For ACs to work effectively, they need routine maintenance by professionals on a regular basis. Ideally, an AC system should be checked before summer starts each year. But after the extra summer load, it’s also worth checking the equipment for leaks and moisture before the fall allergy and the winter flu season hits, especially where ACs are used year-round.

What should you look for when checking air conditioners? The Facility Executive has listed the most common signs of malfunction.

Inadequate cooling

The role of an AC system is to keep a facility cool. If a facility manager notices a lack of air or warm airflow, they may be dealing with low refrigerant levels, dirty filters, or a blocked evaporator coil.

* Dirty air filters can restrict airflow reducing cooling efficiency and poor indoor air quality, while the AC might work harder, consuming more energy.
* Refrigerant leaks can also cause low refrigerant levels, limiting the efficacy of an AC.
* A blocked or dirty evaporator coil can stop cold airflow altogether. When this happens, the refrigerant can’t properly absorb heat from the air. This problem can also cause an AC to freeze, reducing the system’s cooling capacity.

Noises everywhere

Facility managers must pay attention to unusual noises. These can indicate common air conditioning problems.

* Banging or clanking can indicate a loose or broken part within the AC. It may also mean the fan blades are out of order.
Refrigerant leaks can cause a hissing noise. While bubbling noises can be due to a leak, they can also be from a clogged condensate drain line.
* Screeching or squealing may reflect a problem with the blower motor.
* A buzzing or clicking sound may indicate an electrical issue or a faulty component.

If the blower is failing and has loose components, a facility manager may hear a rattling or banging sound. Meanwhile, a squealing or screeching sound may indicate bad bearings. In any case, it’s critical to consult a professional.

Leaks and moisture

An air conditioning system should never produce water or moisture. These issues need urgent attention as they can cause significant water damage to a facility. At the same time, because water and moisture can develop behind walls, ceilings, and floors, a facility manager might only realize the harm happening once it is too late.

Water backs up into the drain pan when the condensate drain line becomes blocked. If the pan overflows, facility managers may notice puddles of water and mould growth.

A leaky refrigerant can cause the evaporator coil to freeze. Melting ice can cause moisture and water around the indoor section of an AC system.

Refrigerant leaks leading to low refrigerant levels force AC systems to work harder to achieve the same cooling level. Besides causing higher power bills, leaky refrigerants can harm people and the environment. Always leave the job of recharging the refrigerant and finding leaks to the professionals.

Frequent cycling

Frequent cycling occurs when AC units turn on and off more than they are intended to, preventing them from completing a full cooling cycle. In the background, there might be thermostat, electrical, or size issues.

* If the thermostat is broken or set incorrectly, it may cause frequent cycling.
* An oversized AC unit will reach the appropriate temperature too quickly, causing it to turn off before the cooling cycle would end. Because this causes more wear on an AC, more frequent AC repairs might be needed.
* An AC may suffer from frequent cycling if there are faulty electrical components or wiring issues.
 

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