As homeowners, you should be aware of signs that show your air conditioning unit is in need of emergency help or professional repair.
The unit no longer cools. Your air conditioning may still run but it doesn’t provide you the cool air you so desire. Chances are, it needs thorough cleaning. This can be done at home by the husband but if you’re a woman, make sure to get help from the males especially when taking off the grille.
Remember to turn off the unit and unplug it from the socket. At the outdoor condenser, remove the grille or cover from the fins and with a soft brush, clean the dirt and debris from the fins. You can then vacuum the fins. Now with your water hose, clean the fins making sure to cover the motor and wiring with plastic sheeting. Let it dry before testing it.
The unit won’t turn on. First, set the thermostat to cool and lower than the present temperature. Check whether the plug is properly connected to the socket and whether the fuse is okay or not. Replace the fuse if you see that it’s blown. Try to see also if the circuit breaker is tripped or not. If yes, then reset it.
Water collects near the unit. Air conditioning units normally release water through condensation via a plastic tube at its outdoor condenser. The water should go directly to a floor drain but if you see that water collects at the base of the air conditioner, there might be a leak or a blockage such as the presence of ice in the tube. It can also be that the pump is not functioning. For leaks, it’s best to replace the tubes.
Squealing sound from air handler. A loosened belt connecting the motor to the fan may have slipped the reason for the squeals you hear from your unit. It may be that the belt got misaligned or is already worn out in which case it has to be replaced. A buzzing noise may also be heard if the contactor situated in the unit’s backside malfunctions. If you continuously hear noises, turn off the air conditioner and call a technician to check the problem.
Outdoor unit malfunctions. If this happens, your outdoor condenser may not be receiving any electricity. Check the circuit breaker inside your house and the other breaker box outdoor. There may be problems with the wiring so call a professional technician if you figure this out. Another possible cause would be that the condenser fan outside is burnt out. With too much heat, the condenser can shut off and its seals could even melt.
These are just some of the common problems you may encounter with your air conditioner. Many more problems unique to your unit may crop up but what’s important is you know the signs.
