Common Air Conditioning Problems and How to Fix Them

3. Air Conditioner Producing Strange Noises

Symptoms: Banging, rattling, buzzing, or hissing noises coming from the unit.

Causes:

• Loose internal components, such as fan blades or screws.
• Compressor problems, leading to vibrations.
• Refrigerant leaks, causing a hissing sound.
• Clogged drain lines, leading to gurgling noises.

Solutions:

• Tighten loose components and check for damaged parts.
• Contact a professional for compressor-related issues.
• Inspect for refrigerant leaks—hissing sounds indicate an urgent problem.

4. Water Leaks from the Air Conditioner

Symptoms: Water pooling around the indoor unit or dripping from vents.

Causes:

• Clogged drain lines, preventing condensation from draining.
• Frozen evaporator coils, causing excess moisture buildup.
• Improper installation, leading to condensation leaks.

Solutions:

• Unclog drain lines using a vacuum or pipe cleaner.
• Check for frozen coils—if present, turn off the system and allow them to thaw.
• Ensure the unit is level during installation to allow proper drainage.

5. Air Conditioner Emitting Bad Odours

Symptoms: Musty, burnt, or foul-smelling air coming from vents.

Causes:

• Mould growth inside air ducts or filters.
• Overheated electrical components, producing a burning smell.
• Refrigerant leaks, creating a chemical odour.

Solutions:

• Clean or replace air filters regularly to prevent mould buildup.
• Schedule professional duct cleaning if odours persist.
• If a burning smell is detected, turn off the system immediately and contact a technician.

When to Call a Professional

Some air conditioning problems require expert attention. Seek professional help if:

• The system fails to start despite power being supplied.
• Refrigerant leaks are suspected.
• Unusual electrical behaviour occurs, such as flickering lights when the system turns on.
• The unit is over 10 years old and frequently needs repairs.

Maintenance to Prevent Common Air Conditioning Problems

Preventative maintenance helps homeowners avoid costly breakdowns and keep air conditioning systems performing well.

Key maintenance tasks include:

• Cleaning or replacing air filters every 3–6 months.
• Scheduling annual servicing to inspect refrigerant levels and coils.
• Keeping outdoor units free from leaves, dust, and debris.
• Checking thermostat settings and batteries regularly.

A well-maintained system can last 15–20 years, reducing long-term repair costs and ensuring reliable performance.

References

• UK Energy Efficiency Report, 2024
• Energy Saving Trust, 2023

Author Bio

Dr. Julian Carter is a highly experienced thermal systems expert with over 15 years in the field, holding a PhD in thermal systems. His career spans academic research, consulting, and teaching, focusing on air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Dr. Carter bridges the gap between theoretical advancements and practical applications, providing expert insights to organisations like ClimateWorks, where his guidance informs decision-making and industry best practices. Notably, he has worked on international projects with organisations such as Daikin Industries, the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). These collaborations addressed energy efficiency, sustainable refrigerants, and advanced cooling technologies. Currently a lecturer at Edinburgh University, Dr. Carter combines his expertise with a passion for educating the next generation of engineers and advancing climate control technologies.

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