In the summer, central air conditioning is a welcome respite from the heat. You’ll be able to enjoy a level of comfort that would otherwise be impossible without a working AC unit. However, like all systems, even a central air conditioning unit will eventually break down and become less efficient with its intended function, which is cooling your home’s interior. In this guide, we look closely at how central air conditioning works and the common issues that plague it over years of use.
How Central Air Conditioning Systems Work
Most modern air conditioners work on the same general principles as their earlier counterparts, though they have become much more sophisticated and efficient over the intervening years. Today, air conditioners can be found in everything from cars and buses to office buildings and homes.
A central air conditioner is a single unit that is used to cool an entire building. These systems are usually located on the roof or on the ground near the building or the side of your home. A typical central air conditioning system will have four essential parts: a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and a fan. A good example of a perfectly good central AC with these parts is a Goodman 2.5 Ton 16 SEER Central Air Conditioner w/ R410A Refrigerant. This is a good model to have for your home or place of business. Let’s look at each of its parts and how they function:
- The evaporator coil is responsible for absorbing heat from the air inside the building.
- The condenser coil then releases that heat to the outside air.
- The compressor pumps the refrigerant between the two coils.
- The fan blows air over the coils to complete the cooling process.
The central air conditioning system is a very efficient way to cool your home. However, they are usually more expensive to install than other types of air conditioners, but they are also more efficient and can cool a larger area.
Common Central Air Conditioning Issues
If your central air conditioner isn’t working as well as it should, there are a number of potential issues that could be the culprit. Here are some common central air conditioning issues that you may be experiencing:
Uneven Levels of Cooling
If you find that your central air conditioning unit is not cooling your home evenly, there are a few possible causes. First, check to see if there are any obstructions blocking the airflow to the unit. Second, check the unit itself to see if there’s any debris or dirt build-up that could be affecting its performance. Lastly, you may need to have your unit serviced by a professional to see if there is a more serious issue.
Strange Noises
If you notice that your central air conditioning unit is making strange noises, it could be due to a number of different issues. First, check to see if anything is blocking the unit’s fan. Second, you may need to have the unit’s bearings lubricated. Lastly, it’s possible that the unit’s compressor is failing and will need to be replaced.
No Cold Air Blowing
There are a few possible reasons why your central air conditioning unit is not blowing cold air. First, check the unit’s filters and make sure they are clean. Second, check the unit’s refrigerant levels and make sure they are topped off. Lastly, you may need to have the unit’s compressor replaced.
If you are experiencing any of these central air conditioning issues, it’s best to call a professional for help. They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.
Sensor Problems
The air conditioner’s sensors are responsible for detecting the temperature of the air inside the home and sending a signal to the AC unit to turn on or off accordingly. If these sensors are not working properly, the AC unit will have problems performing.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
If the evaporator coils built into your AC unit are frozen, it will not be able to blow cold air. This can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as a dirty air filter, a clogged drain line, or low refrigerant levels.
Thermostat Issues
The thermostat is responsible for telling the AC unit when to turn on and off. If your AC unit’s thermostat is not working properly, it will not be able to properly detect the temperature of the air inside your home and send a signal to the AC unit to turn on or off accordingly.
Wiring Issues
If the wiring in your AC unit is not working properly, the AC unit will not be able to function properly. This can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as a loose wire, a blown fuse, or a tripped circuit breaker.
Ductwork Issues
Ductwork issues are a common problem in many homes. If your ductwork is leaky or poorly insulated, it can force your AC system to work harder to cool your home. This can lead to a breakdown of your AC unit. If the ductwork is blocked, it will prevent air from reaching some or all of the rooms in your home. If there’s a leak in the ductwork, it will cause the cooling system to work harder than it needs to in order to cool your home.
Refrigerant Leaks
If the refrigerant in your AC unit is leaking, it will not be able to function properly. This can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as a hole in the refrigerant line, a loose connection in the refrigerant line, or an improperly installed refrigerant line.
Faulty Compressor
If you’re having issues with your central AC unit, it might be the compressor. The compressor is a vital part of the AC unit, and it’s located in the outdoor unit. It’s the part of the unit that pumps refrigerant.
Compressor issues are one of the most common AC problems. A faulty compressor can cause your AC unit to freeze, and it can also cause your AC to make noises.
These are just a few of the most common issues that can cause your central air conditioner to stop working properly. If you’re having trouble with your AC unit, contact a professional for help.
Conclusion
A central air conditioning system is a great way to keep your home cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. However, it is important to remember that these systems require regular maintenance in order to function properly. If you neglect to maintain your system, it could lead to costly repairs or even replacement. Fortunately, maintaining your central air conditioning system is relatively easy and only requires a few simple steps. By following the tips outlined above, you can keep your system running smoothly for years to come.
When it comes to advanced heating and air conditioning maintenance, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. HVAC Swami is here to help you find highly skilled and “swami-certified” pros to help you with your heating and cooling problems. We work with some of the best and most reputable companies that provide 24-hour AC repair services to give you the best possible service. Whenever you have HVAC problems you can’t resolve, call us, and we’ll be more than happy to help!
