What are the most common air conditioner problems and how do you fix them?

Even if you have bought the most modern and efficient air conditioner, there is no guarantee that it will serve you smoothly for 10 years. This mainly depends on regular preventive maintenance and sensible use, but some cases are unpredictable. It's a good idea to be aware of the different likely failures that can occur and what you can do in individual cases.

The most common air conditioning problems and how to fix them

  1. Electrical problems with the air conditioner
    Like all electrical appliances, an air conditioner is powered by electricity to efficiently cool or heat a room. And as with other appliances, various electrical problems can occur, including wiring, fuse, and circuit breaker problems. These failures are most often repaired with the help of an electrical technician.
  2. The air conditioner has a faulty sensor
    The thermostat or temperature sensing sensor may not be working properly. This is directly related to the operation of the air conditioner. You can check if the sensor is working effectively by measuring the temperature where it is located. If you see a difference between the thermometer reading and the sensor, seek a professional technician to fix the problem.
  3. The air conditioner has a clogged drain line
    This problem can get worse over time. A clogged drain line can lead to water leaking into the indoor unit, mold buildup, and inefficient air conditioner operation. If you notice water leaking from the air conditioner, a musty smell, or high energy bills, check the condition of the drain line and clean it if it is clogged.
  4. The air conditioner does not turn on
    The unit may not turn on after pressing the start button on the controller several times. It is also possible that it may not turn on at all. What can you do? Follow these steps to check in this order:
    Check that the unit is switched on correctly.
    Check that the fuse is not blown.
    Check the wiring.
    If you have difficulty, contact an electrical technician to check the wiring of the appliance.
  5. The air conditioner is not cooling/heating sufficiently
    There can be many causes for this problem, but it is most often inefficient due to dirt and dust build-up on the air conditioner's internal components. Dirty coils and filters obstruct airflow, and this starts to show on your energy bills. In some cases, it's also a faulty thermostat. If, after cleaning your air conditioner parts, it's still not cooling or heating enough, seek professional help.
  6. Water leaking from the air conditioner
    This problem is common when the air conditioner is not installed properly or the condenser drain is clogged. You shouldn't underestimate water leaking from the system, as it can ruin both the unit and the walls of your home. So as soon as you spot the problem in the early stages, take action. If the air conditioner has not been installed correctly, an expert should repair this to ensure that the problem is fixed and the unit will not be damaged in the repair. The water drainage duct should also be chemically cleaned by a professional.
  7. The air conditioner is unusually noisy
    All air conditioners make noise when they are running, especially older ones. But here we are talking about the loud and intrusive noises that are an indication that something is wrong with your unit. The causes of the noises can vary from contamination of components to debris getting into the ducts or loose parts. You can clean the system, but if the noise persists, seek a professional technician.
  8. The air conditioner turns on and off repeatedly
    Indeed, if the system is not cleaned often enough and with sufficient quality, it can lead to a number of problems that directly affect the air conditioner's performance. If the unit turns on and off at random intervals, it means there is a power problem that is very likely to be resolved by thoroughly cleaning the parts and filters. In case this doesn't work, contact an air conditioning professional to perform a chemical cleaning.

Regular air conditioning maintenance

Most of these problems are due to three things: improper installation, improper air conditioner service, or neglected air conditioner maintenance. 

You can largely avoid the most common problems by taking care of proper installation and maintenance with the help of a reputable air conditioning service company. In the meantime, you can also perform some procedures yourself, such as regular cleaning of the filters and drain line. Keep an eye on the performance of your unit and in case you don't know what to do in different situations, always have the number of an AC maintenance company that is proven to be professional at hand. Troubleshooting more complex problems without adequate technical knowledge can ruin your air conditioner, so it's best not to experiment if you're not sure what you're doing.

We hope this article has helped you recognize some of the basic problems with air conditioners. On our website, you can learn more about some of the best quality air conditioners on the market, Fuji Electric, and find information about the distributors you can buy them from. Contact us if you need professional guidance.