Admit it or not, Air Conditioning units, also known as AC are one of the 'must-haves' appliances in our home, most especially in warm weather. However, like any other appliances that we have in our house, AC needs proper care and maintenance from the users. There are common malfunctions that you can encounter with your air conditioning unit. However, before you call a technician to repair it, there might be some simple solution for it that you can do by yourself. To lend you a hand, here are some usual issues with air conditioning units and how to fix them properly.

 

Air Conditioner doesn't Cool Anymore

There are several reasons why your AC couldn't blow cool air anymore. Here are some of it;

Dirty Air Filter

A clogged or dirty filter is a common cause why the air conditioning unit couldn't work properly. Not only can it limit the airflow, but it can also freeze your AC. If that's the case, you should follow your unit's user guide on how to change/clean the filter. Depending on the type of AC unit, some may take three months before the filter to be changed. Although other units have reusable filters which should be cleaned whenever they are dirty. Furthermore, you can determine whether the filter needs to be cleaned by checking if any light passes through it. If not, then you probably need to clean it.

Frozen Evaporator Coil

Once the air conditioner does not obtain adequate air needed to operate properly, the evaporator coil freezes. A frozen evaporator coil could make your AC freezing up and stop functioning. Insufficient ventilation in the system can be caused by clogged vents and ducts, filthy filters, or a defective fan. This goes back as to why you should need to clean your filters. A clean air filter is vital for maximizing airflow and indoor air quality.

Compressor Failure

The compressor adds energy to the refrigerant and propels it through the coils to carry out heat exchange. The AC device will certainly not cool your home if the compressor is not working. If there is insufficient refrigerant, the compressor can overheat and inevitably seize. On the other hand, if there is an excessive amount, the refrigerant will return to the compressor, causing it to malfunction. The best thing to do is to seek help from a professional and get your AC fixed.

 

Water Leakage on AC

The drain pipe, like the filter, can become congested with dirt, dust, and lint. If it becomes clogged, the drainage pan will be filled up with water, and potential leakage might happen which might cause damage to the AC unit or whatever is around the pan. If you observe refrigerant leaks that affect how an air conditioner cools the air, contact an HVAC professional to restore or replace the refrigerant reservoir.

 

Weird Smell That Comes Out From AC

Once you turn on the air conditioner, the noxious odor of mildew reaches your nostrils due to the growth of bacteria in the system. This issue is typical in automobiles that seldom use A/C, are older, or regularly use the highest setting (due to extra moisture in the unit). Bacteria, fungi, mold, and other microorganisms can grow on the evaporator behind the dashboard. This growth causes a foul odor to emerge from the vents.

Furthermore, air filters can absorb dirt, dust, water, and other contaminants, creating an odor after a while. This problem can be mitigated by replacing your air filter. If removing the filter does not remove the smell, a technician may need to administer an anti-bacterial solution into the evaporator area to destroy mold and other pollutants in the device.

 

Loud Noise From AC Unit

When in operation, air conditioning systems are relatively silent. When you switch on your air conditioner and hear banging, rattling, or other strange noises, it's natural to be concerned about what may be the cause of the issue. It might be mere leaves or other debris disrupting the system and causing all sorts of strange noises.

It could also indicate that a major component from the AC unit is failing. When a bearing wears out, the air conditioner makes a grinding or squealing sound. A rattling noise can mean that the compressor's clutch has failed. If this is the case, continuing to use your A/C can aggravate the situation. Ask help from a reputable technician for an inspection. A comprehensive inspection will show whether a major component is failing and whether it should need a replacement.

Behind most malfunctions, there are simple solutions that you may be able to do on your own to recover the cool comfort of your home and save time and money. Although, those people who don't have any idea about it, should call an HVAC professional to examine their AC. All in all, air conditioners need proper care and maintenance from the users. We wouldn't want a sudden malfunctioning AC in the middle of a hot season, would we?