Home AC Unit Issues

The home AC unit are good options to cool small spaces.

Home air conditioning units fit into a window seal of the home in order to cool one or more rooms. The AC unit has controls located on the face of the unit which operate the unit as well as the thermostat. These small AC units are prone to problems or issues, but the cause of these issues are limited.

Controls

Many issues with a home AC unit involve simple control problems. The unit must be turned to the "On" position to work properly. Most units have controls with different settings. One control adjusts the fan motor or compressor and another controls the thermostat. Adjusting the home AC unit to the proper setting allows the unit to operate properly.

Electrical

A home AC unit not receiving power has an electrical problem. First determine if the AC unit is plugged into an electrical outlet. Check the breaker box in the electrical panel and determine if the breaker switch is in the "On" position. A breaker switch that is in-between the "On" position and the "Off" position has tripped. Turn the breaker to the "Off" position and then back to "On." Check the AC unit and see if it is running properly. If the breaker trips again, a professional technician must be contacted because there is a more serious electrical issue with the home AC unit.

Cooling

A common issue with a home AC unit occurs when the unit is not cooling properly. The thermostat control is turned to the coolest setting, but the AC unit is not cooling the home. The first thing to check is the filter. Once the filter gets clogged with dirt, dust or debris, the AC unit will not blow cold air into the room.

The blower motor can fail or become dirty; cleaning the blower motor and internal components periodically is part of a good preventive maintenance program. The vents become clogged with debris and do not allow air to blow through the AC unit. Check the vents and clean any debris away allowing air to flow freely through the AC unit.

Noise

A home AC unit making excessive noise is another common issue. An internal piece, screw, nut or other component has come loose. Pull the face cover off the front of the unit and check for loose component parts. Do not forget to look at the bottom of the unit to see if any screws or bolts have fallen off. A failing compressor makes a grinding noise or hammering when it needs replacing.

References

• Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Guide: AC Unit Guide
• Lennox: AC Unit Owner's Manual
• Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Guide: AC Trouble Shooting
• Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Guide: AC Problem