What to Do When Your Air Conditioner Doesn't Work Properly

Air conditioners, even some of the best ones in the market today, get to a point where they start experiencing some issues. That's why manufacturers advise homeowners to regularly service their units at least once a year to keep them in good shape. If yours just started malfunctioning, here's what you can do.

Determine the root cause of the problem

First, if the air conditioner doesn't turn on at all, there could be a problem with the thermostat or electrical connectivity. In most cases, your thermostat batteries are simply dead. You just need to switch them for new ones, and things will be back to normal. 

However, if that doesn't work, then maybe your system isn't getting the electricity it needs to run. Perhaps someone or something turned off the indoor or outdoor disconnect switch by accident. If not, check your breaker box to see if the breaker has been tripped or if a fuse has blown.

If your AC is turning on for a moment and then shutting off, the problem could be linked to your air filter, condenser coils, or evaporator coils. If you haven't changed the filter in a while, it can be clogged with dust and debris, causing the unit to overheat and shut off as a safety mechanism. The same applies when your condenser or evaporator coils are dirty. Your system won't be able to remove heat efficiently and will likely turn off.

If there are areas in your room where your system isn't conditioning properly, in most cases, you may have placed your thermostat in the wrong place. For example, if your thermostat is near a window or at a central location the sun's rays can reach, it will pick up on the wrong temperature every time, affecting how your air conditioner cools or heats your space.

This problem could also arise when your air conditioner is too big or too small for your home. An oversized system will cool your living space quickly but will not be able to remove the humidity properly. As a result, you'll end up with an air conditioner that cycles on and off every few minutes. On the other hand, if it is too small for your home, it won't be able to keep up with the cooling or heating load.

Lastly, if your system is too loud, the issue will depend on the type of noise it produces. Squealing and screeching are often associated with a defective belt. Rattling noises could be a result of a bad motor, fan, or compressor. And humming noises could arise from a defective contactor relay switch.

Call for help

While some of the things you can fix on your own, like changing the thermostat batteries and filters, it's often a good idea to call a professional to properly assess the problem and provide the appropriate lasting solution. They are certified and experienced in dealing with any type of air conditioning issue. If you live around Mesa, AZ, Ultimate Pro Heating & Cooling is happy to help.

It's your responsibility to keep your air conditioner properly serviced and maintained. If done right, it should last you many years. But if there is an issue with it, take the time to figure out what's wrong before calling for help. Please like and follow our pages on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about HVAC and other home maintenance tips you may need to know.