NAME: BENJAMIN SWOKA MARTIN

CLASS: THIRD YEAR ARCH DEPT

SUBJECT: TECHNICAL INSTALLATIONS AC
DATE: 17th NOV. 2021
AIR CONDITION PROBLEMS.
Like all electric appliances, air conditioners also need a regular tune-up.
Some smart gadgets like smart AC controllers keep you updated with
maintenance issues but keeping a check on your own is also important.
This helps you catch any potential problems beforehand to not turn
into a costly repair down the road.
Some of the problems may include;
1. Water Leak (Indoors)
The reason for water leaks from an air conditioner might be that the
condensate drain of the system gets clogged up due to algae or fungi
and causes the water to back up the pipe and into your home. Another
possible reason for this AC problem could be that your condensate
pump may have broken down completely and require replacement.

Solution to water leaking indoors:

The water leak is one of the common air conditioner problems and can
be fixed with the help of a technician or even a home DIY solution. The
clogged condensate pipe can be unclogged using a wet or dry vacuum.
You can also pour 6 ounces of vinegar in the drain line to kill fungi or
algae build-up. The exact location of the drain pipe within your unit
may be wary, so consult the user manual beforehand.

2. Water Leak (Outdoors)

On hot summer days, you might witness a puddle of water outside
the house right under the compressor of your air conditioner. This
could be because of several reasons, a dry air filter, broken
condensate pan, bad AC seal, improper installation, etc.
 Solution to water leaking outdoors.
After diagnosing this AC issue, the first thing you should do is turn off
your air conditioner and disconnect the power supply. Things can get
tricky if this problem is not taken care of timely. For such a type of air
conditioner problem, you might need to call a professional.

3. AC Refrigerant Leak.
AC refrigerant is also known as Freon and is responsible for cooling the
air within your air conditioning system. As the name suggests, it is the
actual mechanism through which an AC cools your home. A refrigerant
leak is one of the common AC unit problems and can reduce your air
conditioner’s efficiency. Moreover, leaks can also be harmful to the
immediate environment.

Solution for AC refrigerant leak.

In case of a minor leak, you will have to top up the refrigerant and
apply a minor fix. In case of a larger fault within the pipes, the whole
network might need to be changed. While recharging the refrigerant,
be careful not to overcharge or undercharge the refrigerant. The
performance of your AC remains top-notch if the refrigerant charge
matches the manufacturer’s specifications.
You can detect the leak at home using multiple ways of detection. Once
detected, analyze this air conditioner issue and undertake necessary
actions to patch up the leak. Call a professional timely and get the leak
fixed to avoid further AC problems.
 4. Dirty AC Filter
An air conditioner filter plays an important role in keeping the airflow
clean and free from dust and pollutants. A clogged air filter restricts the
airflow, decreasing the efficiency of your air conditioning system. A
dirty filter also reduces the ability of the system to cool the air
effectively.

Solution for a dirty AC filter.

If you feel that your air conditioner’s airflow is feeling stuffy or clogged
up, check the air filter and try cleaning it since it is probably that dirty
air filter restricting the airflow. Pet owners should be extra careful
about the air filters because they need to change the air filter more
often due to pet fur.
You should clean your filter every two weeks and change your air filter
every two months during peak seasons when AC is used most of the
time. Smart AC controllers can also help you keep a check on your
system’s filter status. They can send an alert about when to clean the
air filter.
5. Damaged Compressor
One of the integral AC components is the compressor which helps
refrigerants carry out heat exchange and regulates the AC pressure.
Dirty coils, changes in refrigerant levels, and lack of lubrication can
result in AC compressor failure.
If there’s not enough refrigerant, the compressor will become hot and
stop working. If there is more than required, the excess refrigerant will
lead to increased pressure in the unit, which can also cause it to fail.
 Solution for a damaged compressor:

If your air conditioner is not cooling properly or detects a weak HVAC

airflow, it is likely a compressor problem. Contact your local air
conditioning service to solve this common AC problem. If there is
severe damage, it is better to replace the compressor instead of
performing air conditioning repair.

6. Frozen Evaporator Coil

If your air conditioner is not cooling properly, it could be due to a
frozen evaporator coil. It is a common problem with home air
conditioners and occurs when your unit does not receive enough air to
operate normally due to debris build-up.
The dirt accumulated on the coils restricts the airflow, and warm air
does not reach the refrigerant. In this case, the refrigerant becomes too
cold, and any moisture on the coils freezes.
Over time, the coil is encased with ice, preventing the refrigerant in the
coil from absorbing latent heat. This AC problem disrupts smooth air
conditioning in your home.

Solution for a frozen evaporator coil:

To diagnose this problem, first, inspect the damage. Then, let the
evaporator coil thaw (defrost). This can be done by not using the unit.
Be sure to disconnect the power first. The evaporator coil usually takes
24 hours to thaw completely. You can speed up the process by using a
hairdryer. But be careful not to overheat the coil. In case of moderate
frost, keep your system running on fan mode since the blower fan
melts away the frost without shutting down the unit.

7. Capacitor Failure
Sometimes, when your AC turns on and off abruptly, accompanied by a
clicking sound, it signals a capacitor issue. A capacitor is an important
part of your air conditioning unit and is responsible for giving the motor
an initial push to start working.
In the extreme summer heat, when your AC has to work hard, the
capacitor can overheat. Also, power fluctuations and frequent changes
in the thermostat setting can damage your capacitor.

Solution for capacitor failure:

Contact a professional to get your capacitor checked. Unfortunately,
you cannot repair or replace it on your own as there is a risk of an
electric shock.

8. Thermostat Malfunctioning
One of the most common problems with home air conditioners is the
thermostat malfunctioning. For example, if your air conditioner is short
cycling and your space feels warmer than usual, a faulty thermostat is
to be blamed.
There might be a serious issue due to dust and corrosion build-up or a
simple case of dead batteries. Loose screws or wires inside the
thermostat can also affect its functioning. If you have placed your
thermostat where it gets direct sunlight, it can also impact its reading.
Another reason that your thermostat is not working can be due to
incorrect calibration.

Solution for a faulty thermostat:

If you have a battery-operated thermostat, check if the batteries are
working fine. To solve dirt build-up, remove the cover and take a soft
brush to clean any dirt. If you notice a corrosion build-up, contact a
professional as cleaning it on your own can lead to more damage.
Moreover, check the placement of your thermostat; it is recommended
to place it in a room that you use frequently and move it to a shaded
area.
To check for thermostat calibration, take a glass thermometer and
place it next to your thermostat. After 15 minutes, check the readings
of both devices. If there’s a discrepancy of more than one degree, it’s
time to recalibrate your thermostat. You can eliminate the problems
with your old thermostat by switching to a smart thermostat. You can
set it according to your preference and you can control it using your
phone. A smart thermostat also helps in saving electricity bills.

9. AC Making Noises
Different noises indicate a different AC problem – for example, a
grinding sound points toward the compressor or motor failure. If there
is an obstruction in the AC fan or a capacitor issue, it will make clicking
noises. A bubbling noise is produced due to a refrigerant leak or excess
moisture in your unit.
 Solution for AC noises:
You should never ignore the AC noise issue and contact an HVAC
professional immediately. A technician will help you figure out what the
sound means and fix the underlying issue.

10. Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping repeatedly, it can be a variety of
issues, including power surge, capacitor failure, dirty filter or coils, low
refrigerant levels, compressor failure, and issues with the circuit
breaker itself.
Once you notice this problem, turn off the AC and don’t try to reset the
breaker as it can cause a fire.

Solution
Unfortunately, there is no DIY solution for this problem. You would
have to contact a professional as a circuit breaker involves electrical
components and can get dangerous.

11. AC Smells Bad

A pungent smell from your air conditioner is due to mold growth. A fire-
like smell indicates that some electrical components are burning inside
the system. A gas smell indicates leakage of Methyl Mercaptan, which
can be dangerous.
If you turn on the AC after a while, you may notice a rotten egg smell
coming from the unit. Birds and insects can get into your system and
die, causing this weird smell.
 Solution for AC smell.
Thoroughly clean your air conditioner when taking it out after a
dormant period. For electrical issues and gas leakage issues, always call
a professional for repairs.

12. Leaking Ducts

In the case of ducted air conditioners, ductwork is in charge of carrying
the cold air to your whole house. However, if there is a leak or a hole, it
could affect your AC’s functioning. Even if your air conditioner is
running for a while, you would feel like it is not turned on at all.
Leaking ducts can affect the air quality as the holes in the ductwork can
suck up dirt and other pollutants. This extra debris can also clog the air
filters and lead to uneven cooling and heating in your house.

Solution for leaking ducts:

To determine this common air conditioner problem, first look for holes
and tears in the ductwork. If you can’t find the holes, you can turn on
your air conditioning unit at full speed to check for airflow through
holes; however, this will only work if your unit is blowing air. Most leaks
occur where the two ducts are joined, so place your hand near these
joints to feel air coming out.
After finding the leaks, use foil-faced tape to seal them. But tape isn’t a
long-term solution, so it’s better to use a mastic air duct sealant. It is a
sticky substance that you apply to the holes and gaps, and it hardens
after drying. If you aren’t sure you will do it right, contact an HVAC
expert to help you out.
 12. Failure of Electric Control
Sometimes you turn your air conditioner on and off so much that the
compressor and fan of the system wear out. The compressor,
condenser motor, and blower motor are connected, making a
connection to start the unit. A disruption in the connection due to
corrosion of wires or the terminals can prevent the compressor and
motor from turning on. Power surges can also result in electrical failure.
Acid can build up in your unit as a result of electrical failure, which
causes further air conditioner problems.

Solution for a failure in electric control:

To determine this air condoning unit problem, check the electrical
connection, and if you cannot resolve the issue, seek a professional’s
help.
A professional can detect the acid build-up during tune-ups as it is a
major sign of an electrical issue. Regular AC maintenance can help
prevent this in the future.

13. AC Fan Failure

The outside unit of an AC transfers the heat from indoors to outdoors
through a fan located in the outdoor unit. If the fan located outside the
house does not perform efficiently, proper heat transfer does not
occur. As a result of this, the air conditioner’s compressor may overheat
or trip the safety load. The worst case is when it may cause internal
damage to the compressor, leading to the replacement of an air
conditioner.
 Solution for AC fan failure:
If the fan of your system stops, then there might be an issue with the
wiring of your system or some loose component somewhere. In such
cases, simply remove the outer casing and visually inspect the problem.
Again, be sure to turn the power off beforehand. In most cases, though,
it might be difficult for you to diagnose such an air conditioning unit
problem, so it is better to call a professional and get it fixed properly.

14. Weak Airflow

If your home is experiencing cold and hot drafts or you notice pressure
imbalances, it is an HVAC airflow issue. In this scenario, the fan cannot
push enough air for various reasons, such as a dirty air filter or faulty
blower motor.
Leaking ducts, vents blockage, and low refrigerant levels can also cause
this issue. It is an annoying problem, especially in hot summer months.

Solution for weak airflow:

For a faulty thermostat, try recalibrating it and see if it works. For vent
blockage, check if a piece of furniture or a decorated item is blocking
the airflow. Simply move it aside to fix the problem.
Sometimes, it might be hard to pinpoint the exact cause, so always
contact an experienced technician to help you out.