Troubleshooting Your Ducted Air Conditioner
One of the most important pieces of equipment in your home during the summer is your air conditioner. But what do you do when it stops working? Air conditioners are expensive to repair and can be a real pain to try and fix yourself. You might not even know where to start. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.
We’ve compiled this guide to help you diagnose and fix common problems with your air conditioner. This will be a valuable resource the next time you’re stuck with a broken AC unit. When repairing an air conditioner, always take safety precautions and consult a professional if needed.
Common Problems with Ducted Air Conditioners
Ducted Air Conditioner with Poor Airflow
One of the most common problems with ducted air conditioners is poor airflow. Various factors, including leaks in the ductwork, dirty air filters, or closed vents, can cause this. Poor airflow can lead to many problems, including decreased efficiency and increased energy costs. To maintain optimal airflow, it is vital to check and clean your ducted air conditioning system’s filters. Additionally, make sure that all vents are open and unobstructed. By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that your ducted air conditioner is blowing cold air efficiently.
Ducted Air Conditioner Dirty Air Filters
Dirty air filters are probably the most common problem with ducted air conditioners. The amount of dirt on your air conditioner’s filter is a function of how much you run your air conditioner, the amount of time since you last had them cleaned, and the amount of dirt in the environment from which the air conditioner is drawing its air – factors that impact this can include pets, smokers, or dusty environments. Dirty air filters will lead to reduced air flow – which will have a number of detrimental impacts on your system, including:
– a system not effectively cooling – the amount of cooling is directly related to the quantity of air passing through the air conditioners indoor unit
– system going into fault – low airflow can lead to insufficient heat transfer causing the air conditioner to go out on a pressure induced fault
– high energy consumption – having dirty air conditioner filters is like driving your car with the hand brake on – the engine (compressor) has to work much harder to achieve the same result
– premature system wear – in the same way as driving your car for extended periods with the handbrake will lead to premature component wear or failure of the components in your air conditioner
As a result, it is vital to regularly check and clean the air filters on your ducted air conditioner. Doing so will help to ensure that your system is operating at peak efficiency and effectiveness.
Ducted Air Conditioner Leaking Ductwork
Ducted air conditioners have an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit consists of a blower, evaporator coils, and a filter. The outdoor unit contains a compressor, condenser coils, and a fan. Refrigerant pipes and electrical cabling connect the two air conditioning units. The indoor unit is then connected to the supply air grilles scattered throughout your house by ductwork. It is this duct that is responsible for delivering the cooled or heated air to the rooms in your home. If there is a problem with the ductwork, it can cause the air conditioning to leak and not get to the place it is intended. Often this means you waste energy air conditioning your roof space! A variety of factors, including improper installation, damage to the ductwork, or age can cause this. If you think your ducted air conditioner is leaking, it’s important to have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible.
Ducted Air Conditioner – with failed or closed dampers
A ducted air conditioner is a central heating and cooling system that uses a network of ducts to distribute conditioned air. While ducted AC systems are efficient and effective, they can sometimes run into problems when the zone or balancing dampers don’t open or have swung shut.
If you are not getting air out of any of the supply air grilles for your ducted air conditioner, normally your best option is to get an air conditioning technician out to have a look at the ducting and dampers.
Ducted Air Conditioner Thermostat Issues
One of the most common issues with ducted air conditioners is thermostat-related. This could be due to incorrect settings on the thermostat or a faulty thermostat itself. Either way, thermostat issues can lead to some problems, such as decreased efficiency and increased energy costs. If you think you might have a problem with your thermostat, the first step is to check the settings. If you suspect that your ducted air conditioner’s thermostat is the issue, it’s best to consult a professional.
We will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action. In some cases, simply changing the settings on the thermostat can fix the issue. However, if the thermostat itself is faulty, it may need to be replaced. Addressing thermostat issues immediately is crucial for keeping your ducted air conditioner running.
How to Troubleshoot a Ducted Air Conditioner
Check the Power Supply
In any kind of troubleshooting, the first step is always to check the power supply. For example, with a ducted air conditioner, you want to start by making sure that the unit is plugged into an outlet and that the circuit breaker has not been tripped. If the unit is plugged in and the power is still not working, your next step is to check the fuse. You can find replacements at most hardware stores if the fuse needs to be replaced. Once you have replaced the fuse, you should be able to restart your air conditioner and enjoy cool air once again.
Inspect the Air Filters
As mentioned earlier, dirty air filters are one of the most common problems with ducted air conditioners. If the filters are clogged, it can lead to decreased airflow and reduced efficiency. To clean the filters, remove them and vacuum them or wash them with soapy water. Be sure to allow the filters to dry completely before putting them back in place.
Check the Condensor Coils
To keep your AC unit operating at peak efficiency, it is important to regularly clean the evaporator coils. If the coils are dirty, they will not be able to release heat properly, and the unit will have to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. The best way to clean the coils is to hose them out with gentle pressure from your garden hose.
Schedule Annual Maintenance
In addition to the above troubleshooting tips, it’s also a good idea to schedule annual maintenance for your air conditioner. This will help to ensure that the unit is running smoothly and that any potential problems are caught early on. These simple steps can help extend your air conditioner’s life and prevent expensive repairs down the road.
Need Help With Your Ducted Air Conditioner?
After trying the above troubleshooting tips, if you’re still having problems with your ducted air conditioner, it’s time to call in the professionals. It is always best to consult with an expert when it comes to AC repair or maintenance. We have experienced HVAC professionals who can diagnose and fix a variety of issues. We will also help you select the suitable unit for your space and needs in installing a new air conditioner. So contact us today to schedule a service call. We’ll have your ducted air conditioner running smoothly in no time!
