Air conditioners are essential for keeping your home or business comfortable, but they can be prone to repair problems. Refrigerant is the material used by air conditioning to remove heat and moisture from the air, and when rooms are closed and the flow of air is interrupted, common central air conditioning problems can occur. It is important to close the windows and exterior doors of your house to isolate the room or a group of connected rooms from the rest of the house. To get a better understanding of the most common air conditioning problems and what to look out for, check out our Energy Saver 101 infographic on home cooling. Improper installation, inadequate service procedures, and lack of maintenance can all lead to issues with existing air conditioners.
If the central air conditioner is not installed correctly, it can result in duct leaks and reduced airflow. Additionally, many times the refrigerant charge (the amount of refrigerant in the system) does not match the manufacturer's specifications. If the refrigerant is not charged correctly during installation, it will affect both the performance and efficiency of the unit. Unqualified service technicians may not detect refrigerant charging problems or even make them worse by adding too much refrigerant to a system that is already full. It is important to know what to ask for when hiring a technician to service your air conditioner.
If there is not enough refrigerant in the system, it could mean that it was undercharged at installation or that it is leaking. If there is a leak, simply adding more coolant will not solve the problem. A trained technician must repair any leaks, test the repair, and then charge the system with the correct amount of coolant. It is important to remember that your air conditioner's performance and efficiency are best when the refrigerant charge matches the manufacturer's specifications exactly and isn't undercharged or overcharged. Refrigerant leaks can also be damaging to the environment. One of the most common problems with domestic air conditioners is a malfunctioning thermostat.
For example, if your air conditioner has short cycles and your space feels warmer than usual, it could be due to a faulty thermostat. The compressor is another integral component of air conditioning as it helps refrigerants carry out heat exchange and regulate air conditioning pressure. To ensure that your air conditioner runs smoothly and efficiently, it is important to have regular maintenance checks done by a qualified technician. This will help identify any potential issues before they become serious problems. Additionally, you should always make sure that your air conditioner has been installed correctly by a qualified technician who knows how to properly charge your system with refrigerant. By following these tips and understanding common causes of air conditioner repair problems, you can help keep your home or business comfortable while avoiding costly repairs.