AC is essential for the warm summer months, keeping us cool in our homes and workplaces. It’s important to keep your AC unit well maintained all year round to avoid faulty air con when you need it most. Air conditioning can occasionally require repairs but they are usually fixed very promptly as air conditioning engineers will be used to common AC repairs that are required and how to fix them. 

If your air conditioning isn’t working efficiently it could be one of the following problems.

Common air conditioning faults

Dirty filter

Air conditioning units use filters to ensure no dirt particles pass through into your home. If yours isn’t working well such as not sending out cool air, it may be due to a clogged or dirty filter. Your manufacturer will have instructions on how to clean your air filter and how often. Some may suggest changing your air filter every three months or monthly. 

However, it is completely dependent on your own air filter and if it looks dirty then you should definitely change it. Some air conditioning units come with reusable filters that you can clean and put back in. You can check if your filter needs changing by checking if any light passes through, if not then you need a new one. Dirty filters will reduce the airflow and cause the AC unit to freeze.

Broken thermostat

Another common issue is that the thermostat isn’t working properly. You may notice that when you attempt to change the temperature it doesn't change or is making your room the wrong temperature. You need to check that it’s turned on, the inside is clean, it’s level and it’s not being affected by sunlight. Also, have a look that it is on the right setting as this will affect the output. If the issue persists, you may have to speak to your local specialist to seek air conditioning repairs.

Refrigerant leaks

Your unit is not able to perform correctly if the coolant starts leaking in the air conditioner which will cause the temperature to fluctuate. This will likely need a professional repair and the cost will be dependent on the location of the leak. You should get your air conditioning unit examined annually to avoid major issues.

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Drainage issues

Over time, just like your air filter, the drain line can become clogged with dust, dirt and lint. If left without repair, this can cause the drain pan to fill and water will leak out which can cause more damage to the AC unit or whatever is located around your unit. It’s important to check your air conditioning unit regularly to check for these issues and catch them before they cause more damage.

Compressor problems

The compressor works by applying energy to the refrigerant and propelling it through the coils to carry out heat exchange. Occasionally the compressor may stop working meaning the air conditioning unit cannot cool your home. If there isn’t enough refrigerant the compressor will run hot and eventually seize but if there’s too much the refrigerant will return to the compressor which will cause it to fail.

Evaporator coils

These are used to absorb heat in the air and send it back into the house as cold air by using a series of air ducts. Over time, coils can become corroded or damaged. However, if they are located inside they usually only require maintenance every three years so they aren’t too much of a concern.

Common faulty aircon repairs

Some air conditioning equipment can be repaired fairly easily, especially with the help of a professional. Here are common minor repairs our engineers regularly carry out.

Replacing fuses

Fuses are designed to handle a limited amount of amperage based on the maximum amount that the AC unit is rated for. If your fuses are too small they will likely blow quite often. However, using one that is too big can allow more than the rated amount of amperage to reach the unit and cause lasting damage to the system. 

If you suspect you have blown a fuse you may notice that the AC unit outside isn’t doing anything. The best way to test this is by using a voltmeter. If you don’t have a voltmeter it is probably a good idea to contact a professional for an air conditioning quotation. Unless you know what you are doing, working with live electricity can be very dangerous so it may be better to wait for a professional.

Replenish coolant

Coolant in your air conditioning unit should actually last for its entire lifetime. However, if there is a leak or malfunction it may mean you need to top up the coolant. You’ll first need to rule out any other maintenance problems first. If you have changed the air filters and cleaned the evaporator and condenser and there still seems to be a problem you may need to search for a leak. You may need to call for air conditioner repair and get a professional to check for leaks and patch them up. Replenishing coolant is not something you can do yourself as you won’t be able to buy coolant. Just give us a call at Complete Cooling and we’ll help you out!

Empty the drain

If there is a clog in your drain, you’ll need to empty this, but it isn’t too difficult. Your AC drain may be clogged if you notice water dripping around your AC unit, water around the safety switch, mouldy smells or a full condensate pan. Your air conditioning has a condensate drain line running from the indoor to the outdoor unit. You can find the drain line somewhere near the outdoor unit and it will be a copper or white PVC pipe. To clean the drain follow these steps:

- Switch off the power to your air conditioner.

- Find the condensate drain line.

- Inspect the drain pipe to see what the blockage may be. If you can see the blockage, put on some gloves and try to remove it manually. Be careful not to push the blockage further down the pipe.

- If you haven’t been able to get it out manually, use a vinegar solution to flush the drain pipe out. Vinegar has great cleaning properties so remove the cap, pour a quarter of a cup of vinegar into the opening and stop when it's full.



- Let the vinegar sit in the pipe for half an hour and flush it out using water, ensuring the water is flowing normally. If not, you will likely have to call a professional as the blockage is too large to clear yourself. 

Try to repeat this process regularly or invest in AC unit servicing such as planned preventative maintenance to avoid faulty aircon.

Complete Cooling: Air Conditioner Repairs For Faulty Aircon 

At Complete Cooling, we offer a range of services to help keep your AC unit from becoming faulty. As a customer, you can benefit from our Planned Preventative Maintenance Services, Fault Finding and Diagnostic Services and much more. We hope your AC unit never breaks, but if it does we’re just a call away to assist you. 

We cover clients in Nottingham, Derby and Leicester for any domestic or commercial air conditioning needs. If your air conditioning unit is broken, don’t hesitate to give us a call and our fully trained team will help you every step of the way. With over 107 years of combined industry knowledge and experience, we’re the best ones to call if you need any air conditioner repairs.

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