Common Home Air Conditioner Problems
Condenser Does Not Run
The condenser is the outdoor part of an air conditioning system. If the condenser doesn’t turn on, then the air conditioner will not work. This can occur for several different reasons. The most basic issue that could be preventing the condenser from turning on is that the thermostat is currently set too high. If the thermostat temperature is low enough for the condenser to turn on, then the problem could be due to a faulty compressor, faulty motor, or the condenser may not be receiving power. If you suspect that the issue is due to a faulty compressor, faulty motor, or damaged wiring, then it’s recommended to contact an air conditioner repair professional.
Uneven Cooling
In some cases the air conditioner could be working properly, but you notice that the home is cooler in some areas than it is in others. This uneven cooling is generally the result of closed or clogged vents. By ensuring the airways throughout the home ventilation system are clean and clear, you should be able to correct the distribution system imbalance.
Inadequate Cooling
If the air conditioner seems to be working properly, but the temperature within the home doesn’t drop, despite the air conditioner running constantly, there are a few possibilities that could be the cause. Check to make sure that the thermostat is set to the right temperature. If it is too high, then the air conditioner will automatically turn off before properly cooling the home.
Alternately, the evaporator coils may be too dirty. This can be resolved by cleaning the evaporator coils in most cases. However, another possibility that could lead to inadequate cooling is if the air conditioning unit is too small for the size of the home. In this case, you would need to consult with an air conditioning professional to determine if an upgrade is necessary.
No Cooling
When the air conditioner turns on, but the air coming out of the vents is the same temperature as the rest of the home, it’s an indication that the air conditioner is not cooling. If the thermostat is set too high, the air conditioner will not cool the home until it reaches the target temperature. However, if the thermostat is set to a comfortable level, then the issue could be due to dirty condenser coils, dirty evaporator coils, a blocked condensate drain line, low refrigerant levels, or a faulty compressor.
Experienced DIYers can typically handle cleaning condenser and evaporator coils, and may be able to clear a blocked condensate drain line, but it’s recommended to contact an air conditioner repair professional to replace a faulty compressor or recharge refrigerant levels.
Condenser Turns On and Off Repeatedly
The air conditioner may attempt to turn on when the temperature inside the home reaches the set level on the thermostat, but if the condenser is blocked by trees, flowers, bushes, or any other obstructions this could cause the condenser to turn on and turn off repeatedly. The issue could also be the result of faulty wiring, dirty condenser coils, or dirty evaporator coils.
Cutting back the foliage around the unit may be all that’s required to solve the problem, but you might need to clean the condenser or evaporator coils to resolve the issue. If you suspect the wiring is damaged, causing intermittent power problems with the unit, then contact an air conditioner repair professional to repair or replace the wiring.
Faulty Thermostat
If the thermostat isn’t working right, nothing else with the HVAC system will work right. The thermostat is the brain of the entire system. All thermostats need power. Thermostats can be powered by batteries, by a low voltage wire, or by both. If power is compromised, the thermostat will not work. Additionally, thermostats aren’t always well-placed in the home. Yours may have been installed where sunlight hits it or next to a cool area with a draft.