Air conditioners are becoming an essential part of our lives, especially in regions that face extreme temperatures in summers or winters. When an AC breaks down, we face discomfort and a possible cost attached to getting it repaired. When an AC starts to fail, there are a few obvious signs. If you want your AC to be reliable and not break down suddenly, it is recommended that you catch some early signs of a possible breakdown and get those problems fixed. In this article, we are listing the ten most common AC problems and their possible solutions.
Here Are The Most Common AC-related Problem
1. AC Remote Is Not Working.
If your AC remote doesn’t work, check the batteries first. If they’re good, check the IR sensor (the little window on the front). If it’s not covered, call a pro.
2. AC Is Not Cooling Properly.
Insufficient cooling is the most common AC problem that people face. If your AC isn’t cooling properly, it could be due to many reasons. It could be due to clogged air filters, low refrigerant, a faulty motor, a dirty outdoor unit, or even incorrect mode selection. You can read about the five most common reasons your AC is not cooling here.
Wrong AC Mode: You should first start by checking if you have selected the wrong AC mode using the remote controller. If you have, switch the AC back to cooling mode and set the correct temperature, and everything should be alright.
Clogged Air Filters: Clean your AC’s air filters every few months to keep it running efficiently. Just remove them, wash them with warm water, and reinstall them.
Dirty Outdoor Unit: The outdoor unit takes the hot air from inside the room via the indoor unit and then condenses it into cool air. The cool air is then transferred back to the indoor unit. If you can sense bubbling or hissing noise or build-up of ice on the outdoor unit, it could be due to low refrigerant level. You should call for professional help to fix this problem as it is something you need help setting.
Faulty Motor: If the AC’s fan motor gets broken or defective, the AC can’t function properly and offers sufficient cooling. If you see the fan not spinning, you should call the brand or some trusted professional to fix the problem.
3. Water Leaking Inside The Room.
This is among the most common AC problems that people face. When the water leaks inside the room, it could be due to a few reasons. It is due to a clogged condensate drainage pipe (due to dirt, dust, algae, or fungi), a damaged or rusted drain pan, or a broken condensate pump.
If your AC is old or has a broken condensate pump, you may need to replace the drain pan or have the pump repaired by a professional.
4. Water Leaking Outside The Room.
It is normal for an AC to release some water outside the room during its normal operation. Usually, that water dries up during a hot day. However, if you find an alarming amount of water outside your home from your AC, it could be because you have set an extremely low temperature. The problem may also occur if the AC is installed improperly.
5. Unusually High Electricity Bills.
Are you noticing unusually high electricity bills? It is among the most common AC problems that people face. Your AC can consume higher than usual power, resulting in high electricity bills, for various reasons. It could be due to improper insulation if you leave doors or windows open. You need to keep your room’s doors and windows completely closed and ensure they are well-insulated. You can read how you can save energy while using an AC here.
The problem might also arise if you set extremely low temperatures (16°C or 18°C). As mentioned earlier, India’s Ministry of Power recommends setting a temperature of 24°C while using an AC because it is a fine balance between cooling, experiencing a comfortable temperature, and power consumption.
6. AC Keeps Turning On & Off Repeatedly.
If your AC keeps turning on and off repeatedly, there could be an electrical problem that you need to get checked. There might also be a problem related to a faulty temperature sensor or the compressor failing. These are some serious issues and something that you need help fixing, so it would be best to call up your service engineer to solve the problem.
7. Bad Odor From Your AC.
If you are sensing a bad and damp odor from your AC, it could be due to dirty air filters or coil. It would help if you cleaned the filters by following the guidance mentioned in Step 2. To clean the ring, though, you would need specialized tools or call for professionals to do it for you. It could also be due to the formation of algae or fungi.
Another odor can be released from the AC. It’s the odor of the refrigerant, and it smells like ether, chloroform, or sweetness. If you sense such an odor, you should get your AC fixed by a professional.
Ten of the most common AC issues are listed here. Some of these errors can be fixed with basic equipment, but others may require a skilled HVAC professional. Check out our AC buying guide for help choosing the right AC. It offers useful information to aid making choices.
Keeping the AC in excellent condition requires extra care if you use it often. A broken AC in the middle of a hot summer is common, so get your AC serviced regularly to avoid it. Even a yearly maintenance contract is possible.
