Common Air Conditioner Problems You Should Know About

Home alone with a malfunctioning air conditioner? A handful of air conditioner problems are relatively easy to diagnose, while others need a professional examination. Petrocelli Services brings you a list of common AC issues that every homeowner should now about.

• Refrigerant leakage:  If your AC seems to be taking longer than usual to cool your room, without significant changes in outdoor temperatures, it could be low on refrigerant. If you’re sure it wasn’t undercharged during installation, the refrigerant is probably leaking. Refrigerant leaks should be fixed by a trained professional alone and which may involve repairing the site of the leakage, testing the repair, and then topping up the recommended amount of refrigerant.
• Electrical failures:  These can range from weathering of the compressor and fan controls, to corrosion of wires and terminals. Electrical failures are particularly common in ACs that are switched on and off frequently. Examination of all electrical connections is part of routine air conditioner maintenance.
• Dirty coils and filters:  Over time, the filters and coils of your AC accumulate dirt and can compromise proper functioning. Too much dirt can even lead to premature failure of the compressor or fan. Ensure that your AC is regularly cleaned to avoid this situation.
• Dislocated sensors: In room air conditioners, a sensor placed just behind the control panel monitors the temperature of air entering the neighboring evaporative coil. Sometimes the sensor can get dislodged and cause the AC to behave erratically. It can be restored to its correct position (by the coil, but not in contact with it) by gently bending the wire around it.
• Drainage issues:  If the indoor unit of a split air conditioner isn’t perfectly horizontal, it can drain inside the room. Again, if the drain is clogged or dirty, water can accumulate and ultimately start dripping inside the room.

Having trouble with your air conditioner? Petrocelli Services can help; just give us a call and schedule a visit.