Stay Cool | Diagnosing 3 Common Air Conditioning Problems

25 March 2015
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Air conditioning is a vital factor when it comes to staying comfortable during the sweltering Australian summers. But what happens when your air conditioner doesn't cool effectively? Ever so often, homeowners have to bear the heat of the summer because of dysfunctional air conditioners – primarily because of negligence during winter when the air conditioning unit is not in use. Here are some common air conditioning problems to diagnose before the torrid heat arrives.

Air Conditioning System Refuses To Turn On

If your air conditioning unit refuses to turn on, it may be a problem with a blown fuse or circuit breaker. It may also be because of a faulty thermostat. Firstly, ensure that the thermostat is set to 'Cool' and isn't turned off. Check that the circuit breaker that controls the air conditioning compressor is on, otherwise you may need to reset it. If the fuse has blown out, you may need to replace it. Also, check the condensate tray for excess water. This may cause the air conditioning unit to turn off. These quick fixes should ideally solve your problem. If not, you'll need an air conditioning technician to inspect for more complex damage.

Cooling Vents Delivering Poor Air Flow

Usually poor airflow is the result of dirty air filters that get blocked over a period of time. If the air filters have remained dormant throughout winter, dust and debris will accumulate inside the filter, causing resistance and reducing airflow. If you notice poor airflow, check that the air filter is clean. If not, you will need to replace or clean the filter. By neglecting the problem of dirty air filters, your air conditioning unit will start to strain in performance, causing higher energy bills and poorer air quality for your home.

Air Conditioning Doesn't Dehumidify

Improper dehumidification in the room can be caused because of excessive humidity – a common occurrence during hot Australian summers. Open windows, lack of proper condensate drainage from the evaporator coil or water leaks may cause this excessive humidity in the air. If your air conditioning unit is not dehumidifying properly, you should ensure that the condensate drainage is working properly. Close all windows properly, so that humid air outside isn't allowed into the home when the air conditioning unit is running. You may also choose to add a portable dehumidifier to solve your problem.

Since air conditioning is such an important part of staying cool during summers, it's important that you keep your unit properly maintained even when you're not using them – that means clean air filters, sufficient refrigerant liquid and clean evaporator coils. For more information, contact a company like Coolrite Air Conditioning Pty Ltd.