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5 Common Air Conditioning Questions and Answers

time2022/08/08

Air conditioners usually keep us cool on hot summer days, but it can be very frustrating to have a malfunctioning air conditioner, so here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions (and repair tips) about residential air conditioner repairs that we hope will help you.

We look forward to the hot summer every year. But when we're not in the sun, we absolutely love the feeling of cold air when we're sheltering at home. At this time, if the air conditioner is faulty, it will be very distressing. Below we have compiled the answers (and repair tips) to some of the most frequently asked questions about residential air conditioner repairs, hoping to help you.

1. How can I tell if my air conditioner is broken?

If the cold air stops flowing, the first thing you should do is check your thermostat.

Here are the steps you should take:

If your thermostat shows blank, replace the battery.

If the display is still blank, remove the thermostat from the wall and check the wires to make sure it's getting power. Check the voltage with a multimeter.

If there is no voltage, check the fuse box to see if any fuses are blown or tripped. If the fuse looks good, find the switch connected to the central air conditioner and turn it on and off to reset the connection.

If it's getting power and the screen is still blank, go outside and check the capacitors to see if the fuse has tripped.

If your thermostat is still not working properly, it may be time to replace it. Check if the warranty has expired.

If your thermostat is working but the air conditioner won't turn on, you should also:

Turn on the fan and see if the blower is getting power.

If over 1 month old, replace the air filter. A buildup of dirt and debris can obstruct airflow.

Check condensate drain.

2. When to replace the air conditioner?

Replacing an air conditioning system is an investment.

Here are some things to consider:

The age of your air conditioner. The lifespan of an air conditioner is between 10 and 20 years. So if your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it may be time to replace it.

Rising energy bills

As air conditioners age, their energy efficiency decreases. To see if your air conditioner is losing efficiency, compare your utility bills over the past few summers. If your costs are rising, it could be a sign that your air conditioner is worn out.

Refrigerant leak

Not only is refrigerant expensive, but refrigerant leaks can cause the compressor to eventually stall. The type of refrigerant your air conditioner needs can also give you trouble.

Repair fees

Call your local repair company for a free quote on repair costs. If it's over $3,000, it might be cheaper to buy a new device.

3. Why is my air conditioner freezing?

Almost all air conditioner freezes are caused by a lack of refrigerant or lack of air going to the evaporator coil. If your air conditioner freezes, the first thing you should do is turn it off. The compressor may be damaged if it continues to run.

Troubleshoot by checking the following items:

Thermostat temperature setting

If your thermostat is set below 70 degrees, it could cause your air conditioner to freeze -- it's not actually cooling your home any faster.

Refrigerant level

If your refrigerant levels are low, this may indicate a bigger problem and we recommend calling a professional to have it checked.

Air filter

A clogged, dirty air filter can cause problems. As mentioned above, if it's been more than a month since the last change, change the filter.

Vent

Make sure all vents are open to ensure airflow to the evaporator coil.

Evaporator coil

If the evaporator coil is clogged with dirt and debris, this could be the cause of the problem.

Fan

Your fan is the device that blows cool air through your home's ductwork -- and also helps circulate air back to your evaporator coil.

4. Why is my air conditioner leaking? Should I be worried?

One of the functions of an air conditioning unit is to extract moisture from the air, so a little condensation is natural. However, leaks often indicate a problem with the way the condensate is being drained.

The following conditions can cause this issue:

Condensate line clogged.

Rusty condensation pan.

Dirty or frozen evaporator coil.

The refrigerant level is low.

Dirty air filter.

Installation problem.

5. How to replace the air filter?

As mentioned above, you should replace the air filter regularly to ensure that the air conditioner operates efficiently and doesn't cause other maintenance issues.

To change the filter, follow these steps:

Choose the right size

Remove the old filter and measure it, or read your owner's manual.

Select MERV

MERV stands for "Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value" and has a range of 1-20. The higher the MERV, the more effective the air filter.

Select the type of filter

You can choose from fiberglass, washable, pleated, or electronic.

Install it

Most air filters are very easy to install. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

The above briefly describes several common air conditioner problems. If you want to replace a new air conditioner, please contact us.

ComforPlanet is a professional custom air conditioners and components manufacturer, our main products are air conditioners, condensing units, refrigerant gases, copper pipes, etc. Our mission is to allow everyone around the world to breathe clean and comfortable indoor air. We are committed to the business philosophy of "customer first, people-oriented, leading quality, leading technology, and continuous profit growth" to create a trustworthy brand image and a respected public image.