8 Air Conditioner Problems and How to Fix Them
Top reasons your air conditioner isnât keeping you cool
Once you get your air conditioner running again for the first stretch of the season, you may ask yourself: Hey, is it working as well as it used to? Better to address that question before temperatures rise from swell to sweltering.
Like any appliance, air conditioners need a little TLC to deliver optimal performance. Itâs the ACs that havenât been kept in a top-notch condition that tends to struggle most in hot weather. MORE ON AIR CONDITIONING CRâs Air Conditioner Ratings & Buying GuideCRâs Recommended Window Air Conditioners Best Window ACs of 2019Most and Least Reliable Room Air Conditioners Most Reliable Central ACs
To make sure yo u donât sweat the next heatwave, we asked the experts at Consumer Reports and air conditioner pros to identify the most common problems that crop up with a window and central air conditioners. They highlighted eight problems to troubleshoot now.
The No. 1 problem affects both window units and central AC systems, and weâre happy to report it’s the easiest to fix. Here are eight questions to ask that will help you keep your AC in peak performance all summer long.
1. Is the Filter Dirty?
No matter which type of air conditioner you have, a clogged filter restricts airflow, decreasing efficiency and reducing the ability to effectively cool the air. If you havenât cleaned the filter in your window or portable air conditioner recently, make sure you do and then check it periodically. Filters on central AC systems should be changed at least once a month, especially if your system is running constantly or if you have pets. âWhen we get calls about central air units that arenât working well, 9 times out of 10 itâs because of a dirty filter,â says Stewart Unsdorfer, owner of Central Heating & Air Conditioning in Cleveland.
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Window AC Checklist
2. Is It Too Sunny Inside?
If your window AC is in a window that gets direct sunlight in the heat of the day, itâll have to work harder to cool your space. If you have a choice, move it to a shadier spot. If not, keep your shades and curtains drawn during the day to block the sun and prevent it from heating up your house. The same goes if you have Central AC.
3. Is Warm Air Leaking In?
Check the seals around your window AC to make sure hot air isnât getting in (or cold air isnât seeping out). Reseal around your unit with weatherstripping if necessary.
âMost new window units come with insulation panels to place over the plastic adjustable side panels,â says Chris Regan, CRâs senior air conditioner tester. âBut to maximize efficiency, youâll still need to use weatherstripping around the perimeter of the unit. And always use the manufacturerâs installation and safety hardware.â
4. Is Your Window AC Vibrating?
Air conditioners make plenty of noise, including from the whir of the fan and the sound of the compressor cycling on and off. These noises are normal. But if you hear a vibrating noise, it may mean that your unit was installed incorrectly. Make sure itâs sitting securely in the window and review the installation instructions in your ownerâs manual to confirm that no steps were missed.
Central AC Checklist
5. Is the Thermostat in the Right Setting?
With a smart or programmable thermostat, you can more easily control the temperature in your home so that itâs at a comfortable temperature when youâre there and a bit higher when youâre not. If the temperature seems off, make sure the thermostat isnât exposed to direct sunlight, which may cause it to register the wrong temperature.
6. Are the Registers Dirty or Blocked?
If you have a forced-air heating and cooling system, regularly vacuum the registers to remove any dust buildup. Make sure that furniture and other objects arenât blocking the airflow through your registers.
7. Are Plants Crowding the Compressor?
The outdoor compressor for central air needs adequate airflow to work correctly, so make sure thereâs at least 2 to 3 feet of space between the compressor and any plants or structures. There should also be 5 feet of clearance between the top of the unit and any trees above.
8. Did You Remember the Annual Checkup?
An inspection by an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technician can catch any serious problems before they get worse and leave you hot and bothered at the peak of summer. The technician will check all the moving parts, as well as the refrigerant, and recharge the system if necessary.
