A man repairing an air conditioner’s outdoor unit

Ever bought a ticket to a movie just so you could escape the heat and relax in the theatre? Don’t worry because you are not the only one. Did you know that back in 1917, homes didn’t have air conditioning? Theatre owners seldom marketed the movie that was currently running. To fill the seats, they would say, “Come take a seat in our ice-cold, state-of-the-art theatre.”

The one-liner was usually written in a unique font that looked like icicle-covered letters. On hot summer days, this call was undoubtedly exciting and spoke of deep relaxation. 

So, it’s no wonder why most people don’t know much about air conditioners despite our houses being installed with the latest HVAC system. As split ACs and central air conditioning have become common, we start to panic the moment the cool air stops. The sweat beads start rolling, and for some reason, people’s tempers rise. 

Calling your local repairman often does not prove to be the right decision. First, they keep stalling. When they eventually inspect the AC, they tell you that expensive parts need to be replaced. Before you know it, another problem that requires even more expensive repairs pops up, and you end up paying hundreds of dollars only for the AC to break down in a few days. 

Hence, you need to ensure that the person you call is not an independent repairman but a professional who comes from a reputable organisation like Sun City Air and has good experience in AC problem issues.

Below are the most common AC problems that might damage your walls if not fixed in time:

Water Leak (Indoors)

Are there any brown or yellow streak marks underneath your AC? If yes, your air conditioning unit requires a little TLC. One of the most common reasons for water leaking from your AC is the system’s condensate drain clogged with fungi or algae. This clogging causes water to flow backwards into the pipe and leak into your house.

Another reason might be that the condensate pump broke and requires immediate replacement.

The good news is that the former problem can be fixed immediately. However, you will need a professional repairman for the latter problem. The first thing you need to do is find the location of the condensate pipe. If you can’t, take a look at the user manual. When you do, use a dry or wet vacuum to suck out all the gunk. Next, pour in around 6 ounces of vinegar to kill any algae or fungi build-up.

A Pungent Smell

Does the air around you smell every time you turn on the AC? That could be the mould growth on your unit’s filter. When you get a waft of a burning smell, it’s your electrical components that might light up any moment. The smell of gas indicates Methyl Mercaptan leaking, which can be very dangerous. Lastly, if it smells like rotten eggs, insects, and birds probably got into your outdoor unit and died.

There’s not much you can do here. Call a professional repairman immediately. In the meantime, take out the AC filters and wash them thoroughly. Head outside and vacuum the area around the outdoor unit. Blow away any leaves that you might see sticking inside the unit.

Then, place the unit on a wooden block to ensure that it’s flush to the ground and install a mesh screen around it to prevent rodents from getting in.

Dirty Condenser Coils

Your AC’s condenser coils are the most important part of the unit. They are usually located at the refrigerant’s back. In some models, they are found at the AC’s bottom. The condenser coils help in the cooling process. 

When the condenser coil gets covered with dirt, your AC’s efficiency takes a hit. Most appliances in the system can’t cool down. As a result, the AC works double-time to cool the space. This issue wastes a lot of energy and causes your electricity bill to rise. 

The solution for this problem is a simple cleanup. All you need is a vacuum cleaner to remove the grime and a brush for the dust. To prevent this problem in the future, protect your AC with a cover in the dormant seasons.

Leaking Air Ducts

A leaking air duct not only compromises your AC’s efficiency but also increases your energy bill. On top of this issue, it destroys your house. The duct is responsible for carrying cold air to the entire house. A hole in it causes the cold air to leak, which is why you feel hot even when your AC is turned on.

That’s not all! Leaking ducts suck up pollutants and cause people living in the house to develop health problems such as asthma. The dirt clogs the filters and slows down the entire system. Lastly, it causes water leakage in the ceiling, which leads to mould. 

Usually, a tear in the duct is located where the two ducts join. So, place your hands on the joint and feel for any air coming out. Use flex tape to cover any gaps and holes, and you will be good to go. A tape might not be a good long-term solution; so, if the duct starts to leak again, you can apply a mastic air duct sealant. When applied to holes, this sticky substance hardens and attaches itself securely to any surface after a while. 

Final Word

In today’s scorching heat, having an AC is a must, and when it starts to malfunction, you feel like your life is over. Most AC problems can be fixed at home easily by watching tutorials on YouTube. However, attempting repairs on your own is risky and can worsen the problem.

For better, worry-free results, you are better off with a professional repairman.