Aircons run on numerous electronic components, and some of these components may fail from time to time. These issues aren’t unusual and should be dealt with quickly. This guide to troubleshooting common AC electrical problems will help you get to the bottom of the problem you’re dealing with.
Wiring Issues
It’s not unusual for any electric appliance to have wiring issues. Over time, wires can become corroded or frayed, or can even be disconnected. Faulty wires can keep electricity from properly flowing throughout the system.
There are a number of warning signs that can indicate faulty wiring, including:
- Exposed wiring
- Component failure
- The unit is stopping and starting again
- Thermostat issues
Trying to address faulty wiring on your own can be dangerous, which is why you’ll want to leave jobs like this to professionals. If you see exposed wiring, or if you suspect that wiring issues are causing problems with your air conditioner, you’ll want to shut off your unit immediately and call a technician.
Faulty Capacitors
Your air conditioner has several motors. One motor powers the indoor blower, one powers the condenser, and one keeps the compressor running. In order for these motors to keep operating, you’ll need two functioning capacitors: the start capacitor and the run capacitor.
If one or both of these capacitors fails, you may notice problems like:
- The unit stuttering at start up
- Failure to start
- The unit powers off when it’s turned on
If you want to repair a capacitor on your own, you’ll want to start by ensuring your unit is powered off. From there, you’ll want to inspect your capacitors and see if there are signs of damage. Indications of damage include bulging and a sticky residue.
If the capacitor does appear to be damaged, you’ll want to look at its voltage rating so that you can identify the type of capacitor that needs to replace it. From there, you can discharge and remove the old capacitor and install the new one.
This task may sound simple, but it can be difficult to complete correctly, especially if you don’t have experience working on air conditioners. If you’re not confident that you’ll be able to handle this on your own, you’ll want to call for professional help.
Breaker Issues
Your air conditioner should have its own breaker in your home. There are a number of issues that your breaker could have. The breaker could be loose, it could be the wrong size, or it could be faulty in some other way.
Warning signs of breaker issues include:
- A burning smell coming from the electrical panel
- Visible damage to the breaker
- The breaker appears to be loose
- The breaker won’t stay reset
The solution to this problem will vary based on the type of breaker issue you’re dealing with. If the breaker is simply loose, all you’ll have to do is tighten the breaker. If the breaker is damaged, however, or if it’s the wrong size, you’re going to have to replace it.
If you’ve replaced a breaker in the past, and you feel comfortable replacing this breaker, you should do that while taking the appropriate precautions. However, if this isn’t a task you feel qualified to take on, you’ll want to call a technician with the appropriate expertise.
Other Signs To Watch Out For
While these are some of the most common indicators of electrical issues, there are plenty of other warning issues you’ll also want to keep an eye out for. If you notice your aircon is making unusual noises, you’ll want to figure out why. Modern units are designed to be as quiet as possible, so noises are often an indicator of a problem.
An increase in utility bills can also be a sign of a problem. If your air conditioner is struggling to run, it’s going to consume more power, which will cause your bills to go up. If you’ve noticed your bills going up, and you haven’t been using your air conditioner more frequently, it’s likely that something wrong.
Does it seem like your aircon isn’t keeping your home cool? If your unit worked well in the past, but it isn’t providing enough cool air now, it’s likely that there’s some sort of issue. You could be dealing with electrical problems, or you could be dealing with another issue, like a clog.
In addition to the issues that are mentioned above, you’ll want to pay attention to the age of your unit. Aircons wear down over time, and it’s much more likely that you’ll run into electrical issues after your unit has been at use for 10 years. Pay attention to the performance of your unit so that you can identify problems as soon as warning signs start to appear.
You should also make sure you provide your unit with regular maintenance and servicing. If your unit is serviced regularly, it’s more likely that these issues will be identified quickly. You should have technicians service your unit regularly, and you should also take steps to maintain the unit, such as cleaning the filter.
When you do have a problem with your aircon, you’ll want to address the issue as soon as you can. These kinds of problems usually get worse as time goes on. If you troubleshoot your unit and find a solution to the problem that you’re facing, you’ll be able to keep problems in check.
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