A busted air conditioner can leave you feeling sweaty and miserable during the hot months of summer. ACs are fairly complex appliances, and there are plenty of parts that can wear down over time or without proper maintenance. By learning some of the most common AC problems, you can quickly identify what’s wrong with your system. Then, you can reach out to a Denver air conditioner repair service for quick maintenance.
Short Cycling
Does your air conditioner seem to be turning off and on too quickly? This is known as short cycling, and it’s a common problem that comes with several potential consequences. First, because your AC is failing to complete a cooling cycle, you’ll notice an increase in your energy bills. Second, the short cycles can eventually wear down AC parts, shortening the lifespan of the appliance.
So, what causes short cycling in an AC? There are several possibilities:
- The air filter is clogged and the AC is forced to shut down as it overheats.
- The AC is too big for the space, so it quickly cools the room to the set temperature and then immediately shuts off. The result is sudden temperature shifts.
- The evaporator coils are frozen, leading to malfunctions.
- Refrigerant is running low, so your AC is repeatedly overheating and then shutting down.
- Problems with the electric system, such as corroded wires, can cause short cycles.
- Your thermostat may be defective or exposed to drafts or too much sunlight.
Leaking Refrigerant
Refrigerant is vital to your AC system because it absorbs heat. Without enough refrigerants, the AC can’t efficiently cool your space. If it’s leaking from your system, you may notice the following:
- A hissing noise is present while the AC is running.
- Ice is building up on the evaporator coils.
- Cooling cycles are longer than usual.
- Your indoor space feels humid or unusually warm.
- Your monthly energy bills are increasing.
Unusual Noises
An AC that makes strange noises can be disruptive. But more importantly, those sounds may be a sign of underlying problems. Here are a few types of noises to listen out for:
- Hissing: As mentioned above, a hissing noise may indicate a refrigerant leak.
- Rattling or clanging: This type of sound may be loud or faint, and it’s likely caused by a loose part near the motor or blower.
- Buzzing: When electrical parts start to degrade, you might hear a buzzing noise when the AC is running.
- Clicking: This type of sound can indicate anything from faulty electrical components to a small, loose part.
In some cases, AC problems may be the result of improper installation or maintenance. With that in mind, make sure you only hire experts to fix your system or unit. In addition, a routine inspection of your HVAC system may help you identify small issues before they turn into larger problems.
You can count on the experienced technicians at Go Green Heating and Air Conditioning to address your needs. Contact us today to get a free quote or schedule an appointment.