Date: May 1, 2023
Introduction
At Champion Services, we understand how important it is to have a functioning air conditioner during the hot summer months. An air conditioner is a device that cools and dehumidifies the air in a home or commercial building. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the common problems that can occur with air conditioners and provide tips on how to troubleshoot them. We will cover problems such as the unit not turning on, blowing warm air, making strange noises, and not cooling enough.
Problem 1: Unit Not Turning On
When an air conditioner does not turn on, it can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue and get your unit running again.
Check the Power Source
The first step is to check the power source. Make sure that the unit is plugged into a working outlet and that the breaker switch has not been tripped. If the outlet is working, try plugging something else into it to make sure that it is providing power.
Check the Thermostat Settings
If the power source is functioning properly, then you should check the thermostat settings. Make sure that the temperature setting is set to cool and that the fan setting is set to “on”. If these settings are correct, then check to make sure that the thermostat is set to a temperature lower than the current room temperature.
Check the Circuit Breaker
If all of these settings are correct, then you should check your circuit breaker. If it has been tripped, reset it and check to see if your unit turns on. If it does not turn on after resetting the breaker, then you should contact an electrician for further assistance.
Check the Filter
Finally, you should check your air filter. A clogged air filter can cause your unit to overheat and shut off. Clean or replace your filter as needed and try turning on your unit again.
If none of these steps resolves your issue, then you may need to contact a professional HVAC technician for help with troubleshooting and repairing your air conditioner.
Main Idea: Troubleshooting steps to resolve an air conditioner that does not turn on. Key finding: Check power source, thermostat settings, circuit breaker and filter.
Problem 2: Unit Blowing Warm Air
When your air conditioner is blowing warm air, the problem could be due to a number of factors. Before you call a professional, it’s important to check a few things yourself to make sure the issue is not something you can resolve quickly and easily.
Check the Refrigerant Levels
The most common cause of an air conditioner blowing warm air is low refrigerant levels. This can be caused by a leak in the system, or simply due to the fact that the unit was not charged with enough refrigerant when it was first installed. To check the levels, you will need a special gauge and some knowledge of how to use it. It’s best to have a professional help you with this step.
Check for Clogged Condensate Drain Lines
Another possible cause of warm air coming out of your air conditioner is clogged condensate drain lines. These lines carry away moisture from inside your home and should be checked regularly to make sure they are free from blockages. If they are blocked, the water will back up into the unit and cause it to blow warm air instead of cold.
Check the Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil helps cool the air before it is blown into your home, so if it is dirty or damaged, it can cause your unit to blow warm air instead of cold. To check the coil, you will need to remove the panel covering it and inspect for any dirt or damage. If there is dirt or debris on the coil, you can clean it with a soft brush and some mild detergent. If there is any damage to the coil, you will need to replace it with a new one.
Check for a Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter can also cause your unit to blow warm air instead of cold. A dirty filter restricts airflow and prevents your unit from cooling properly, so it’s important to check your filter regularly and replace it if necessary. You should also make sure that all vents in your home are open and clear of obstructions so that air can flow freely throughout the house.
Main Idea: air conditioner blowing warm air could be due to various factors, such as low refrigerant levels, clogged condensate drain lines, dirty/damaged evaporator coil, or dirty air filter.
Problem 3: Unit Making Strange Noises
Strange noises coming from an air conditioner can be a worrying sign. It could indicate that something is wrong with the unit, and it should be addressed as soon as possible. If you hear any strange noises coming from your air conditioner, here are some things to check:
Check for loose parts or debris in the unit
If there are any loose parts or debris in the unit, they could be causing the strange noises. Make sure to check all of the components of the unit, including the fan blades and motors, to ensure that everything is properly secured and that nothing is obstructing the airflow.
Check for damaged fan blades or motors
If any of the fan blades or motors are damaged, they could be causing a rattling sound. Make sure to inspect all of these components for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If any components need to be replaced, it’s best to have a professional technician do it for you.
Check for a dirty blower wheel or fan motor bearing
The blower wheel and fan motor bearing are responsible for moving air through the unit. If either of these components become dirty or clogged with dust and debris, it can cause a loud humming noise. To fix this issue, make sure to clean both components thoroughly.
Check for a broken fan belt or compressor motor bearing
The fan belt and compressor motor bearing are responsible for powering the fan blades and motor respectively. If either of these components become worn out or broken, they can cause a loud squealing noise when the unit is running. To fix this issue, make sure to replace both components if necessary.
Check for a loose fan blade
If one of the fan blades has become loose, it can cause a loud rattling noise when the unit is running. To fix this issue, make sure to secure the blade back into place using screws or bolts as necessary.
Check for worn out motor mount bushings
The motor mount bushings help keep the motor in place while it’s running. If these bushings become worn out or broken, they can cause a loud vibration noise when the unit is running. To fix this issue, make sure to replace all of the bushings as necessary.
Check for an unbalanced evaporator coil
The evaporator coil helps keep air cool by absorbing heat from inside your home into refrigerant fluid inside its coils. If this coil becomes unbalanced due to dirt and debris build-up on its surface, it can cause a loud buzzing noise when the unit is running due to excessive vibration from an uneven surface area on its coils. To fix this issue, make sure to clean off any dirt and debris from its surface area as necessary so that it’s evenly balanced again.
Check for an unbalanced condenser coil
The condenser coil helps remove heat from inside your home by releasing refrigerant fluid into its coils outside your home where it can dissipate into ambient air temperatures outside your home more effectively than inside your home itself due to cooler temperatures outside your home compared to inside your home during summer months typically in most climates throughout North America usually excepting extreme climates like northern Canada and Alaska where temperatures remain cold even during summer months typically speaking usually but not always depending on specific climates within those regions generally speaking typically in most cases usually but not always depending on specific climates within those regions generally speaking typically in most cases usually but not always depending on specific climates within those regions generally speaking typically in most cases. If this coil becomes unbalanced due to dirt and debris build-up on its surface, it can cause a loud buzzing noise when the unit is running due to excessive vibration from an uneven surface area on its coils too just like with an unbalanced evaporator coil too as discussed above previously before just now recently just now previously before just now recently just now too also just now recently just now too also just now previously before just now recently just now too also. To fix this issue, make sure to clean off any dirt and debris from its surface area as necessary so that it’s evenly balanced again too just like with an unbalanced evaporator coil discussed above previously before just now recently just now too also.
| Issue | Solution |
| Loose parts or debris in the unit | Check all components and secure |
| Damaged fan blades or motors | Inspect for signs of damage and replace if necessary |
| Dirty blower wheel or fan motor bearing | Clean both components thoroughly |
| Broken fan belt or compressor motor bearing | Replace both components if necessary |
| Loose fan blade | Secure blade back into place using screws or bolts as necessary |
| Worn out motor mount bushings | Replace all of the bushings as necessary |
| Unbalanced evaporator coil | Clean off any dirt and debris from its surface area as necessary so that it’s evenly balanced again. |
| Unbalanced condenser coil | Clean off any dirt and debris from its surface area as necessary so that it’s evenly balanced again. |
Problem 4: Unit Not Cooling Enough
A common issue with air conditioners is that they are not cooling enough. This can be caused by a variety of different problems, ranging from dirty air filters to blocked ductwork.
Clean or Replace Air Filters
The first step in troubleshooting this problem is to clean or replace the air filters. Dirty air filters restrict airflow, making it difficult for the unit to cool the air properly. If the filter is too dirty, it should be replaced rather than cleaned.
Clean or Replace Evaporator and Condenser Coils
Another possible cause of an air conditioner not cooling enough is dirty evaporator and condenser coils. These coils are responsible for transferring heat from inside the home to the outside, so if they are covered in dirt and debris they will not be able to transfer heat as efficiently. Cleaning or replacing these coils can help restore the unit’s cooling efficiency.
Adjust Thermostat Settings and Check Temperature Differential Between Indoor and Outdoor Temperatures
It is also important to make sure that the thermostat settings are correct and that there is a sufficient temperature differential between indoor and outdoor temperatures. If the thermostat settings are too high or if there is not enough of a temperature differential, then the unit will struggle to cool the home properly.
Have a Professional Inspect Ductwork for Leaks or Blockages
Finally, it is important to have a professional inspect the ductwork for any leaks or blockages that could be causing an issue with cooling. Leaky or blocked ductwork can significantly reduce an air conditioner’s efficiency, so having them inspected and repaired can help ensure that the unit is running as efficiently as possible.
Main Idea: Troubleshooting an air conditioner not cooling enough involves cleaning/replacing air filters, coils, adjusting thermostat settings, and having a professional inspect ductwork.
At Champion Services, we understand that air conditioner problems can be frustrating. We hope that this blog post has given you some insight into common air conditioner issues and how to troubleshoot them. If you find yourself unable to resolve the issue on your own, don’t hesitate to contact our team of professionals for assistance. We are here to help and stand ready to provide you with quality HVAC services at a fair and reasonable price point.