Top 5 AC Problems and How to Fix Them

Summary

In this informative video, Jay from Word of Advice TV walks through the top five most common air conditioner problems and their solutions. He covers issues like bad capacitors, low refrigerant, clogged condensate drains, faulty control boards, and malfunctioning condenser fan motors. Jay provides practical tips, troubleshooting steps, and directs viewers to additional resources for each problem. The video serves as a helpful reference, guiding homeowners on how to tackle these issues and maintain their AC units effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video discusses the top five common air conditioner problems and solutions.
• 😀 The most common AC issue is a bad capacitor, often leading to the fan running but only blowing hot air.
• 😀 A bad capacitor can also prevent the compressor from functioning while the fan works, leading to insufficient cooling.
• 😀 The video recommends checking out specific videos on how to replace or troubleshoot capacitors for detailed solutions.
• 😀 Low refrigerant is another common AC issue, which typically requires professional help to fix.
• 😀 Before concluding that refrigerant is low, it’s advised to clean the condenser unit and replace the furnace filter.
• 😀 A simple test involving temperature measurements between supply and return ducts can help confirm refrigerant problems.
• 😀 A plugged condensate drain can cause water pooling under the furnace or air handler but is easy to fix by clearing the drain line.
• 😀 A bad control board can cause unusual AC behavior, such as turning on both the furnace and AC simultaneously or freezing the unit.
• 😀 A bad condenser fan motor can prevent proper cooling, and the issue can often be identified by checking if the fan is stuck or not spinning.
• 😀 The video includes links to related videos for troubleshooting, replacing parts, and additional tips for fixing AC problems.

Q & A

What is the most common AC problem mentioned in the video?

The most common AC problem mentioned is a bad capacitor. It causes symptoms such as the fan running but blowing hot air and the outside unit not functioning.

How can you identify a bad capacitor in an AC unit?

You can identify a bad capacitor by noticing that the fan inside works but blows hot or room temperature air, and the outside unit doesn't run. Additionally, you might hear a buzzing sound from the AC trying to start but failing.

What should you do if you think your AC has a bad capacitor?

If you suspect a bad capacitor, the video offers detailed guidance on how to replace it, how to identify the right capacitor, and how to handle situations where the capacitor is too rusty to read the ratings.

What problem might occur if your AC is low on refrigerant?

If your AC is low on refrigerant, you might notice that the unit is running, but the house doesn't cool down to the set temperature or takes too long to cool. The video suggests checking the condenser unit and replacing the furnace filter first before assuming a refrigerant issue.

How can you check if your AC is low on refrigerant?

You can measure the temperature difference between the supply and return ducts. A typical working system should have a 15-20°F difference. If the difference is smaller, it may indicate a refrigerant issue.

What is a plugged condensate drain, and how can you fix it?

A plugged condensate drain happens when the drain line or fitting gets blocked, causing water to pool under the furnace. It can be fixed by clearing out the clog using compressed air or by cleaning the line.

What symptoms are associated with a bad control board in an AC unit?

Symptoms of a bad control board include strange behaviors like both the furnace and AC running at the same time, or the fan motor not receiving power, which can lead to freezing of the system.

How can you troubleshoot a bad control board in an AC unit?

You can troubleshoot the control board by checking for power issues, such as whether the fan motor is running, and using a meter to check the connections. The video offers a step-by-step guide on how to test the control board.

What should you do if the condenser fan motor isn't working?

First, check the capacitor, as it might be the problem. If the capacitor is fine and the fan motor isn't moving at all or is very stiff, it may be locked up and need replacement.

Can you fix a stuck condenser fan motor without replacing it?

If the condenser fan motor is stuck, you can sometimes get it running by manually pushing the fan blade with a long tool like a screwdriver. However, if the motor doesn't move freely, it likely needs to be replaced.