In a model world, we wouldn’t have to worry about failing systems or inefficient equipment, especially those that contribute to the comfort of our homes like our air conditioning systems. Unfortunately, air conditioning equipment does tend to malfunctions from time to time, so we must know what too look for when problems arise. Here is a list of common air conditioning problems you should look for when your unit malfunctions:

Electrical Problems

Often times, a/c systems fail due to electrical problems. If your unit isn’t producing humming noises, then it’s probably not getting power. This is likely the result of a blown fuse, a tripped beaker, or even faulty wiring. You should check your unit right away in case of faulty wiring because it can pose as a potential fire hazard. Another common electrical problem a/c systems experience is a blown capacitor, and a normal indicator of such is when the unit produces humming noises, but doesn’t run.

Leaks

When it comes to dealing with a/c system failures, leaks are one of the most commonplace. The immediate symptoms your system experiences is low levels of refrigerant, but if left untreated, it could lead to other system failure and other complications. Regularly check your a/c unit for leaks and patch them upon discovery so you can avoid larger system malfunctions down the road.

Frozen Coils

Frozen coils can be a result of a number of things, such as low refrigerants, complications with the airflow (such as dirty air filters and obstructed air ducts) or a malfunctioning fan. If your a/c unit has a frozen coil, do not adjust the coolant levels but search for the cause; adjusting the coolants can throw the rest of your system out of funk. If it is due to low refrigerants, then it’s likely due to a leak.

It’s important to know how to spot these problems so you can know whether or not you should call on a maintenance service. A lot of common problems, such as leaks and obstructed airflow, can be fixed without professional help. Unfortunately, not all problems are easy to fix, such as a blown capacitor, so it’s a good idea to know exactly what the problem is so you can expect what it will cost you to get it repaired. Regularly checking your a/c units for malfunctions is always a good idea so those malfunctions won’t lead to bigger problems, such as an entire system failure.