Troubleshooting Guide – Common Air Conditioning Problems

When the weather begins to warm up, air conditioning is the solution many homes and businesses use to stay cool; however, as the summer months roll on, there is always the chance that air conditioning units will develop faults that prevent them from running efficiently.

Before calling us out, here are some common issues found with air conditioning systems and how to troubleshoot:

The Unit Will Not Turn On

1. Check the thermostat is working as if the controller is low on power or not setup correctly, the unit will remain idle.
2. Check the unit is receiving power and there has not been a tripped fuse or safety switch requiring a quick reset.
3. Check the air filter and drain pan for excess dirt as if the filters are clogged, the lack of airflow will shut the unit down.
4. Check the unit for error codes as these will indicate a wider problem with the system such as a lack of refrigerant.
5. If you have checked the above with no success then it is time to call in a professional for an expert diagnosis as faulty parts may need replacing.

The Unit is Producing Warm Air

1. Check the thermostat settings to ensure it is set to ‘cooling’ mode and that the temperature has been set to below room temperature.
2. Check the air filter for excess dirt as a lack of airflow will reduce the cooling capabilities of the unit.
3. If you have checked the above with no success then it is time to call in a professional for an expert diagnosis as faulty parts may need replacing.

The Unit is Working but No Air is Flowing

1. Check the air filter for excess dirt as a lack of airflow will restrict the air coming out.
2. Check all vents are clear from obstruction as blocked vents will restrict the air coming out.
3. Check the external unit for ice build-up as a frozen condenser indicates a wider problem with the system.
4. Listen for any unusual noises from the unit as these could indicate faulty parts requiring replacing.
5. If you have checked the above with no success then it is time to call in a professional for an expert diagnosis as faulty parts may need replacing.

The Unit is Leaking Fluid

1. Check the drain pan for blockages as a blocked condensate line is the most common cause for a water leakage.
2. An oil leak may occur from faulty components so if identified it is important to call in a professional for an expert diagnosis.
3. If the fluid is not water or oil then it could be refrigerant which is extremely harmful so it is important to call in a professional for an expert diagnosis immediately.

The Unit is Smelling Unpleasant

1. A musty or mouldy odour indicates potential mildew growth within the system from excess moisture.
2. A burning smell indicates potential overheating or malfunction of electrical components.
3. A dirty or dusty odour indicates potential dirt build-up in the air filters which therefore need cleaning or replacing.
4. A chemical or metallic smell indicates potential refrigerant issues or a leak so it is important to call in a professional immediately for an expert diagnosis.
5. A sewage smell indicates potential plumbing issues within the property if the unit is connected to a mains drain or sewer.

The Unit is Making Strange Noises

1. A rattling or banging noise indicates potential loose parts within the unit.
2. A high-pitched screeching noise indicates potential fan belt issues from excess usage.
3. A clicking noise indicates potential electrical component faults or loose connections.
4. A hissing noise indicates potential refrigerant leakages so it is important to call in a professional immediately for an expert diagnosis.
5. A humming or buzzing noise indicates potential electrical component faults or loose connections.

The Unit is Constantly Running

1. Check the thermostat settings to ensure it is set to the correct mode as being set to a excessively low temperature could result in the unit continuously running.
2. Check the air filter for excess dirt as a lack of airflow will cause the unit to take longer to reach the desired temperature.
3. Have a professional check refrigerant levels as a low-level of refrigerant will reduce the cooling capacity of the unit causing it to continuously run.
4. Have a professional check the size of the unit as an undersized unit for the space will reduce the desired cooling effect causing it to continuously run.

For expert air conditioning installations in Cambridge, get in touch with our professional team of air conditioning contractors at Huttie today.