Get answers to the 10 most common HVAC problems: LACK OF MAINTENANCE. Adjust the thermostat to 10 degrees hotter or colder than current temperatures. Common central air conditioning problems occur when rooms are closed and airflow through the house is interrupted. On the other hand, if you have an air conditioner in the room, the opposite is true.
Be sure to close the outside windows and doors of your home to isolate the room or a group of connected rooms as much as possible from the rest of the house. For a list of common air conditioning problems and what to look for, check out our Energy Saver 101 infographic on home cooling. Other common problems with existing air conditioners are due to faulty installation, poor service procedures, and inadequate maintenance. Incorrect installation of a central air conditioner can cause duct leaks and low air flow.
Often, the refrigerant charge (the amount of refrigerant in the system) doesn't match the manufacturer's specifications. If the refrigerant is not properly charged during installation, the performance and efficiency of the unit are affected. Unqualified service technicians often find no refrigerant charging problems or even worsen existing problems by adding refrigerant to an already full system. Know what to ask for when hiring a technician to service your air conditioner.
If the air conditioner is low on refrigerant, it means that it was undercharged at the time of installation or is leaking. If there are leaks, simply adding refrigerant is not a solution. A trained technician should repair any leaks, test the repair, and then charge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant. Remember that the performance and efficiency of your air conditioner are better when the refrigerant charge exactly matches the manufacturer's specifications and is neither overloaded nor overloaded.
Refrigerant leaks can also be harmful to the environment.
