Air Conditioner Problems Ottawa

Air Conditioner Problems and Solutions

Most common air conditioner problems

Since the air con leak happens due to several factors, we like to inform you about the proper operation and maintenance of your system to avoid air conditioner problems. The central air conditioner problems usually occur due to improper operation of the AC unit. Proper operation and air conditioner maintenance are the keys to having a healthy home comfort system. To give you some examples of how to properly run your air conditioning system when your air conditioner is on, be sure to close your home’s windows and outside doors. For room air conditioners, isolate the room or a group of connected rooms as much as possible from the rest of your house. Last but not the least, how an air conditioner works, is by removing the relative humidity in your home, and so you feel cool. So, when it’s really hot and humid, sometimes it takes a longer time to get your room temperature down. Be sure to turn on your air conditioner a day before when you see a weather forecast of hot weather.

Other common problems with existing air conditioners are the result of:

  • Faulty installation
  • Poor service procedures
  • Inadequate maintenance
Air-Conditioner-Sizing-Ottawa-Impressive-Climate-Control

FAULTY INSTALLATION

Improper air conditioning installation of a central air conditioner can result in leaky ducts and low airflow. Many times, the installer does not put adequate refrigerant charge (the amount of refrigerant in the system) based on the manufacturer’s specifications. If proper refrigerant filling is not performed during installation, the performance and efficiency of the unit is impaired. Unqualified service technicians often fail to find refrigerant charging problems. Worse than that they add refrigerant to a system that is already full worsening the problem.

Learn about the air conditioner maintenance checklist when hiring a technician to maintain your air conditioner.

Air conditioner manufacturers, particularly high-end brands, generally make the best air conditioners with high-quality performance. Be sure to understand the refrigerant levels in your system when hiring a technician to maintain your air conditioner.
If your air conditioner stops working, first check any fuses or circuit breakers. Let the unit cool down for about five minutes before resetting any breakers. If a central air conditioner’s compressor stops on a hot day, the high-pressure limit switch may have tripped; reset it by pushing the button, located in the compressor’s access panel.

– REFRIGERANT LEAKS

If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, either it was undercharged at installation or it leaks. If the AC leaks, simply adding proper AC refrigerant is not a solution. A professionally and certified air conditioner technician should fix any leak, test the repair, and then charge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant. Remember that the performance and efficiency of your air conditioner are greatest when the refrigerant charge exactly matches the manufacturer’s specification and is neither undercharged nor overcharged. Refrigerant leaks can also be harmful to the environment.

– INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE

Yearly maintenance will allow filters and air conditioning coils to remain clean. If you are not in a habit of doing air conditioner maintenance then your air conditioner will not work properly, and the compressor or fans are likely to fail prematurely

ELECTRIC CONTROL FAILURE

The compressor and fan controls can wear out, especially when the air conditioner turns on and off frequently, (in other terms the air conditioner’s short cycles), especially when a system is oversized. Therefore bigger unit does not always mean the best central air conditioning for your home. Because corrosion of wires and terminals is also a problem in many systems, electrical connections and contacts should be checked during a professional service call.

SENSOR PROBLEMS

Room air conditioners feature a thermostat sensor, conveniently located behind the control panel, which measures the temperature of air coming into the evaporative coil. If the sensor is not in the right position, the air conditioner could have short cycles. The sensor should be near the coil but not touching it; adjust its position by carefully bending the wire that holds it in place.

DRAINAGE PROBLEMS

When it’s hot and humid outside, check the condensate drain to make sure it isn’t clogged and is draining properly. The best way to clean a clogged condensate pan is to use vinegar to clean throughout. Room air conditioners may not drain properly if not mounted level.

CONDENSATION PROBLEMS

Are you experiencing condensation on air conditioning ducts? In central air conditioning units and packaged units, this may happen due to improper airflow. Excessive condensation from air conditioning due to a clogged condensate drain line or ice built up in the vents can cause major air conditioner problems in your system. AC condensation will rust and eventually kill the air conditioning or your furnace. If you are having a condensation problem you should contact our HVAC technician right away to fix the condensation problem.

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