Ideally, you set the thermostat to your desired temperature, and your HVAC system makes it so. However, this isn’t always what happens; sometimes there’s a breakdown in communication. Your AC may blow past the temperature you set on the thermostat and just keep cooling the house, or it may shut off frequently and never achieve the desired temperature. When chaos ensues, what do you do?
It may feel like a robot rebellion, but your AC is not trying to freeze you out. However, its inability to meet the temperature you set for it does indicate a problem. There are a few different things that could be causing the issue, including a faulty or failing sensor. Keep reading to learn about what causes a faulty sensor and what to do about it.
When you need fast AC repair, Midlothian HVAC experts from Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating are ready to help! Visit us online or give us a call at 972-291-0740 to schedule service.
What Is an Air Conditioning Sensor?
Ever wondered how your air conditioner knows when it’s met the desired temperature? It knows because it has a sensor. The sensor is a component that sits near the evaporator coils in your air conditioner, essentially acting as a messenger between the thermostat and HVAC system.
When your AC sucks in air through the return vents, the air passes over the sensor and the coils. The sensor reads the temperature and compares it to the setting on your thermostat. If the sensor reads the air to be warmer than the thermostat setting, it will begin (or continue) to cool your home. If the sensor’s reading is lower than the thermostat setting, it will shut off the compressor.
Signs of a Faulty AC Sensor
If your sensor stops reading the temperature accurately, your AC and thermostat can’t communicate with each other. Without any input on when to blow and when to stop, your rogue AC could start to behave very strangely, and you’ll be at its mercy.
One of the most common signs that a sensor is broken or failing is that your air conditioner will continue to cool your home, even after reaching the desired temperature indicated by the thermostat. So if you ever come home from work one day in July to find your home at a cool 62 degrees, the sensor is the first thing to investigate.
Another common sign that your sensor is on the fritz is that your AC will turn on and shut off frequently. This short-cycling can happen when the sensor gets dislodged in a way that disturbs your AC’s on-off cycles. However, a faulty sensor isn’t the only reason that an AC starts to short-cycle, so it’s a good idea to contact an experienced AC technician.
When you’re concerned about your HVAC, Midlothian company Dial One Johnson is here to investigate the situation. Whether you need air conditioner repair, maintenance or a full AC replacement, our trusted HVAC experts are up to the challenge.
What Causes a Faulty Sensor?
More often than not, sensor issues arise when something has knocked the sensor loose. When the sensor is displaced from its spot beside the evaporator coils, it can’t get an accurate read on the air coming through the return vents. Without an accurate reading, the sensor could tell the compressor to keep blowing even after your home is cooled.
Another common cause of sensor issues is a thermostat malfunction. When the thermostat isn’t working properly, the AC sensor could be taking accurate readings but be unable to compare those readings to the thermostat settings. This often leads to a short-cycling issue.
Common AC Issues
If your AC issues are caused by your sensor, you’re in luck — this is an easy, affordable fix. Just contact the most trusted AC repair Midlothian has to offer, and you’ll be in good shape. However, the signs of a faulty sensor are also signs for a host of other air conditioner problems, including the following:
- Refrigerant leaks. Without refrigerant, an AC can’t function. If you have a refrigerant leak, your HVAC system could fail to reach the temperature indicated on your thermostat or run for an unusually long time.
- Electric control failure. AC components like the compressor and fan can wear out or corrode over time. This situation is more likely to occur when an AC is oversized and shuts off and turns on frequently.
- Drainage problems. If your AC shuts off, doesn’t turn on or is failing to cool your home, you might want to make sure it’s draining properly. If mounted incorrectly, your AC may be clogged or holding water.
One of the best ways to prevent AC issues is to schedule regular HVAC maintenance. In an effort to help you avoid an unnecessary, expensive AC repair, Midlothian HVAC experts at Dial One Johnson have set up a maintenance package called the Advantage Plan. When you sign up for the Advantage Plan, you get deep discounts on regular maintenance and repairs, as well as front-of-the-line service.
Midlothian HVAC Service
When you need AC repair Midlothian HVAC experts at Dial One Johnson have got your back. No matter what issue is plaguing your HVAC system, our dedicated crew is ready to investigate and offer affordable solutions. Whether you need AC repairs, replacement or just a routine check-up, we’re here for it.
Concerned you can’t afford our professional HVAC services? We have multiple financing options waiting for you. Just fill out a simple application and get the repairs you need with no out-of-pocket expenses. Ready to get started? Visit us online or give us a call at 972-291-0740 today.
Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.