AC troubleshooting guide

How do I diagnose what’s wrong with my AC?

Diagnosing what issues are causing your ac to malfunction or not perform at its best is not always a job you can do yourself. Diagnosing or ac troubleshooting requires technical expertise and knowledge to ensure that the diagnosis is correct. This allows the technicians to find the correct solutions and revive the full and optimal functioning of the ac. One of the key things to remember before you conduct a diagnosis is to disconnect it from the power source to prevent electrocuting yourself. Other guidelines to follow include:

• Checking the thermostat: The thermostat is a vital component of the ac and as such, it is one of the first things you should check. You can even check the thermostat yourself to some extent to ensure it works well. In case it is not functioning properly, check the batteries and replace them if needed. If the functioning still does not improve, it indicates more serious underlying issues. This may indicate professional intervention or checking is essential to resolve the malfunction.
• Checking and cleaning air filters: Air filters are a key component of the air conditioner and as such, checking them or having them inspected and cleaned by a professional is vital. Common issues which can arise from blocked air filters are hindered air flow, lower air quality, and many more. To avoid any malfunctions, inspect them regularly. Air filters trap a lot of dust and dirt. If your ac is not working properly, make sure you check the air filters as well to ensure that the collected dust is not the cause behind the malfunction.
• Checking condenser unit: The condenser unit is another vital part of the ac and is a part of the outdoor unit. Checking this part is also vital to ensure the overall health of the ac is proper. The condenser unit helps keep the indoor environment balanced, however, due to being an outdoor unit, it can easily suffer damage. Check it in case your ac is malfunctioning, clean the unit using a brush or with water, and inspect for any physical damage. Consult an air conditioner repair service near Smithfield, NC in case there is bigger damage or if you are not comfortable checking the unit.
• Noting unusual sounds: Have you noticed your air conditioner making weird sounds that it normally does not? If so, it is time to get it checked. There can be various reasons why the ac is making such strange sounds and you will want to fix it before it is too late. Any sounds like squeaky or grinding sounds will indicate improperly functioning parts. Often if the air conditioner’s fan or compressor is not functioning properly, such sounds will come up. Friction or malfunctioning of different parts of the ac can cause these sounds which require professional diagnosis and solutions.
• Noting changes in air flow: Changes or lowering of the level of airflow of the air conditioner is another issue that needs to be addressed immediately. In the majority of cases, the primary reason for lowering airflow is an accumulation of dust, dirt, or debris over time with continuous use of the air conditioner. However, other reasons can also cause this type of malfunction and require professional supervision.
• Checking refrigerant levels: Refrigerant or coolant ensures that the air conditioner keeps working properly. They aid the cooling process. If you feel like your ac is not cooling the room properly or efficiently, you may want to get the refrigerant levels checked. Prolonged usage of the air conditioner can cause the level of the refrigerant to lower significantly. It can be refilled, however, that requires proper equipment and expert handling. Hiring an air conditioner repair service near Fuquay Varina, NC is the best solution.
• Checking wiring: Wiring issues can occur at any time and cause issues ranging from small malfunctions to fully spoiling them completely. Diagnosing these at the earliest requires hiring professionals as handling malfunctioning electricals can be very hazardous. If your ac is not turning on or off, or if it is showing signs of improper functioning, call a professional to inspect the wiring and have it repaired.

How do you troubleshoot common AC problems?

AC troubleshooting can help you identify various issues and come up with solutions for these issues. On the basis of the kind of issues you are experiencing, you can make targeted troubleshooting attempts to find the underlying cause of the problem. If you are thinking of conducting the troubleshooting yourself or hiring an ac repairs specialist, here are some ways in which it can be done to identify common problems:

• Not turning on: If your ac has no power or is not turning on, there is a need to check the main circuit breaker. This is located in the electrical panel of the building. If the circuit breaker trips, the ac will fail to receive power. If this is the case, you simply need to reset it and check the AC by turning it on. If the issue does not resolve, there may be a bigger electrical issue and you may want to call an electrician or an air conditioner repair service near Fuquay Varina, NC.
• Cooling troubles: Cooling issues usually arise in two ways: insufficient cooling and uneven cooling. If either of these issues occurs, it points toward bigger problems. One of the easiest ways of troubleshooting these issues is by checking the thermostat and ensuring the settings and temperature are correct. If it does not resolve the issue, you may want to check the air filters and clean or replace them. Lastly, you will want to check the vents or ductwork if the issue continues to persist. In case of uneven cooling, you may also want to check for any leaks or disconnections through which the air may be escaping. You can conduct all of these checks yourself or hire professionals to help you.
• Unpleasant Odors: Unpleasant or strange odors are another common concern for which you can conduct the ac troubleshooting Odors can occur as a result of various diverse reasons like a dead animal, the growth of mold, or burning electrical parts or wires. Ensuring proper drainage and periodic cleaning allows you to get rid of foul smells caused by mildew or mold growth. However, other concerns can require hiring professionals as they call for opening the entire machine to fix the cause.
• Unknown Sounds: Unfamiliar or weird sounds from the ac can be a cause for concern. You can troubleshoot the issue yourself, however, if you are unable to find the source, hiring professionals is always an option. Strange noises often occur as a consequence of friction between parts or malfunctioning components. To ensure that the issue is properly taken care of, it is best to hire experts who can find the source and fix it right away.
• Leakage of Water: Water leakage is yet another common concern among ac owners. In case you also experience water leaks, you can troubleshoot the issue by inspecting the condensate drain line. If this line is clogged, it can cause water to back up which in turn is causing the leakage or moisture to occur. In this case, you simply need to clean the line. If the issue continues, you will need to consult professionals.
• Incomplete cooling cycles: If you notice your ac turning on and off without completing the cooling cycles, this is a sign of the machine’s short cycling. Such issues are common and arise if there is a dirty condenser coil or a thermostat malfunction. Depending upon which issue is causing the problem, you either need to clean the condenser coil or reset the thermostat settings. However, if you are unsure, it is best to call professional ac repairs
• Lack of Air: If your ac seems otherwise functioning but there is no air coming out, there is a good chance that the air filters are blocked. This issue can be dealt with by oneself, and all you need to do is to clean or replace the filters. However, if the issue persists, it may be an issue with the blower motor. Checking this may call for professional inspection and checking.

Top AC problems AC troubleshooting checklist

When you are facing trouble with your ac and wish to carry out an ac troubleshooting venture, you need to have a checklist prepared. The checklist will help you narrow down the exact issue and address it appropriately. This is also vital because multiple reasons or malfunctions cause the same issue which necessitates ruling them out one by one to find the root cause.

You can also carry out these checks periodically before calling technicians and giving a record of your findings to help them focus their inspection. Some of the things to include in the checklist are:

Not Picking Power

If your ac is not picking up power, inspect the main circuit breaker which is located in the electrical panel. Check to see if the AC’s connection is on. If not, switch it on and turn on the ac. Consult a professional if this does not work.

Improper Cooling

If you are not receiving ample cooling, check that the thermostat’s settings are set to “cool” mode. Lower the temperature. If this does not help, check the air filters. Replace or clean them, and place them back. The third inspection will be checking the vents to ensure there is no obstruction. If the issue persists, connect with a professional.

Irregular Cooling

In this case, inspect the ductwork and check for any cracks or dents from which cool air may be escaping. Check the insulation, and repair what is necessary. If no issue is apparent, consult a professional.

AC Leaking water

If there is a water leakage issue, check the ac unit first. Look at the condensate drain line. If there is a blockage, clean it and restart the ac. If the issue continues, consult an air conditioner repair service near Smithfield, NC.

Faulty Evaporator Coil

If the evaporator coil freezes and displays malfunctions, check the air filters. Clean or replace them as needed. Then check the air circulation around the coil to ensure it is sufficient. Consult a professional if the issue continues.

Unusual sounds

For the issue of unusual sounds, you need to identify the sound first. Check the fan motor and compressor first. If they seem to be functioning properly, check other parts for sounds caused by friction. Fix the issue as per the specific requirements, or call a professional for help.

Not receiving air

If the ac is not blowing air, check the air filters first. Clean and replace as needed. Thereafter, check the blower motor. If there is a broken belt, replace it. Fix any other issue there may be. If the issue persists, there could be a bigger issue that calls for professional help.

Incomplete cooling cycles

For incomplete cooling cycles, you need to clean the condenser coil of the ac. This helps improve efficiency. If this does not work, call a professional for a thorough inspection.