8 Most Common Central Air Conditioner Problems

Come summer time, air conditioning makes our lives livable in hot and humid Dubai weather. But we see it as a blessing as long as it is working right. Every once in a while, problems with air conditioner pop up inevitably. Let’s have a look at 8 of the most common central air conditioner problems.  

1. Continuous Running of Air Conditioner

Air condition is what runs continuously and uninterrupted in the middle of hot Dubai summers. Air conditioners works through a mechanism of thermostat control. Which means that the AC will cycle on and off several times an hour to maintain thermostat temperature levels. However if you find your AC continuously running without taking a break then there might be a problem. SOLUTION: Change the air filter. This might be one of the solutions but if the problem persists contact your HVAC expert. May be your system need thorough cleaning or any leakage repair.  

2. Refrigerant Leakage

Air conditioners use a refrigerant to deliver the cooling. In a perfectly running system the refrigerant does not evaporate or get used up. In other words it can last forever if there is no leakage. But once there is a leak, the refrigerant can escape out pretty fast causing the AC to work hard without any cooling results. SOLUTION: Contact an AC Repair Dubai Professional.  

3. Air Conditioner Water Leakage

You may find water dripping on the AC’s outdoor condenser unit. This water dripping is normal when the AC is running. However if the water drips on the inside or there is a large amount of water on the outdoor unit then this might be a problem that requires prompt attention. SOLUTION: Check the filter if it’s clogged or moist and replace it. If the problem persists call for an AC repair professional to address the issue.  

4. Air Conditioner Making Loud Noises

AC’s do make a little sound when they are starting up. These sounds cannot be referred to as noises. However if your AC makes sounds other than usual then there might be a problem. Since AC’s are made up of mechanical parts and components that work together to deliver the cool air. Beware of loud noises like screeching or grinding or any others that may develop. This is a serious problem. SOLUTION: Call your HVAC expert to have a thorough look and resolve the issue.  

5.     Air Conditioner Giving Bad Smell

When your AC starts producing strange smells, it could be really confusing. As the smell could not be coming from the AC itself but a circulating odor from the AC ducts. Like smell of rotten eggs or cigarettes (if someone smoking indoors). If an AC is malfunctioning it will cause odors like burning, coolant, or exhaust. SOLUTION: AC producing smells like burning signal an urgent problem. Shut off the system and call your HVAC repair expert to diagnose and fix the issue.  

6. Air Conditioner Not Cooling

This is a frustrating one. It happens every now and then that you find your AC running but not giving the cool air for which it is made to deliver. There can be a number of reasons behind it. Like you AC might need a servicing, or needs a filter change or, even worse, there is a leak. SOLUTION: This needs to be checked step wise. The first is to check the thermostat is set to cool. Second, check that all windows and doors are tightly closed. Third, check and replace the air filter that might be full of grime. The last thing to check the outdoor condenser unit and wash the fins gently to clean off all the debris. Now when you have done all the above and the problem still persists then you need to call in an expert to check for any refrigerant leakages or any component malfunction. Other than this AC duct cleaning and repair may be required (as ducts may be leaking cooled air).  

7. Air Conditioner Keeps Tripping Circuit Breaker

Central air conditioners consume a lot of electric power to operate. Your electrical system has to be strong enough to handle a central AC system. If not then the AC will trip the circuit breaker. This means that the AC is requiring more power then your circuit breaker can handle because circuit breakers are designed to trip when there is more power drawn then its capacity to protect appliances and your home from a fire hazard. SOLUTION: This first solution to this is to replace the circuit breaker with the one with higher amps power. But, if the AC has not been tripping the breaker before and is doing so now then this needs urgent attention. As this means that the breaker in place is up to the required capacity but now the AC is drawing more power to fulfil its operation. Do not ignore the issue and continue trying to reset the breaker. Urgently call in a professional AC expert to address the matter as the source is probably a refrigerant leak or a failed component like compressor, motor, capacitor or wiring.  

8. Air Conditioner Isn’t Getting Regular Maintenance

Since it is well known saying that prevention is better than cure. This is certainly true for your AC as well. All appliances need proper care and maintenance to continue functioning properly. Regular AC maintenance will save you a lot of money in the long run. There are many benefits to regularly maintaining your AC units:

• It improves efficiency in power consumption and in turn reduces electricity bills.
• Avoids any expensive and sudden breakdowns.
• Improves air quality.
• Helps your AC to last longer.

We recommend you to have a PPM annual maintenance contract in place that includes AC repair in Dubai. This will keep the most common central air conditioner problems at bay and keep your home and ACs in perfect working state and save cost from any sudden damages. HiTech FM is one of the top MEP Companies in Dubai & ElectroMechancial Companies in Dubai offering services such as Electrical Services in Dubai, Plumbing Services in Dubai, Painting Services in Dubai, Commercial HVAC Preventive Maintenance, , AC duct cleaning Dubai, AC repair services in Dubai, Handyman services, Annual Maintenance Contracts and many more. With strict adherence to international standards we deliver professional and high-quality services. At HiTech FM, a home maintenance company in Dubai we make lives easier. If you are facing any of the above issues feel free to contact us. We are just a call away – Call Us +971 50 22 33 864.