There are many reasons why your air conditioner might not work, but most problems are due to a handful of problems. Having an air conditioner that doesn’t work during the hot summer months can be a major hassle. Knowing what can cause air conditioning problems can help you understand what a professional recommends to fix the problem and help you stay cool!
Dirty air filter
When the air filter in your air conditioning unit gets dirty, dirt settles in the air ducts in your home. Your ductwork starts to collect dirt over time and that can lead to big problems. Replacing the ducts can be very expensive compared to a simple air filter change. Air that is not trapped in your ducts will enter your home and can cause a multitude of problems. Dirty air is not good for your health and can damage your furniture and belongings.
Little refrigerant
When your air conditioner is running and you don’t feel the indoor air cool down, you may be low on refrigerant (known as Freon). A low refrigerant system may indicate a leak somewhere. Replacing the refrigerant, or freon, is a simple task for an air conditioning professional. If there is a leak, be sure to identify and repair it.
The outdoor fan does not work
Your system has an outdoor fan that will draw warm air from inside your home and release it to the outside air. If you see or hear that your outdoor fan is not running, heat transfer will not occur and it will cause your air conditioner compressor to overheat. This will trip up your system and prevent it from working. A damaged outdoor fan could also lead to more serious problems, such as damage to your system’s compressor. If the outdoor fan does not work, have it checked as soon as possible.
A frozen inner coil
The most common problem with air conditioning units during the summer months is a frozen unit. If you notice ice on your outdoor unit’s copper tubing, it is a good indication that you have a frozen coil. Very often, a low refrigerant system will cause a coil to freeze. A system that doesn’t move enough air through the ducts can also end up frozen. A frozen coil, low Freon, and fan or filter problems can be minimized with regular preventative maintenance on your unit.