If you live in the Tri-Cities area, you must know the importance of having a functional air conditioner in the warmer months of the year. An AC unit comes with its own set of troubles, too. Have you ever heard noises or felt like your conditioner is not working efficiently? If so, you are not alone! Many people notice that there’s something wrong with their AC unit and want to fix it themselves, but don’t know how.
Since some problems that occur when using an AC unit do not require professional repair, it is important to know some air conditioner troubleshooting tips. This article will discuss some of the most common air conditioner problems and DIY ways to troubleshoot your air conditioner.
Aire One Heating and Cooling, the premier HVAC company in Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge, provides this comprehensive guide.
1. Inadequate Cooling
The problem of inadequate cooling happens when the AC unit runs. However, the cooling is insufficient. Since there could be different reasons why this happens, there are various DIY solutions for it, too.
Let’s dive into it:
DIY Solutions
- Thermostat: First, ensure the thermostat is set to your desired temperature.
- Air Filters: Accumulated dirt in the air filters can restrict airflow, causing the AC unit to work harder and not deliver the desired temperature. During peak usage, cleaning or replacing the air filters is recommended.
- Vents: Sometimes, the culprit is an obstruction in vents, preventing airflow. Make sure all vents–supply and return–are unobstructed.
When to Call a Professional
If inspecting and cleaning the filters and vents doesn’t solve your problem, there could be a more serious culprit. Whether the problem is a refrigerant leak or a compressor malfunction, enlisting the help of a professional technician is recommended.
2. Air Conditioner Not Turning On
This is when the air conditioner doesn’t start working after you activate it.
DIY Solutions
- Power Supply: Ensure the unit is plugged in, the connections are secure, and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.
- Thermostat Settings: Check the thermostat and make sure it has a battery installed and is set to the right temperature.
When to Call a Professional
If checking the power supply and thermostat settings doesn’t work, then there might be some problem with the inner components of the AC unit, which requires professional help.
3. Unusual Noises
You can do the following if your AC unit makes loud banging, humming, or screeching sounds.
DIY Solutions
- Loose Parts: Turn off your air conditioner and check for loose components, panels, or parts. Tighten any loose screws if necessary.
- Debris: Check the outdoor unit for leaves, sticks, or other debris that might have stuck to it and caused extra noise.
When to Call a Professional
Persistent noises that don’t go away when you tighten parts and screws might indicate serious problems with your AC units that need to be checked by a professional.
4. Water Leaks Around the Unit
This is when there is a pool of water around your indoor unit.
DIY Solutions
- Clogged Condensate Drain Line: A clogged condensate drain line can cause the water to spill on the ground. Use a wet vacuum to clear blockages.
- Drain Pan: Check the drain pan for cracks and holes. Use epoxy to fix it temporarily.
When to Call a Professional
If the above Solutions don’t work, there could be deep blockages or a frozen evaporator coil. Such problems require professional help since opening deep blockages requires specialized equipment, and the frozen evaporator coil should be replaced.
5. Foul or Unusual Odors
This is when unpleasant smells emanate from your AC unit.
DIY Solutions
- Dirty Filters: Clean or replace the air filters to eliminate the musty odor.
- Mold Growth: Occasionally, use appropriate cleaners to clean the visible mold accumulated around your AC unit.
When to Call a Professional
If you’re experiencing persistent orders that don’t go away using the above solutions, you may need to enlist a professional’s help. Certain unpleasant odors, such as burning or chemical smells, also necessitate expert intervention.
Conclusion
Using the above AC troubleshooting tips, you should be able to solve many problems that usually occur with air conditioners. We discussed some of the most common AC issues, such as unpleasant odors, noises, and water leakage.
Expert Air Conditioner Repair In Kitchener and Waterloo, Ontario
Are you having trouble fixing your air conditioner yourself? Worry not—the best HVAC services are only one call away! With experienced professional technicians and a customer-centric approach, Aire One Heating & Cooling is your trusted HVAC company in Ontario. HVAC repair, purchase, and renting are easy with us!
If you live in the Tri-Cities area, don’t hesitate! Call us now!