Are you experiencing problems in the functioning of your AC? Understand what is causing them and how to get them fixed.
Accessing an AC that functions well has become a non-negotiable, whether you are at work or home. If your AC isn't working well, getting it fixed is a whole new hassle to add to your schedule. Have you ever called for an AC Repair in Kolkata for the person to have tweaked a couple of things in minutes, thinking what a waste of an appointment that was? Well, there can be a few things you can add to your checklist before calling for assistance. We have listed down the commonly faced problems with the AC & what you can do to solve them.
1. Your Air Conditioner is not turning on
There can be multiple reasons why your Air Conditioner is not turning on:
- Due to a circuit breaker trip.
- There is a blown fuse.
- The air filter is clogged.
- The evaporator coils have become dirty.
- The condenser lines have become dirty.
- The refrigerant is leaking.
- The motor might have stopped working.
- There is some wiring issue at your house.
- The thermostat is broken or outdated and needs to be replaced.
Of course, the classic Indian way to make any electrical device work is to switch it off completely and restart it. Although, if you have already done this and your air conditioner still won't start, then you need new ways. Firstly, make sure the air conditioning unit is plugged in. You might also want to check the main electrical panel to be sure that your air conditioner is receiving a power supply for it to work. At times, a circuit breaker trip might need to be reset to solve the issue. If it still doesn't work, then you might have to call the air conditioning repair service near you.
2. Your air conditioner is not cooling the space
Reasons your air conditioner is not cooling the space can be:
- The air filter is dirty.
- The thermostat settings are incorrect.
- The unit outside has become dirty.
- The motors are not functioning well.
- The refrigerant levels are low.
- The compressor might be damaged.
If you constantly face the issue of your air conditioning not doing its sole job of cooling the space and simply taking up your power supply, there might be a few things you want to check before calling an AC Repair in Kolkata. Check the thermostat settings of your air conditioning. Always keep the air conditioning thermostat setting on "Auto" mode instead of the "On" mode. In the cases of other issues like cleaning the filter, outside unit, or repairing the damaged compressor and faulty motors, it is best advised to call for professional help.

3. Your air conditioner refrigerant is leaking
The reasons that your air conditioner refrigerant is leaking can be:
- The air conditioning unit has aged, been worn & torn out.
- There is a pinhole leak in the coil, also known as a "Champagne Leak" (certainly not the bubbly, stars-in-a-glass kind).
- The system's running is generating severe vibrations causing holes in the copper coils.
- Physical damage in the outside unit.
Identifying the specific reason causing your air conditioner refrigerant to leak can accelerate its repair. It simply takes some careful observation. Once the leaks are located, they can be sealed, and the lost refrigerant can be recharged to get the system back to working. Although, it is advised to get the refrigerant leak repaired by a professional.
4. Your air conditioner isn't doing its job quietly
Reasons why your air conditioner is making noises while working can be:
- The air conditioner might be making banging noises if the compressor isn't functioning well, which is common in air conditioners used for a longer time.
- Screeching noises from your air conditioner can be signaling an issue with the fan motor or a broken motor in the compressor of the condenser system, and a damaged blower fan motor inside the house.
- A defective contactor relay switch can be causing a humming noise inside your air conditioner. As minor as that might sound, it gets quite unpleasant over time.
- A buzzing noise from your air conditioning system is not to be ignored. This might be a sign of loose or out-of-balance fan blades in the outdoor condenser unit.
- Loose sticks, dirt, or leaves in the outdoor unit can be causing a rattling noise in your air conditioner. The best way to get rid of it is to disassemble the unit to clean off these items. Although, on a more serious note, rattling noises can be signaling a damaged electrical contractor in the system.
- Hearing clicking sounds from your air conditioner continuously isn't normal. This might be indicating a malfunctioning thermostat.
Now that you know what sounds might indicate which specific issue, it might become a tad bit easier to get your air conditioner fixed. When it comes to cleaning some parts of your air conditioner, if you find yourself skilled enough and have a little background in engineering like most Indians do (pun intended), then you might do some weekend cleaning yourself. Although, it is advised to get professional AC Repair in Kolkata help for other repairs if you want to avoid extra repair expenditure and save yourself some quality time.
5. Your air conditioner can't hold it in
Reasons your air conditioner is leaking water outside can be:
- The drain line is blocked.
- The air filter is dirty.
- The condensate pan, which catches air conditioning condensate, is getting rusted from cracks.
- The outdoor temperature is freezing up the system along with the surroundings, causing an overflow and leakage in the outside unit.
- Refrigerant liquid levels are low.
A little leak here and there in the outside unit of your air conditioner isn't necessarily an emergency. Although if this happens often, you might want to get professional help. In the cases of some cleaning tasks, small clogs in the drain line can be cleaned easily with some chlorine bleach or a thin wooden skewer. Although major blocks in the drain line might be the job of an AC service near you.
6. Your air conditioner is overpowering your room freshener with a foul smell
Reasons your air conditioning is filling your space with a foul smell can be:
- If the air conditioner smells like a car exhaust, it might be due to a leaking refrigerant line.
- Smells like something is on fire? It is your personality without a doubt, although it could be due to the burning of some components like circuit boards, power wires, fans, etc., in your air conditioner. This ain't no do-it-yourself moment. It is a cry for professional help.
- If your air conditioner smells like rotten eggs, there is certainly something rotting in there. At times, insects or birds innocently nest their way into the ductwork without knowing it's a trap. Make sure to get your system pest-proof.
- A Methyl Mercaptan gas leak in the air conditioner system can be behind the gassy, skunky smell of your air conditioner.
Most of these issues require you to get professional AC Repair in Kolkata. Although, once you smell something smoky or gassy, make sure to switch the air conditioner off immediately, open the door or windows for ventilation, and turn off the gas supply while you are at it. It is best advised not to attempt a DIY here until and unless you know what you are doing.
Conclusion
When your AC is not functioning properly, it can cause discomfort and inconvenience. By understanding the common problems and their solutions, you can troubleshoot some issues on your own. However, for complex repairs and maintenance, it is always recommended to seek professional assistance from an AC repair service near you. Keep your AC in good condition, and enjoy a comfortable and cool environment.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Can I fix a clogged air filter on my own? Yes, you can clean or replace a clogged air filter on your own. However, if you're unsure, it's best to seek professional help.
- Why is my air conditioner making a buzzing noise? A buzzing noise can indicate loose or imbalanced fan blades in the outdoor condenser unit. It's advisable to get it checked by a professional.
- What should I do if my air conditioner is leaking water outside? If your air conditioner is leaking water outside, check for blocked drain lines or a dirty air filter. For major issues, contact an AC service center.
- Why does my air conditioner smell like something is burning? If your air conditioner emits a burning smell, it could indicate a problem with components like circuit boards or power wires. Seek professional help immediately.
- Can I perform AC repairs without professional assistance? While you can handle minor tasks like cleaning the air filter, it's recommended to seek professional assistance for complex repairs to avoid further damage.