As the heat climbs, especially on summer days, a well-rounded air conditioning system is necessary. But sometimes, you might run into a few troubles that pop out of nowhere which can cause your AC to flop. An air conditioner sensor problem might be one of the many issues that can cause this.
Your air conditioning unit comprises parts that contribute to the overall function of cooling your home. One of which is the sensor, which gauges the indoor air temperature as it moves into the evaporator coil. Its primary role is to detect if the room has reached the desired temperature. But like all the other components of your AC, it can run into issues that can potentially affect the whole system’s function and efficacy.
So, what might be the cause of your air conditioner sensor problem?
Honestly, figuring it out might not always be as easy as 1, 2, 3. Lucky you, we rounded up some of the most common causes below and their possible solutions!
1. Defective thermostat
Is your sensor in a constant cycle of on and off during proper activation periods? Does it act erratically all of a sudden? If you answered yes, then the chances are you have a faulty thermostat.
A faulty thermostat can cause the AC sensor to malfunction. It is one of the primary causes why the sensor is going haywire. Dirt and grime build-up might contribute to this, just like how it affects your AC in other ways. Another factor might be an improper installation that leaves loose wires. It happens when the installer does not tightly affix such cables. Lastly, it could also be that your thermostat is already an old model or has reached its maximum life span.
If the indoor temperature is either too hot or too cold, the thermostat will act up by switching from on and off before it meets the desired room temperature. As a result, the air conditioner’s thermostat unsystematically undergoes cycles, leading to inadequate room cooling. The primary indicator of such is always the erratic cycles. So if you notice that, it might be a foreboding warning your air conditioner’s sensor is failing. Once that happens, make sure you contact a professional to report the issue and have it checked. If ignored, this can strain your AC unit and shorten its life.
2. Displaced sensor
Another probable culprit behind your air conditioner sensor problem is its displacement from its original location.
As previously tackled, the sensor’s role is to measure the air temperature as it transcends to the coil. Given that function, things will go haywire once it shifts out of position. Since it is very fragile, a slight movement out of the normal can affect its operation. We can expect that it would not be able to measure the temperature of the air that passes through accurately. It leads to the air conditioning unit working at irregular intervals. And if such is the case, the AC system will not provide the proper cooling that it usually does.
You can always check if the sensor is displaced by thoroughly examining if it still is in the proper position. However, as mentioned, its sensitivity rate is high. In that case, it is better to call a professional air conditioning expert to assess the situation. Upon task execution, they can properly diagnose the issue and ensure appropriate measures and applied fixes are correct.
How to Fix the Problem
Sometimes, an air conditioner sensor problem is easy to fix if you are fortunate enough. Some instances do not call for a huge repair to take place. Hence, it might be possible to repair the problematic sensor with your own hands. But of course, this comes with a greater risk than having it addressed by a professional HVAC company.
Below are some of the steps that you can consider taking:
- Turn off your air conditioning unit. After doing so, you must also power down the main electrical panel.
- Quickly check and try accessing the evaporator coil inside. The sensor’s placement is near the coil’s location. If you see that the sensor is bent, cautiously put it back in place.
- Once done, you can now turn on the breaker at the main panel and switch on your AC unit back.
Some people prefer to do these quick steps before they place a call to their trusted HVAC professional. However, it is always best to ask for guidance from an AC technician. As the sensor can be highly delicate, improper handling could trigger more issues. You are putting your AC at a higher risk of trouble. You wouldn’t want to cause another problem or worsen things, would you?
How to Prevent this in the Future
In all honesty, there is no specific prevention method to avoid encountering an air conditioner sensor problem. Like other common air conditioner issues, it happens once in a while. But that does not mean that you cannot take care of it and your whole air conditioning system!
We all know that performing regular maintenance checks for your AC unit is unbeatable in keeping it in good shape. It not only guarantees your unit is working effectively; it also helps you reduce the chances of inevitable system troubles.
Keeping your whole AC system, not just your sensor, in a healthy condition is essential. It enables you to continuously enjoy a cooler, comfortable home with an efficient machine. Ignoring even the slightest signs of issues could wear and tear the system over time. It takes a toll not just on the air conditioning unit but also on your expenses. Although it is very tempting to opt for a simple DIY repair technique to save money, you can potentially be doing more harm than good. Sometimes, your best bet is always to consult with a trusted air conditioner service company to guarantee that you get the proper AC unit maintenance and repair. Since the AC’s sensor can be susceptible to damage, it is better to leave the experts to handle the situation for you.
