What Goes Into Troubleshooting an Air Conditioner?

 As the weather gets warmer in Radford, Virginia, you will likely use your air conditioner more. However, it can be frustrating when your air conditioner does not turn on when you need it to or does not blow cold air. Troubleshooting air conditioning problems is key to getting your system working the way it should again.

The AC Won’t Turn On

One of the most common reasons for troubleshooting air conditioning is when the system does not produce any cold air, and there is no sound upon turning it on. This issue could be as simple as a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse that requires resetting. Alternatively, it could be more complex, such as broken wiring connections or thermostat issues.

If the thermostat is malfunctioning or not properly calibrated, it may not send the necessary signals to turn on the air conditioning. If you have set the air conditioner to the lowest temperature, but it still does not turn on, it's time to have our HVAC technicians at New River Heating & Air diagnose the issue. We will determine if recalibrating the system or replacing the thermostat is needed. Older dial-style thermostats often have calibration problems, and replacing them with a newer programmable thermostat may be the solution to restore proper function to your AC unit.

Your Air Conditioner Isn’t Cooling

We may need to troubleshoot your AC if you hear it turn on, but it is not producing cold air or cooling as well as it used to. One possible issue could be low refrigerant levels. Low refrigerant may indicate that the unit was not sufficiently charged during installation or that there is a leak.

Another symptom of low refrigerant is sticky-feeling air. When insufficient refrigerant is circulating through the air conditioner, it may not be able to effectively remove humidity from the air. Refrigerant plays a crucial role in the functioning of your air conditioner, similar to how motor oil is important for your automobile.

If troubleshooting reveals a refrigerant leak, our AC technician can identify the source and recommend whether to repair or replace the damaged parts. If multiple leaks are detected, it may be a sign that upgrading to a newer, energy-efficient model would be beneficial.

Problems With the Condenser and Evaporator Coils

The condenser coil plays a crucial role in the functioning of your air conditioner. It is responsible for transferring the heat removed from your home and releasing it outdoors. However, since the condenser coil is located outdoors, it is constantly exposed to the elements, dirt, and pollutants, which can cause it to become dirty and grimy. When the condenser coils are covered in dirt, they act like insulation, making transferring heat from inside your home to the outdoors difficult. This puts additional strain on your air conditioner, causing increased wear and tear on the system.

Another possible reason for inadequate cooling in your home could be a malfunctioning evaporator coil. For instance, if your air conditioner's filter is dirty, it can reduce the airflow that passes over the evaporator coil. This can result in the formation of ice on the evaporator coil, leading to either warm air or no air coming from the supply registers of your air conditioner.

A Noisy Fan

The fans in your air conditioner blow indoor air over the evaporator coil to cool it and blow air over the condenser to release heat from your home and transport it outside. If you notice loud noises coming from these fan motors, it may indicate that they are clogged with dirt and debris. Troubleshooting may reveal worn or deteriorating fan belts as the cause of the noise. It is essential not to ignore a noisy air conditioning fan. Attempting to repair it yourself is not recommended. It is best to shut off the air conditioner and have professional HVAC technicians troubleshoot and fix the issue to prevent further damage.

Outstanding Heating and Cooling Services in Radford

At New River Heating & Air, we have been offering award-winning service to our customers since 2017. We pride ourselves on providing competitive pricing and convenient hours of operation. Our NATE-certified technicians have the training, knowledge, and experience to do the job right the first time. We are dedicated to customer satisfaction and proudly offer 24/7 emergency repair services.

Our services include HVAC repair, installation, and maintenance. We work with residential new construction and commercial sites. We are proud to offer indoor air quality services, duct cleaning, generator installation and repair, and the installation of tankless water heaters. Contact New River Heating & Air today to learn more about what we can do for you.