Extreme heat is so deadly it kills over a hundred people in the U.S. each year. It also causes thousands of others to develop heat-related illnesses.

Fortunately, air conditioners can help by keeping indoor spaces cool. The CDC even says their use is the best way to protect oneself against heat dangers.

Thus, you should address air conditioner problems as soon as they arise.

But what exactly are the most common AC issues you may encounter, and how do you fix them?

We’ve rounded up the top answers below, so read on.

1. Faulty or Dead Air Conditioner Thermostat

The thermostat is the primary temperature control panel of your air conditioner. It regulates indoor climate by telling the AC when to cool, take a break, and stop its cycle.

So if your home feels too warm or your air conditioner doesn’t turn on, check your thermostat first. Its batteries might be dead, in which case, you only have to replace them with a fresh set.

If that doesn’t do the trick or the thermostat still doesn’t turn on, its connections might be loose. The device itself may be on the fritz, in which case, you might need a replacement. Call a 24 hour AC repair expert to help you diagnose the issue and replace the thermostat if required.

2. Heating Instead of Cooling

Reverse cycle systems and heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling functions. If you use either of the two at home, the problem may only have to do with its climate setting. For instance, someone may have switched it to HEAT instead of COOL mode.

In that case, you can set the thermostat back to COOL mode. After a few seconds, you should feel cold air coming out of the AC air vents.

If warm air still flows out the vents, you may have a severely clogged filter. You can try replacing the filter with a fresh one to see if it does the trick. If not, you may already have a broken AC unit that warrants professional repairs.

3. Not Enough Cold Air

Obstructions like filth in filters and vents can impede your AC unit’s airflow. That can make it feel like your air conditioner isn’t producing enough cold air. So, the first thing to check is your air filter, and clean or replace it if it has excessive build-up.

If that doesn’t help, your AC’s interior components may already be full of dirt and debris. For example, grime might be covering its evaporator coils, making them unable to cool the air. Your best bet, in this case, is to call a professional AC technician to clean your system.

4. Obnoxiously Loud Air Conditioner

Does your AC make a racket, such as banging and clanging? That indicates a loose part or a foreign object bumping against other components.

On the other hand, a loud hissing sound can signal a refrigerant leak. In this case, you might also feel a decrease in your AC unit’s cooling power.

Please call a repair technician ASAP to fix these common AC issues. It’s even more crucial if you suspect a refrigerant leak, as exposure to it can cause poisoning.

Never Delay Fixing Air Conditioner Problems

And there you have it, the most common air conditioner problems you might encounter. Some, like dead thermostat batteries or clogged air filters, you can fix yourself. However, if neither is the issue with your AC, it’s best to call the pros for help instead.

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