Air conditioners keep the temperature inside your home cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. But when there’s a problem with the sensor, it can cause the unit to work overtime and not cool your home appropriately. The air conditioner sensor problem is one of the most commonly reported problems with air conditioners. The problem is often caused by a faulty sensor, which can cause the air conditioner to overheat or cycle on and off too frequently.
Find out the signs of this problem and what you can do to fix it.
How Does The Air Conditioner Sensor Work?
Air conditioning sensors are located in the evaporator coils. The sensor monitors the temperature of the coils and turns the air conditioner on or off to maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home.
The thermostat sensor is usually located near the evaporator coil within the air conditioner. The sensor measures the current temperature of the air as it passes over it and compares it to the target temperature. The sensor signals the compressor to turn on and cool the coils if it’s too hot. The sensor tells the compressor to turn off if it’s too cold.
If the sensor is not working correctly, it can cause the air conditioner to overheat or cycle on and off too frequently. It can be a significant problem during hot weather when you need the air conditioner to keep your home cool and comfortable.
Signs Your Air Conditioner Sensor Has Problems
You will know there is a problem with your air conditioner sensor if you notice any of the following signs:
Displaced sensor
A malfunctioning sensor may be moved from its original location. Expect everything to go crazy if this is the case. When a sensor is displaced, it loses its ability to precisely monitor the passing air’s temperature. Consequently, the system will struggle to provide consistent cooling to each area in the home.
Faulty thermostat
A malfunctioning thermostat might cause the AC sensor to malfunction. The accumulation of filth or dust within it is one explanation for this. It might also be due to a faulty installation, in which the cables are loose and not securely attached to the thermostat. It might also be that your thermostat is an older model that has already outlived its useful life.
The sensor within a malfunctioning thermostat may cycle on and off sporadically throughout the correct activation times. The thermostat will switch on and off before the room reaches the appropriate temperature, whether too hot or too cold. As a result, your air conditioner will not deliver enough cooling. This inconsistent cycling might also put the unit under unneeded stress, reducing its longevity.
How to Fix the Air Conditioner Sensor
A broken air conditioner sensor may sometimes be rectified without requiring costly repairs. As a result, there may be a simple solution to fix the malfunctioning sensor on your own. Check out the following actions:
Clean the sensor
If your AC’s sensor is not working, you should check for any dirt or debris that might have accumulated on it. The sensor needs to be placed in an area where it can accurately gauge the temperature of the passing air. If it is obstructed by filth, it will not work as intended.
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to gently remove any dirt or debris from the sensor. You can also use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to clean the sensor. Be careful not to damage the sensor while cleaning it.
Check the thermostat’s settings.
If your air conditioner’s sensor is not working, check the thermostat’s settings. The thermostat might be set to “Off” or “Auto.” Suppose it is set to “Off,” the air conditioner will not turn on, even if the sensor is working. If it is set to “Auto,” the air conditioner will only turn on when it detects that the room temperature is above the target temperature.
You should also check the thermostat’s “Fan” setting. If it is set to “On,” the fan will run continuously, even when the air conditioner is not running. It can cause the sensor to cycle on and off frequently, which can be a problem during hot weather.
Replace the batteries
If your air conditioner’s sensor is not working, check the batteries. The batteries might be dead, or they might be loose. You should replace the batteries if they are dead. If the batteries are loose, you should tighten them.
Check the wires
If your air conditioner’s sensor is not working, check the wires. The wires might be loose, or they might be disconnected. You should tighten the cables if they are loose. If the wires are disconnected, you should reconnect them.
Conclusion
Your air conditioner’s sensor is an integral part of the system. If it is not working, you should take action to fix it. You can clean the sensor, check the thermostat’s settings, replace the batteries, or check the wires. These actions might fix the problem and get your air conditioner working again.
If you need help troubleshooting your air conditioner, contact Furnace Repair Winnipeg. We will be able to help you troubleshoot the problem and make the necessary repairs.
