Six Problems You May Encounter With An Old AC Unit

As much as we would like it, air conditioners don’t last forever. As they age, air conditioning units present many problems that may interfere with the cool air in your home. Unless air conditioners receive regular maintenance, they quickly lose their efficiency and ability to produce cold air.

If you haven’t had problems with your old AC unit, prepare for them. These problems always arise at the worst time, and identifying them is key to prolonging the life expectancies of old AC units. This guide will cover common issues with such units and how to troubleshoot them.

No Cool Air

Once an air conditioner hits seven years of age, it loses some cooling power. While this is normal, complete cold air loss is a significant problem.

One reason you have no cold air is a malfunctioning thermostat. Check to ensure the thermostat works, and change the batteries if needed. Check for tripped breakers or blown fuses if the thermostat is in good condition.

In some cases, ice or debris blocks an outdoor compressor unit. The compressor overheats and shuts itself off to prevent damage to the system. Ensure no obstructions are near the outdoor condenser unit to avoid this problem.

There may also be a problem with your furnace, causing it to continue running when it should be off. If that’s the case, your furnace needs repair. Call us at (973) 490-4881 to schedule excellent furnace repair by Comfort Specialists in Succasunna, NJ.

AC Unit Not Turning On

One of the most common calls we get is that someone’s old AC unit won’t turn on. There are several different causes of this problem.

First, check the thermostat. Either someone has disturbed the settings or it is malfunctioning. Make sure that the AC settings are on “cool.”

Next, check the circuit breaker and look for any tripped breakers. Faulty wiring in your AC unit causes circuit breakers to trip, preventing your air conditioner from turning on.

Also, if the compressor overheats, give it time to switch back on. If none of these problems help, call us, and we’ll come to check your AC unit.

AC Unit Not Turning Off

If an old AC unit constantly runs, it may be time for a complete replacement. Constant operation puts a heavy strain on your AC unit and dramatically raises the cost of your energy bills. An AC unit that doesn’t correctly cycle has many causes.

First, the unit is too small or is at the end of its lifespan. An AC that is too small will overwork itself cooling a big house. Also, when an air conditioner is on its last leg, it will stop working or lose any cooling power.

Another possible cause for this problem is a malfunctioning thermostat. Either the wiring between the thermostat is faulty or you should replace the thermostat.

Poor Air Quality and Odors

When an air conditioner malfunctions, the indoor air quality of your home suffers. Poor maintenance and a dirty air filter are usual causes of odors and poor air quality.

Mold and mildew growth on the inside of the unit may also affect your indoor air quality. Old AC units don’t filter out as much moisture as newer ones, so mold spores have more opportunities to grow in them. Often, you can identify mold just by the smell.

Freezing Coils

A lack of refrigerant in your system may freeze your coils. If the evaporator coil freezes, it won’t pull hot air out of your home and replace it with cool air. Frozen coils can also cause damage and shorten the life of your AC unit, so if you notice freezing coils, fix them immediately.

Dirty air filters and condensers also cause coils to freeze. Changing your filters and cleaning the outside of your AC unit will help prevent this problem.

Leaking Ducts

Leaking ducts can cause several problems. Leaking AC units lose energy efficiency over time as dust accumulates inside them, reducing their overall performance.

Mold, mildew, and other harmful substances grow in your AC unit if you have leaking ducts. Leaking ducts may damage your home’s drywall, wood, insulation, and other structures by allowing water to seep into crawlspaces. They could also start a fire by short-circuiting electrical wiring near them.

AC and Furnace Repair in Succasunna, NJ

If you have problems with your old AC unit, call Comfort Specialists at (973) 490-4881 to help you solve them. We also fix heating systems and can help you learn why you’re not getting hot air from your furnace.