Many homeowners only get a wake-up call to find one of the top AC repair companies in Miami when their air conditioning unit suddenly underperforms or, worse, stops working when they need it the most. You have to ensure that the unit is regularly maintained and cleaned if you want it to last long.
However, not all AC problems need to be addressed by the pros. There are easy fixes you can do on your own.
Common Problems of Air Conditioning Units and How to Fix
Here’s a look at the common problems and what to do in case they happen:
- The unit is not cooling the room enough
After turning on the AC, you will notice a problem with its cooling capacity when the room doesn’t cool after the usual duration it takes for the AC to complete this task. Many factors may cause this, which include the following:
- Check the filter
A dirty filter may block the airways causing the unit to produce less cooling than usual. Most filters can be cleaned by taking them out of the unit and brushing off the dust and other accumulated dirt. If you find it hard to remove the filter, check the manual that came with the unit or ask the customer service of the brand or store where you bought it.
- Check the vents
If it’s not the filter, check the vents for obstruction. Most heating and cooling systems in the US have units with ventilation shafts connected to the vents. You need to ensure the ducts are clean all the time. They also have to be airtight to ensure that air pressure won’t experience a sudden drop.
When there are obstacles in the vents, your AC unit will work extra harder to produce cooler air. If you allow this to happen for long without doing anything about the problem, the unit might get overworked and get damaged, or your energy bill will get higher than usual.
- Look for any fan problems
The unit has two fans. One fan blows the hot air from the interior over the condenser placed outdoors. The other fan blows air over the evaporator coil to produce cool air indoors.
When your AC fails to produce sufficient coolness, either one or both fans may be faulty. It can be due to many factors. Check if it has accumulated debris and dirt, and clean as much as possible.
Other factors that may affect the fans’ performance include worn belts, lack of lubrication, and a problem with the motor. For these instances, it is best to leave the work to the pros since they have the tools and know these parts better.
- Loud noise from the unit while it is turned on
If you notice any changes with the usual sounds the unit produces while it is turned on, there may already be certain problems with your AC.
- Check the crevices
If you hear squeaky sounds your unit does not usually make, clean the crevices until all dirt is gone. If the problem persists, you can spray a little amount of WD40 to lubricate the parts where the sounds may be coming from.
- Check the bolts and screws
If you hear rattling sounds, they may be an indication of loose bolts and screws. Make them tight using the right tools. If rust has accumulated on top of the heads of the screws, apply a rust remover before removing the pieces. Do not put them back; instead, replace them with new bolts and screws and tighten the installation.
- AC suddenly shuts off
If the unit turns off suddenly, even without a timer set, check what has caused the problem.
- Check the power cord
The problem may be due to a loose power cord. You can simply plug it back properly. You can also use an adapter if the original outlet has gotten loose. You only have to ensure that you use the kind of adapter with the right size and shape.
- Check the circuit breaker
If the circuit breaker still clicks, it is not damaged. If the breaker doesn’t click, you can replace it, but ensure that you have turned the power off before doing so. If you haven’t experienced changing a circuit breaker or you don’t have the tools to do it, it is best to hand the job to professional help.
- You can’t change the settings of your AC
This sometimes happens to units that use remote controls. You may have pressed certain buttons that prevent you from changing the settings. Try changing the settings manually.
If it does the trick, then there is nothing wrong with the unit. You only need to figure out what seems to be the problem with the remote. Aside from trying different button functions, you should also change the remote’s batteries and see if it solves the problem.
- Leaking unit
Your AC unit removes moisture from the air. The water then goes to the drain line connected to pipes down to the drain. If the water does not go directly to the drain, you need to check where the water got stuck.
To unclog the AC drain line, you must turn off the unit. Locate the drain pipe, usually positioned outside your home, wherever the condenser unit is.
Pull off the pipe’s cap and check for any stuck debris. Remove all dirt but be careful that you don’t push it down. Clean the pipe by pouring a cup of distilled white vinegar. Put back the cap.
Do not turn the unit on immediately. Wait at least 30 minutes before turning it back on.
Do remember that these are only easy fixes to the problems. If those won’t work, that will be the time to call in for repairs. Ask your local HVAC specialists for their services. Don’t forget to consult about AC maintenance too.
If you happen to be in Miami or anywhere near, you can get high-grade services from various reputable services. Just make sure to go for an HVAC company that works with AC of any brand and delivers an excellent job and responsive customer service.
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