You love your air conditioner. They keep the air cool and comfortable in times where the outside isn’t as forgiving. So obviously, you’ll want to keep your air conditioner in good working order. But unfortunately, air conditioners have problem like any other part of your home. So we’ve compiled a list of 5 common air conditioner problems and how you can avoid them to keep your home cool.
Problem: Poor Maintenance
No one likes spending money on maintenance, but you need to occasionally hire a professional service to maintain and inspect your air conditioning unit. Making sure your AC is in proper working order will keep the unit running longer.
Problem: AC is running it too much
Air conditioners are not designed to run on a constant basis, it needs time to shut off like any other appliance. No type of machine can run 24 hours a day, on a constant basis, for years. Yet many think that air conditioners are the exception. They’re not. To make your AC unit last, give it a break every once in a while. Shut it off, open a window, turn on a fan, whatever you can do to cool down without relying on the AC. Running your AC full blast day after day will just burn out your machine sooner.
This is a good way to use the thermostat to your advantage. Turn the thermostat up when you know you won’t be home or when you’re sleeping. This is easier on your unit, since it won’t be running when you’re not even able to enjoy it.
Don’t leave your unit off for an extended period of time either. This creates moisture inside the unit, which is also a big problem. Use balance and common sense when it comes to the thermostat.
Problem: Refrigerant Leaks
If your unit is leaking refrigerant, simply refilling the refrigerant won’t solve the problem. In this case, spend the money to hire a professional to come out and repair the leak. Refrigerant leaks are dangerous to the environment and repairs are highly specialized, so it’s best to hire a professional to make sure it’s fixed right the first time.
Problem: Air conditioner keeps turning on and off
If your AC unit kicks on and off constantly, it could be the placement of the thermostat. If the thermostat is in direct sunlight, too close to a register, or near a hot surface like an oven, that can affect the thermostat and cause it to kick on or off. In some cases, it’s best to move the thermostat to a better area to prevent these issues.
Problem: Drainage/Water Leaking
Air conditioners remove moisture from the air, so it’s understandable that water and drainage can become a problem for AC units. When it’s humid outside, check the unit’s condensate drain to make sure it isn’t clogged and the piping isn’t crimped. Make sure the condensate drain is as clear as possible to allow proper drainage and prevent leaks.
Here are some more common AC problems that you should be aware of. For more AC information or products to repair and waterproof your home, visit SANI-TRED