When your air conditioner is not working as it should, you can try to troubleshoot it. There are a number of different problems that could be causing it not to work. These include a clogged condensate drain line, low refrigerant, and a short circuit in the circuit breaker box.
Low refrigerant
There are several reasons your air conditioning system may be experiencing a low refrigerant charge. If left unchecked, this problem can cause severe issues with the AC’s operation. Fortunately, you can fix this problem easily by hiring professional help. Having a licensed HVAC technician recharge the refrigerant will get your system back on track.
Refrigerant is a chemical that keeps your compressor cool. It also keeps your home cool. You should never have low refrigerant levels in your home because it can lead to damage to your cooling system. In addition, you should keep your refrigerant charge at a high level so your AC does not need to work as hard to cool your home.
If you notice your air conditioner running all the time, or it’s not getting the job done, you may have a low refrigerant level. This means there is a leak in your AC’s system, and you should immediately call a qualified technician to diagnose and repair the issue.
Clogged condensate drain line
Having a clogged condensate drain line is a common problem for AC systems. The resulting water backup can damage the system and cause the unit to malfunction. There are several ways to clear up a clog. You may need a vacuum, a pan, or a cleaning solution.
The first step is to shut off the power to the AC system. Then, you can turn on the garden hose and point it away from the air handler. Spray it in quick bursts to flush debris out of the AC condensate drain.
You can use a wet vac or pipe cleaner to unclog a clogged condensate line. You can also pour vinegar into the condensate drain access hole. This will help break up the buildup and kill the algae and mold.
Broken fan motor
When it comes to AC troubleshooting, a broken fan motor can be one of the hardest things to fix. Even if it’s not broken, a jammed fan can cause an entire system to break down. So it’s a good idea to have an expert check it out.
A typical fan motor can last between three and five years. If you notice that your fan is making a loud rattling noise or can’t get it to work correctly, you’ll want to take it to an air conditioning repair technician. You’ll need to get a professional to look at the motor, bearings, and windings.
The broken fan motor may be caused by something as simple as a frayed wire. The frayed wires can cause uneven operation or even complete failure.
Short circuit in the circuit breaker box
If your air conditioning system isn’t turning on or doesn’t seem to work, it may be because your circuit breaker has tripped. This happens when the circuit is overloaded.
To fix your short circuit, you’ll need to call a licensed electrician to to assess your electrical system. They will then be able to improve your wiring. This includes replacing your breakers if necessary.
To get started, you’ll need to look at the fuses that cover your particular devices. For instance, your thermostat, indoor blower, and furnace switch might all be on the same circuit. If one of these devices trips, you’ll need to switch to the off position to restore power.
Having multiple devices plugged into a single outlet is a common cause of overloaded circuits. You’ll see which of them is the culprit by unplugging each device.
Rattling, squeaking, banging, or clanking from the fans
The fans of an air conditioner make a lot of noise. This noise can be annoying and a warning sign that something is wrong with your AC. Having a trained professional check your unit to determine the cause of the noise is important.
The compressor of an AC unit is a delicate piece of equipment. It can break down over time, which can lead to several strange noises. If you hear a buzzing, squealing, banging, or rattling noise, you should contact a technician to fix the problem.
A noise that makes a sound like a metal-on-metal squeal is a common indication of a worn fan motor unit. An ac technician can replace the broken motor and lubricate the bearings.
