As an HVAC technician, there are several different repairs that your customer will need. Their home isn’t cooling properly, there’s little air coming from their vents, or their AC unit doesn’t come on — these are minor AC unit problems that you may encounter. Here are some of the most common AC unit problems that your customer may experience.
Clogged Drain
If their AC unit is working, but not doing a good job of cooling down the house, they may have a drainage problem. Take a look at the unit’s draining system and ensure that the drains aren’t clogged. If they are, it could be what’s preventing proper airflow to their home. Also, a clogged AC drain can cause water back up, resulting in significant water damage to their home.
Dirty Filter
Another reason why their AC unit isn’t cooling properly could be because of a dirty air filter. If the filter is clogged with dirt and particles, air can’t flow through the filter. As a result, their home can’t cool down effectively. Luckily enough, this is an easy fix, and all your customer needs is a new air filter.
Obstructed Condenser Unit
Some home air conditioning units have a condensing unit, which is usually outside. At times, leaves and debris can get caught in and around the condenser unit, causing the unit to overheat. Since this is an easy fix, it’s good to check out the condenser units first before each job.
Low Refrigerant Levels
If your customer has low or leaking refrigerant levels, their AC unit will not perform its best. The best ways to tell if refrigerant levels are low is by:
- Seeing if there’s condensation water on the ground near the furnace
- Checking for ice build-up on the copper lines that run from the AC unit
Also, if your customer has high electrical bills, it could be a refrigerant problem as well.
Blocked/Leaky Ducts
Dust that doesn’t get cleaned from the air filters can wind up in the ductwork. AC ducts are already very small, so dust and dirt can quickly accumulate and affect performance. Also, the walls of the ductwork can have small cracks or holes where air can leak out. To increase airflow, it’s best to inspect the air ducts for any issues and clean them properly.
Thermostat Issues
If their AC unit doesn’t come on, look at their thermostat. If their thermostat isn’t working, their AC won’t work either. The first step would be to replace the thermostat’s batteries, and if that doesn’t work, they will need a new thermostat.
Another issue may be that their AC is running, but their home feels arid. In this case, the thermostat might be malfunctioning. Try resetting the thermostat, and if it doesn’t read the right temperature, you might have a repair on your hands.
