Actron Air Conditioner Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting The Most Common Actron Air Conditioner Problems

Summers in the north can be brutal, and a dependable air conditioner is necessary, not a luxury. Air conditioners work hard to keep us cool in hot weather, but they don’t last forever. Over time, they can develop problems. 

When that happens, it’s essential to know how to troubleshoot the common problems so you can get your Actron AC running again as quickly as possible.

Below are some troubleshooting tips for the most common Actron air conditioner problems:

Most Common Actron Air Conditioner Problems and How to Solve Them

The Air Conditioner Doesn’t Turn On

If your AC doesn’t turn on, you should first check whether the circuit breaker has tripped.

If the circuit breaker has tripped, reset the circuit breaker. Turn your air conditioner on. If the circuit breaker trips again, call your service company, for a qualified technician to attend to diagnose the fault.

If the circuit breaker does not trip, then attempt to start your airconditioning system.

Should fault codes appear on the controller, contact your air conditioning maintenance contractor to attend and rectify the fault

The Air Conditioner Turns on but Doesn’t Go Into Cooling Mode

Some things could be causing this problem.

First, you will want to check and clean your air filter. A clogged air filter can reduce airflow and cause your unit to operate inefficiently.

You will also want to check the coils on your unit to see if they are dirty.

Check the temperature setting on your controller to ensure it is set low enough to call the compressor to start.

The Air Conditioner Blows Warm Air

If your unit is blowing warm air, there are a few potential causes.

One possibility is that the thermostat is set too high.

Another cause may be that the coils on the unit are dirty or need to be cleaned.

Additionally, the unit may be low on refrigerant and will require the attendance of a technician to investigate and repair.

The Air Conditioner Is Leaking Water

If your unit is leaking water, you should first check the drain for any blockages.

Dirty filters can also cause an excessive amount of water being generated by the air conditioning system

if a condensate pump is installed, this may have failed and requires replacing. Contact your air conditioning repair company to assess and replace if necessary.

Any continual water leaks will require the attendance of your air conditioning service company.

The Air Conditioning System Is Making Strange Noises

There are various reasons as to why an air conditioner may begin generating noise

  • Noisy fans – this may be caused by failing bearings
  • Compressor noise – this may be caused by failing internal components
  • Air noise in ducts – ducts may be undersized

All of the above issues, plus any others relating to undue noise will require the attendance of a qualified technician to investigate and rectify.

The Air Conditioner Smells Bad

If your AC unit emits a bad smell, it could be due to several different things.

  • One possibility is that the filters are dirty or need to be replaced.
  • Another possibility is that mould or mildew is growing inside the AC. If this is the case, you must have the unit professionally cleaned.
  • Regular servicing of the air conditioning unit will, in most instances, prevent issues of this kind

The Air Conditioner Is Freezing Up

Various faults can lead to icing up of the indoor coil.

  • This can be caused by dirty or blocked filters. This restricts the air flow across the coil.
  • Dirty or blocked indoor coil can also be the cause of icing up. This also impedes the air flow.

If your unit is freezing, your air conditioning maintenance company should be contacted to correct the fault and also be engaged to carry out regular maintenance.

How to Keep Your Actron Air Conditioner in Good Working Order

It is critical to perform basic maintenance on your AC to keep it in good working order. Here are tips to help you keep your unit in good shape:

  1. Check the air filter monthly and clean or replace it as needed. A dirty air filter will reduce airflow and make your unit work harder to cool your home, which can lead to premature failure.
  2. Keep the area around your AC clear of debris and vegetation. It will ensure that the unit has adequate airflow and prevents potential damage from things like falling branches.
  3. Inspect the AC regularly for signs of wear and tear, and have any necessary repairs made as soon as possible. It will help to prevent more serious problems down the road.
  4. Schedule annual maintenance with a qualified technician. It will ensure that your unit runs efficiently and catch any potential issues before they become serious.
  5. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for operating your unit. It includes setting the thermostat properly and not using extension cords with the unit.

Repair or Replace?

If your air conditioner has problems, you may wonder whether it is time to repair or replace the unit. Repairing an air conditioner can be cheaper than replacing the unit, but it is important to consider a few factors before deciding.

Here are some things to think about when deciding whether to repair or replace your AC:

  • The age of your unit: If it is over ten years old, it is probably time to start shopping for a replacement. However, if your unit is less than ten years old, it may still be under warranty, so you may want to contact the manufacturer first.
  • The severity of the problem: If your unit has a significant problem, such as a broken compressor, you probably need to replace it. However, if the problem is something minor, such as a dirty air filter, a repair may be all that is necessary.
  • The repair cost: In some cases, the repair cost may be more than the cost of a new unit. If this is the case, it is probably time to start shopping and spend money on a replacement.

Time to Install a New Unit

If you have decided to replace your air conditioner, there are things you need to keep in mind when shopping for a new unit.

When shopping for a new AC, it is important to consider a few things:

  • The kind of unit you need: There are two popular types of air conditioners –
  • ducted and split system. A Ducted air conditioner is more expensive but also more efficient and has the ability to condition multiple rooms.
  • Split system air conditioner is less expensive but is limited to air conditioning only one room per unit.
  • The unit size: The unit you need will depend on your home’s size. Getting a unit that is the right size for your home is crucial, as an undersized unit will have to work harder to cool your home. An oversized AC will cool your home too quickly and then turn off, leading to wasted energy.
  • The features you want: When shopping for a new air conditioner, you will want to look for a unit with the features you want. These may include things like a timer, remote control, and energy-saving mode.

Time to Call a Professional

If you’re unsure if you should repair or replace your air conditioner or need help installing a new air conditioner, it’s time to call a professional. Our team of qualified technicians will help you with all your air conditioning needs, from repair to replacement to installation. So give us a call today!

Author:
Alex is SunCity's guide expert, from South Bank Brisbane. He is a founding member of the Technician team.