Is your air conditioning making a strange noise? One of your indoor units no longer blows cold air? In the event of air conditioning failure, a few good reflexes allow you to detect the source of the problem and solve it, alone or with the help of an ac repair professional.
Air conditioning failure: the signs to detect
Several anomalies can cause air conditioning problems in the house. To find out if you are facing an air conditioning failure, look for the following signs:
- Unusual noise
- Jerky operation
- Untimely shutdowns of one or more units
- Bad smells
- Drips or leaks of liquid(s) on the outer block
- Lights off or flashing
- Blowing fuses
- Remote control malfunctioning: the device no longer responds!
These different signs of an air conditioning failure can be isolated. Some are indicative of a small problem that is easy to contain, such as a clogged filter. Others may indicate a more serious problem, requiring the intervention of a refrigeration specialist or an air conditioning specialist.
Air conditioning problems in the house: the common causes
Is your indoor unit no longer blowing enough hot (or cold) air? This air conditioning failure is often caused by clogged filters.
If your devices produce an unusual noise, stop for a few moments or work jerkily.
Filter clogging is an easy-to-repair air conditioning fault. Here’s how to clean your unit’s filters yourself:
- Turn off the device completely
- Open the unit and carry out an initial dusting of the filters with a vacuum cleaner
- Then take out each filter and clean it with a sponge, soaked in soapy water or a little dishwashing liquid
- Rinse the filter for a long time with clear water, and let it dry completely before putting it back in place.
Do you have multiple air conditioning? Repeat the procedure on each of the indoor units.
Air conditioning failures due to leaks
If the outdoor unit is leaking, it may be due to a problem with the condensate pan. Placed on wall support, it is responsible for collecting water runoff from condensation. When this tank is full, it begins to overflow. And causes a leak. An air conditioning fault that is easy to solve: all you have to do is empty the container before putting it back in place.
Another possible leak: It is not water, but refrigerant that is leaking from your outdoor unit. In this case, the leak is more serious and requires the intervention of a pro to identify the source of the flow and repair it. Too low a refrigerant level not only prevents your unit from operating, but it can also damage it.
To avoid any additional problem with the air conditioning in your home, immediately unplug the device while waiting for the intervention of the professional.
Other sources of an air conditioning problem at home
Are the batteries in the remote control new, the filters clean, and the outer unit not leaking? Your air conditioning failure may be more serious.
If your air conditioning fuse blows frequently, causing the unit to shut down. It’s possible that too many units are using the same power source. It is also possible that the fault comes from the electrical panel. If in doubt, it is best to contact a qualified electrician who will be able to identify (and fix) the problem.
Anarchic operation of the lights also indicates a more serious malfunction, potentially located at the level of the battery or the electrical connections.
Maintain your air conditioning well to avoid breakdowns
Depending on the model of your device, the frequency of maintenance – and checks – may vary. Your air conditioning manual usually tells you when:
- Clean your filters
- Call a professional for a check.
It is recommended to clean the filters about once a month, regardless of the type of air conditioning (mono or multi-split).
In any case, a regular inspection visit is essential and guarantees the proper functioning of your air conditioner. The ideal is to sign a maintenance contract with the company that took care of the installation.
An inspection should be carried out at least every 5 years (or even more depending on the power of the device and the use made of it).
It is mandatory, and failing to do so is even punishable by a fine! So don’t wait until the last minute to have your units checked.
