If the air conditioning is going to fail, it is always going to be at the most inopportune time! Whether it is over 100° for the tenth day in a row or you have family visiting from out of town, here are some common issues we see when we come out on a repair call. They can help you understand what to check yourself and when you need a technician’s help.
Filter– We will say it again and again: A dirty filter is the most common reason an air conditioner stops working or underperforms. Keeping the filter clean is a must. Don’t know where it is? Check out our post here for more information.
Thermostat– Making sure you have fresh batteries in your thermostat will ensure it is communicating correctly with the air conditioner. Corrosion on the terminals breaks the connection so make sure when you replace them that you gently wipe the terminals clean before inserting the fresh batteries. Here is a helpful demo on replacing batteries. Note: If you have a wi-fi enabled smart thermostat, there are no batteries to replace. It is hardwired to the system for power.
Outdoor Unit– If the outdoor air conditioner’s fan doesn’t come on it is likely a power issue. Fuses and breakers are something you can check and see if you can restore power. Here is a quick video on how to replace your fuses.
- Capacitors- The most common failure when we have a heat wave. If the unit has been running too long and risks over heating, the capacitor will likely fail. There are two capacitors on an outdoor unit (or one dual capacitor). One for the fan and the other for the compressor.
- Contactors- Corrosion and general wear are the most common reasons for contactor failures.
- Circuit boards, motors, and compressors can also fail for a variety of reasons.
- Refrigerant leaks are less common but can cause very large problems if not addressed quickly and correctly.
Indoor Unit– If the inside fan doesn’t come on, it again is likely a power issue. Check the breaker labeled “furnace, blower, or air handler” and see if it has tripped. Check that the front panel of the furnace is properly latched in place (especially if you change your filter at the furnace).
- Capacitors- Like the outdoor unit there is a capacitor on an indoor blower.
- Contactors- Also, like the outdoor unit there is a contactor that controls flow of electricity that can get dirty, corroded, or wear down over time.
- Circuit boards and motors can fail as well.
What can you do to prevent some of these common repairs?
- Have a surge protector installed at your indoor or outdoor unit. These little components can give you long lasting peace of mind. Contact us for more information.
- Have a whole home surge protector installed. Power fluctuations from the power grid are often contributed to air conditioner repairs, especially during a heat wave when power is in high demand and can become unstable. This is something you will need to hire an electrician to do. It will help protect your whole home (HVAC equipment, appliances, electronics) from a power surge. While not a guarantee, it is a cost effective way to give you some added assurance when comes to your home.
- Consider getting onto a maintenance plan. We can spot potential issues before they become bigger problems, saving you a service call.