and air pass on the AC unit. This is why you need to verify the condensate line, the PVC pipe exiting the air conditioner unit, to check if it’s jammed. In case, the line is jammed, clear the line and flush the debris out from the lines by using the compressed air. Moreover, you can follow the manual instructions guide book to clear the lines.  

Refrigerant leaking from the pipeline will make your room feel hot and might prompt frost to build up over the coils of the air conditioner and drip water. Frozen coils of the air conditioner unit, however, are also a sign of airflow issues due to the other junks over the air conditioning system, a dusty air filter or blocked return air ductwork. In case, you notice that any component or any part of the air conditioner system is frozen, then turn off the air conditioning system and let it defrost on its own. After that, it is advised to take professional help and call an expert technician to fix this issue. 

4. The Air Conditioner Makes Strange Noises

Generally, the strange sounds are indications of the internal hardware problems of the air conditioning system. Moreover, strange sounds such as squealing or screeching which come from the blower motor of the air conditioning system basically symbolize a major issue in the motor bearing or a defective belt that might split. You can also try to add some lubricant liquid in the oil port of the motor or blower to get rid of this issue. 

Rattling, Clanging, banging or thumping basically indicates that there are some issues along with the blower or motor of the air conditioning system. In case, you hear any of these strange sounds on your air conditioning system, then you should connect with an expert technician and call expert to fix this irritating issue of your AC unit. In case, you hear some smacking sound from your air conditioning system whenever the blower runs. Then, this could mean that there is something which is stuck in the blades of the blower of the AC unit. Now, turn off your air conditioning unit and verify the blower of the AC unit for debris and other junks.   

Clicking noises from the air conditioning system whenever the AC is turned on and off usually implies an issue on the air conditioning unit. Additionally, some rattling sounds that basically occur whenever the fan turns the AC compressor on are due to the loosened hardware components of the AC or defaulting motor. However, it is advised to take professional help and call an expert technician to inspect the air conditioner unit.

5. Air isn’t Coming Out of the Registers 

If this is the main issue that you are facing on your air conditioning system and no airflow is coming out from the AC unit, then the fan of the air conditioner may be the main culprit behind this issue. The air is not coming out from the registers of the AC unit because the fan on the outside unit might not be running correctly. 

Moreover, the fan of the air conditioner unit might not be running properly because of the breaker which is simply blocked and necessitates to be reset. Also, this issue might happen due to the damaged belt of the blower. Therefore, replace the belt of the blower in order to overcome this annoying situation. Some other conditions include failure in the control board of the AC unit, some wiring issues. The reservoir of the condensate pump might be reserved as well.

6. The Air Conditioner is not Turning On

This is one of the most annoying issues in the list of common air conditioner problems. Due to some major failure in the thermostat, this issue might appear. Hence, you need to configure the thermostat of the AC unit to cool and bump down the setting of the temperature. Next, you require to verify the electrical sockets of the air conditioning system for a tripped breaker or a blown fuse. Examine the power supply cables of the AC unit to check if there are any damages or not. Moreover, you can also verify your furnace power switch and the thermostat of the unit for any other technical issues.

7. The Unit is Leaking

The air conditioning system creates condensation that is typically drained accurately. But sometimes, the PVC drain lines can be blocked, jammed or leaked. Sometimes, the condensate pump of the air conditioner might stop working. This annoying situation can also arise due to plenty of reasons. In such a scenario, you require to clean out all the debris and junk of the condensation drainpipe of your AC unit. 

By clearing the debris by which the drainpipe of the AC unit is clogged, you can easily prevent the leakage issue. Moreover, verify the entire electrical attachment to the condensate pump of the air conditioner system, replace the pump, and examine your condensation channel pipe for leaks.

8. The Compressor Won’t Run

This is the most major fault that you might encounter on your air conditioner unit. Generally, the compressor is the most vital component of the air conditioner. The entire cooling system depends on the compressor of the air conditioning unit. The compressor is generally located in the outdoor portion of the air conditioning unit. The actual job of the AC compressor is to distribute the refrigerant necessary for heat exchange with the help of the coils of the indoor and outdoor AC unit and also to apply the power to the refrigerant. Whenever the compressor won’t run on your air conditioner system, then you need to understand that it can occur due to plenty of reasons. 

This issue might occur because of the damaged electrical connection of the air conditioning unit or burned wire. A defective start capacitor can also be a reason behind this annoying technical glitch. Hence, you need to check the compressor of the air conditioning unit to verify that the compressor is in good condition or not. In case, you notice some issues on the compressor or some other strange noises coming from the compressor then, it is suggested to take professional help. 

9. The Condenser isn’t Running

The condenser is one of the most important components in the air conditioning unit. Sometimes, the condenser of the air conditioning unit might malfunction and lead to severe issues on the AC unit. A condenser that would not run may have some serious issues receiving the signal of cooling control from the thermostat of the air conditioning system. The condenser of the AC might not run because of numerous reasons. As the condenser is a vital part of the AC unit, it requires some professional help to resolve the issue. Otherwise, it can lead to further major damages to the air conditioner. Rely on a professional AC repair technician to resolve this issue. 

10. The Unit Turns On and Off Constantly

An air conditioner that comes on and off again a number of times frequently is a sign of some major hardware issues in the air conditioning system. Most likely, the condenser unit of your air conditioning system is jammed or dirty and you might also have a dusty evaporator. This issue can only arise whenever there is some failure in the electrical connection of the AC unit.

Therefore, check the entire electrical connection and the power sockets of the air conditioning unit to verify that all the connection is properly connected. Moreover, such types of power failure issues might lead to numerous issues on the components of the AC. Then, verify the condenser and the evaporator of the AC unit in order to fix this disturbing issue and give your entire AC system cleaning to clear any junks.  

Winding Up…

That’s all! This article carries effective guidelines on the common air conditioner issues. If you want to know more regarding the common issues of the AC unit and their solutions to fix it, then revisit our website for further information.  

Frequently Asked Question

1. What are the Symptoms of a Bad AC Compressor?

The compressor is the most important component of the air conditioning unit. Moreover, the compressor is responsible for pressurizing the air conditioning unit and keeping the refrigerant flowing so that it can work accurately and the airflow process function properly on the AC system. Whenever there are some issues with the compressor of the air conditioning system then, it will generate some particular signs and symptoms which generally implies that it has some serious issues. 

Essentially speaking, the compressor of the air conditioning unit is responsible for distributing and pressurizing the refrigerant, therefore if there is an issue with the compressor of the AC unit, then the rest of the air conditioning unit will be affected. 

2. How do you know that your AC Compressor is Bad?

Generally, the compressor motor issues of the air conditioning system happen because of the motor windings. Moreover, there are only three types of motor winding failure. Such as open winding, shorted winding and grounded winding. 

Take a look at the below passage to know how to verify the compressor motor of the AC unit if you assume it has some issues:

  1. Disconnect power.
  2. Remove the top of the outdoor condensing unit.
  3. Unplug the 3-prong plug on the compressor.
  4. Set your multimeter to ohms.
  5. Measure and record the resistance (ohms) measurement of each winding.