When Your Air Conditioner Won't Work

Addressing Questions About Split-System Air Conditioner Problems

10 April 2015 by Clara Fernandez

A working air conditioner is a mainstay for most homes. However, these units can come in a variety of different styles, and each one will encounter a unique set of problems that homeowners will have to learn how to address. For those with split-system air conditioning units, there are two problems that are particularly common, but understanding what to do when these issues start to develop can help reduce the chances that you let minor issues turn into major repairs. 

What Should You Do About Ice Accumulations On The Outdoor Unit?

On cool days, you may notice that your exterior unit will start to accumulate large amounts of ice on it. While this may not seem like a major problem, it can cause severe damage to your unit. This damage occurs because the ice will restrict airflow into the unit, which can also lead to cracks in the various tubes that are essential for this device to work. 

Luckily, this is not a particularly complex problem to correct. Most modern air conditioning units have a defrost mode that is designed to be used in these situations. Flipping the unit to this mode will heat up this part of the unit until the ice has thawed. If you have an older unit that lacks this feature, you can defrost the unit by simply turning it off. While this will take longer than using defrost, it should not take more than a couple of hours for the ice to melt away. 

How Do You Tell If The Unit Is Leaking Refrigerant?

Another routine issue that this type of air conditioner encounters is a refrigerant leak. This problem occurs frequently because these systems rely on a far more elaborate network of tubing and piping than other systems. This can result in an increased number of weak points in the system that can be prone to failure. 

Sadly, there is no simple way to determine whether or not there is a refrigerant leak present. If you notice that your unit is losing the ability to cool your home, you should measure the amount of refrigerant in the primary storage tank. When it is less than the recommended amount, add more and check the level again in a day or two. In instances where the refrigerant has dropped, you likely have a leak, and you should contact a professional air conditioning repair technician to fix the problem. 

Problems with your air conditioner do not have to ruin your day by making your home uncomfortable. Understanding the correct course of action when routine problems arise can save you from unnecessary repairs and inconveniences. In particular, knowing how an iced unit or suspected refrigerant leak should be handled can give you an advantage when it comes to avoiding these issues. Contact an HVAC company like Mountain Air Comfort Systems for more information.

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