There are different reasons for an air conditioner to malfunction during the period each spring and summer when it does the most work. Basic wear and tear is one common cause. Another is electrical troubles. Leaking refrigerant can trigger multiple serious problems that require fast repair before they grow worse.
But one of basic sources of air conditioner problems is the thermostat. It’s an easy source to overlook, since the thermostat is usually an unobtrusive device mounted far from the actual air conditioner cabinet. It is common to mistake thermostat malfunctions for something else—and this is one of the reasons that you must always call on professionals for AC repairs and not attempt to troubleshoot the system on your own.
How a thermostat can become trouble for your AC
- Miscalibrated temperature readings: If the temperature sensors in a thermostat become miscalibrated, it will misread the temperature in a house and subsequently cause the AC compressor and fans to turn on and off and the wrong times. This could even turn into short-cycling, a condition where the air conditioner’s compressor turns on and off rapidly, causing immense wear on the component and hiking up utility bills.
- Connection loss: The standard thermostat has 5 wires to communicate to the air conditioner. Loss of connection in even one of these wires can result in an air conditioner fan that won’t turn on, won’t turn off, or a non-responsive compressor. Technicians will find out if the compressor is the source for any of these problems and then fix it.
- Ghost readings: A thermostat that was poorly placed in a home so that it is exposed to either drafts or too much direct sunlight will read incorrect temperatures. These are known as “ghost readings,” and will cause the AC to poorly cool down your home. In most cases, you will need professionals to remove the thermostat and install a new one in a better location.
Do you require service for a wonky air conditioning system in Fairfax, VA of the surrounding areas? Give OASIS Heating, A/C & Refrigeration, Inc. a call at 571-322-6209, any time of the day or night.
