Air Conditioner Troubleshooting

1. AC Not Blowing Cold Air

If your air conditioner is not blowing cold air, check the thermostat and adjust it to the proper temperature. Then, examine the unit itself for dirty or clogged parts and clean them. Additionally, avoid stressing your AC unit during extreme heat by adjusting your thermostat to a reasonable temperature.

Check the following areas for problems with the cold air from your air conditioner unit. Always call a professional to replace the refrigerant or damaged parts.

• Dirty evaporator: A dirty evaporator coil restricts airflow and reduces cooling efficiency. After turning the system off, clean the evaporator coil with a soft brush or a commercial coil cleaner.
• Dirty air filter: Clogged air filters hinder airflow and strain the system, leading to poor cooling. Replace or clean the air filter regularly, ideally every month or according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
• Frozen or dirty condenser coils: Condenser coils covered in dirt or ice can't effectively release heat, causing the AC to blow warm air. Inspect the condenser coils for dirt and ice buildup, clean the coils with a coil cleaner, and allow any ice to melt completely.
• Low refrigerant levels: Insufficient refrigerant can prevent the AC from cooling properly. Check for refrigerant leaks identified by brightly colored stains, and have a professional technician replace or recharge the refrigerant if necessary.
• Thermostat set too high: If your thermostat is set too high, your air conditioner won't cool your building sufficiently. Lower the thermostat settings by several degrees and consider replacing old thermostats with programmable models for better control.
• Blocked vents or filters: Obstructed vents or clogged filters impede airflow, reducing the system's cooling capability. Inspect and clear any obstructions from vents, then clean or replace filters to maintain optimal airflow.
• Worn blower belt: A worn belt can affect the motor's performance, leading to insufficient airflow and reduced cooling capacity. Replace the blower belt if it shows signs of wear or damage to restore proper operation.

2. AC Not Turning On

If your air conditioner refuses to turn on, the likely culprit is a tripped circuit breaker. However, your air conditioner might have dirty or clogged parts or a motor failure. Always consult an authorized technician for any electrical problems or part replacements to guarantee safety and proper functionality.

• Tripped circuit breaker: A circuit breaker may trip due to an overload or electrical issue, cutting power to the AC unit. First, check the fuse box for tripped circuits, then reset the breaker for any tripped circuits. If the breaker continues to trip, contact an authorized technician to investigate the underlying cause.
• Faulty wiring: Damaged or frayed wires can disrupt the flow of electricity to the unit, causing it to malfunction. Have an authorized technician inspect the wiring and repair or replace any damaged components to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Malfunctioning thermostat: If the thermostat is set improperly or functioning incorrectly, it may not signal the air conditioner to turn on. Set the thermostat to the correct temperature and mode. If the problem persists, consider replacing the thermostat with a new one.
• Unplugged condenser unit: The outdoor condenser unit might be accidentally unplugged, cutting off power to the system. Check the condenser's power connection and ensure it is plugged in.
• Clogged air filter: A clogged air filter can restrict airflow to the air conditioner, causing it to overheat and shut down. Inspect the air filter and replace it if it appears dirty or clogged.
• Clogged drain line: A clogged condensate drain line can trigger a safety switch that prevents the AC from turning on. Clear the drain line of any blockages to restore proper drainage.
• Motor failure: Motor failure can be caused by wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or electrical issues. Contact an authorized technician to assess the motor and replace it if necessary.

3. AC Running Constantly

When your commercial air conditioner runs constantly, it wastes energy and indicates potential underlying issues that need addressing. By identifying and fixing these issues, you improve its efficiency and reduce your energy bill. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Thermostat set incorrectly: Incorrect thermostat settings can cause the AC to run non-stop, trying to reach an unattainable temperature. Check the thermostat settings to ensure they are set to a realistic and comfortable temperature, and adjust the settings if necessary to avoid overworking the system.
• Dirty air filter: A clogged filter restricts airflow, causing the AC to work harder and run longer. Inspect the air filter and replace it if it appears dirty or clogged.
• Blocked condenser unit: Debris or obstructions around the outdoor condenser unit can impede heat exchange, causing the air conditioner to run continuously. Clear any debris or obstructions around the condenser unit and ensure adequate clearance for proper airflow.
• Undersized AC unit: An undersized air conditioner struggles to cool a large space, leading to constant operation to meet the cooling demand. Consult an HVAC professional to evaluate whether the current unit is the right size for your space.
• Refrigerant leaking: Low refrigerant levels due to leaks can prevent the AC from cooling effectively and damage the compressor. Have an authorized technician check for refrigerant leaks and recharge the system if needed.
• Electrical system malfunction: An electrical system malfunction, such as a faulty thermostat or sensor, can cause the air conditioner to run constantly. Contact an authorized technician to inspect the electrical components and repair or replace broken parts to restore proper function.

4. Air Conditioner Smells Musty

Air conditioners might have a slight smell when you start them for the first time in the summer, but a persistent odor is a sign of larger issues. Poor air quality causes discomfort for customers and staff, so addressing this should be a top priority. By addressing these common problems, you can eliminate musty odors from your commercial air conditioner and ensure a fresh, clean environment for your space.

• Dirty air filter: A dirty air filter can trap moisture and promote mold and mildew growth, leading to musty smells. Inspect the air filter and replace it if needed.
• Clogged ducts or lines: Clogged ducts or condensate lines can harbor mold, mildew, and other contaminants, resulting in unpleasant odors. Clean the ducts and condensate lines to remove blockages and ensure proper drainage to prevent moisture buildup.
• Contaminants in system: Though musty smells often come from mold, mildew, and bacteria, there might be pests or other pollutants in your ductwork. Have the entire system, including the evaporator coils and air ducts, professionally cleaned to eliminate contaminants using antimicrobial treatments.
• Electrical problems: If you smell a burning odor, turn off the machine immediately and contact an electrician. This scent points to overheated wiring or other electrical components, which can cause a fire.

5. AC Keeps Turning On and Off

One common issue that commercial establishments may encounter with their air conditioning system is when the unit turns off and on frequently, also known as short cycling. It leads to discomfort for occupants and potentially damages the system if left unresolved. Check the following areas to resolve the short cycling and prevent further damage.

• Dirty air filter: A clogged filter restricts airflow, causing the system to overheat and shut off as a safety measure. Inspect the air filter and replace it if necessary.
• Blocked condenser unit: Obstructions around the outdoor condenser unit can impede heat dissipation, leading to the system overheating and cycling on and off. Clear any debris or obstructions around the condenser unit to ensure adequate airflow.
• Damaged compressor: A damaged or failing compressor can cause the AC to short cycle as it struggles to maintain consistent cooling. Contact a professional to repair or replace it to restore normal operation.
• Overpowered unit: An air conditioner that is too powerful for the space can cool the area too quickly, causing frequent cycling. Consult an HVAC technician to determine if the current unit is the correct size for your space.

6. Air Conditioner Leaking

Air conditioner leaks can be a common issue that commercial establishments may encounter. These leaks can be either water or refrigerant, and both require prompt attention to prevent further damage to the system.

• Faulty pump: A broken condensate pump can lead to water leaks if it fails to remove condensation effectively. If the pump is malfunctioning, have an authorized technician repair or replace it to restore efficient water removal.
• Blocked drainage line: Clogs in the drainage line prevent condensate from being expelled, causing water to back up and leak. Inspect and clear any blockages in the drainage line.
• Faulty refrigerant line: Leaks in the refrigerant line can cause a loss of refrigerant, leading to inefficient cooling and potential water leakage from evaporator coil freezing and thawing. Contact an authorized technician to inspect the refrigerant lines for leaks and repair them as necessary.

Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips

Preventative maintenance on your air conditioning unit ensures its efficiency, prolongs its lifespan, and prevents costly breakdowns. Routinely cleaning filters, coils, and drain lines saves you time and money on large repairs in the future, places less stress on your machine, and lowers energy consumption. Perform these maintenance tasks to keep your air conditioner in top condition.

• Clean and change air filters: Replace air filters every one to three months to maintain optimal airflow and air quality. Clean reusable filters according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure they remain effective.
• Inspect and clean coils: Check the evaporator and condenser coils regularly for dirt and debris buildup. Clean the coils with a soft brush or commercial coil solution to maintain efficient heat exchange.
• Clear condensate drain lines: Ensure the condensate drain line is clear of obstructions to prevent water buildup and potential leaks. Use a bleach and water mixture to clean the drain line and prevent algae or mold growth.
• Inspect the thermostat: Regularly test and calibrate the thermostat to ensure it accurately reads the temperature and efficiently controls the unit's operation. Monitor energy usage based on external conditions and adjust the setting accordingly.
• Maintain proper ventilation: Ensure all vents and ducts are unobstructed and clean to promote efficient airflow. Additionally, check the area around the outdoor unit and clear it of vegetation, debris, and other obstructions.
• Monitor energy usage: Track your energy bills for unusual increases indicating inefficiencies or problems with your air conditioning system. Investigate and address all significant changes in energy consumption promptly to maintain cost-effective operation.
• Schedule professional inspections: Arrange for an HVAC technician to perform a comprehensive inspection and maintenance of your system at least twice a year. Ensure the technician checks all electrical connections, refrigerant levels, and mechanical components during the inspection.