4 common AC faults you should be aware of

Like any other appliance, air conditioners can run into problems now and then. They’re not always obvious, though, so knowing what to look out for can help you address small faults before they become a bigger problem. To get you on the right track, we look at 4 of the most common AC problems you should be on the lookout for.

1. Refrigerant leaks

If your AC is low in refrigerant even after a top up, you may have a leak. Making sure that your refrigerant is at the right level is key to prolonging your AC’s lifespan and overall performance. Unmanaged, a leak can result in:

• Low efficiency, resulting in much higher power consumption
• Inconsistent cooling
• A frozen evaporator coil, and
• The compressor being damaged.

There’s also a chance a leak may pose a risk to your health (as well as the environment’s!), so getting it fixed should be a priority.

2. Sensor issues

Your air conditioner cycling constantly or turning on and off without warning can indicate a failed thermostat. This sensor, located behind your AC’s control panel, measures the temperature of air coming into the evaporative coil and adjusts ambient temperature accordingly, so it’s important it stays in as good a condition as possible.

3. Grime build-up

With all the hard work ACs get up to, they – unsurprisingly – get dirty over time. The problem is that dirt accumulates internally, so knowing when to clean those grimy filters isn’t always obvious. While a little bit of grime accumulating internally might seem harmless, dirty filters and coils can put a lot of unnecessary strain on your unit. This can cause your AC’s fans to fail a lot sooner than they ought to, which is why inspecting those filters is on the regular is so important.

4. Electric control failure

Even doing something as simple as turning your AC on and off frequently can cause its fan controls and compressor to wear out prematurely. These worn-out components can cause a connection problem that prevents the compressor from turning on altogether – which is the last thing you need when the mercury rises!

When it comes to your AC, prevention is better than cure

AC issues can often be prevented by keeping an eye on telltale problem signs. When using your AC, look out for things like:

• Poor performance
• Leaking (leaks are often normal, but they can suggest a problem)
• Odd noises (such as thumping, hissing, buzzing, rattling, or banging), and
• Strange smells.

Diagnosing the problem yourself isn’t easy, as these signs can often relate to several common faults. Instead, any warning signs may suggest you’re overdue for an air-conditioner service. And if that is the case, our experts are always happy to use our decades of experience to ensure your AC is in tip-top condition for the warmer or cooler months.