With hotter summers and colder winters, a properly functioning air conditioning system is essential for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. However, even the most reliable units can experience occasional problems that require attention.
At Alliance Climate Control, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the most common air conditioner problems that we’ve encountered over the last two decades so you can diagnose and resolve the simple stuff on your own. From unpleasant smells to leaks, our guide explains why certain AC problems occur and simple video solutions you can follow to resolve them.
While our guide offers easy-to-follow solutions for simple problems, there are many other problems out there that are too complicated to self-diagnose or fix. In these cases, we strongly recommend consulting a qualified air conditioning repair technician like our local experts.
Looking for a troubleshooting guide that covers a specific brand of Air Conditioner or Heater?
At Alliance Climate Control, we understand that different air conditioner brands may have unique features and requirements.
That’s why we have developed comprehensive guides for our top 5 most popular AC brands:
These guides provide detailed information and step-by-step instructions on how to diagnose and resolve common issues that may arise with air conditioning systems from these brands.
Whether it’s a problem with heating or cooling, unusual noises, water leaks, error codes, or connectivity, our brand-specific troubleshooting guides offer valuable insights and solutions. By utilizing these guides, our customers can effectively troubleshoot and address issues with their air conditioners, ensuring optimal performance and comfort in their indoor environments.
Below are some of the most common air conditioning problems that some of our customers have faced in the past with their AC unit or system.
We’ve also tried to break down each solution into a simple to understand video to guide you through the troubleshooting process.
Firstly, check the operation MODE on your controller. Regardless of the temperature you set it at, it needs to be set to HEAT mode to warm your home and COOL for it to cool down. Read your user manual or ask your technician to demonstrate the different modes and functions on the control panel as every mode button can look different.
If you have an inverter system, the volume of your outdoor unit will sometimes be louder than usual. This is normal. When the outside air temperature is very cold or very hot, the system needs to work harder to absorb or reject the heat from its surroundings. This means the compressor and the fan motor need to run faster, which increases the overall sound levels coming from the outdoor unit.
During normal operation in heating mode, the outdoor unit produces condensation. If you don’t have a drain installed on your outdoor unit, condensation may leak from the drain line or bottom of the unit, which is the water you may see the leaks are followed by blowing of warmer air than usual, it could also be a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant works to turn the warm air from your room into cool air. Either way, you should contact a technician to get your air conditioner looked at since extended exposure to refrigerant leaks can be extremely harmful to your body.
Throughout the working life of your system, it moves a lot of air around. This air carries dust and other airborne contaminants. Over time, these particles accumulate in your system, resulting in dirty filters that affect the efficiency of the system and its heating or cooling capabilities. Dirty air filters are usually the most common cause of drops in heating or cooling efficiency.
When was the last time you had your A/C system maintained? Your air conditioner’s filters are probably in need of cleaning or replacement.
When your system is in heating mode, it needs to periodically defrost the outside unit, particularly when it is very cold. When this happens, the indoor unit stops blowing hot air or may blow slightly cold air. This usually only takes a few minutes before the system returns to normal operation.
If you see an error code, this indicates there is a problem. Some errors can be due to power fluctuation and can be cleared by resetting the A/C. You can reset it by turning OFF the power supply (isolator switch located next to the condenser fan) for five minutes. Then turn the switch back ON. If the fault reoccurs, make a note of the code, and call your Alliance Care team.
Contrary to popular belief, the filter indicator on most air conditioners is not a direct measure of how blocked the filter is. It is actually a built-in timer that is activated after a pre-set number of running hours. You can easily reset it, simply check in your user manual, or speak to your Alliance service technician.
If you have recently changed your Wi-Fi router or network provider, you may need to re-connect your system to your Wi-Fi network. Using the app on your phone, start the repairing procedure. The app will take you through the process step-by-step.
If you’re experiencing an issue with your air conditioning system that is not listed in our troubleshooting guide, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you need a repair. There are various other problems that can occur with AC units, and some may require professional assistance to diagnose and fix. Here are a few steps you can take before deciding on a repair:
If you’ve already tried all the above steps or are unsure about any of them, it may be best to reach out to an experienced and qualified air conditioning expert.
Alliance has been providing trusted local air conditioning services to NSW for over 15 years. Contact us today for an obligation-free quote on air conditioning repair today.
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Deciding between repairing or replacing your air conditioning system can be a challenging task. Here are a few factors to consider when making this decision
If your AC unit is nearing the end of its expected lifespan (typically around 10-15 years), and the cost of repairs is significant, it may be more cost-effective to replace the system with a newer, more energy-efficient model.
Ultimately, the decision to repair or replace your air conditioner depends on the specific circumstances of your situation. Consulting with a professional can help you make an informed decision on air conditioner replacement, whilst ensuring that it suits your needs and budget.
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