Determining If You Have a Faulty AC Sensor & How to Fix It If You Do

Air conditioners are designed to control moisture and provide cool air for an establishment. Over time, they may encounter specific issues that make them unable to perform as they should. Moreover, HVAC systems are equipped with temperature sensors that help ensure accurate output and reduce potential wear and tear. If everything is working properly, you may only have to worry about maintenance and occasional repairs. However, if a sensor malfunctions, that’s when issues start to pile up.

Most heating and air conditioning maintenance companies will tell you that a bad sensor will cause your unit to cycle too often or fail to turn on at all. In this case, you’re likely to feel abrupt changes in your indoor temperature, and your home may become very uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are simple ways to have it checked and repaired.

How Do Air Conditioning Sensors Work?

Air conditioning sensors are components of the system designed to measure the temperature in the room. They ensure your unit can regulate the temperature of the air according to the setting on the control panel. Hence, when a sensor isn’t working properly, it won’t be able to precisely determine your area’s inversion.

A thermostat sensor is normally close to the evaporator coil inside the air conditioning unit. As the air passes over the sensor, it checks the current temperature of the air and compares it to the desired temperature. HVAC installation companies will remind you that if it’s not cool enough, the sensor will activate the compressor, turning the machine on and pushing air through the coils to cool it down.

The Usual Sensors Used In an AC System

It should be noted that there are a number of temperature sensors: one on the discharge side, an air temperature sensor, a humidity and temperature sensor, a clip-on temperature sensor on the suction line and a clip-on sensor on the return bend. As earlier stated, the whole idea is to have sensors so that data can be gathered.

Common Sensor Defects

• Faulty thermostat. When this occurs, your sensor may cycle intermittently in an on-and-off manner during proper activation periods. If it’s too hot or too cold inside your house, the thermostat will start acting up by turning itself on and off before the desired temperature for the room is even met.

• Displaced sensor. Because the sensor functions by measuring the air temperature making its way into the coil, a displaced sensor will have a hard time doing this. This can make the unit work in irregular intervals. If this occurs, it will test the unit in providing dependable cooling for its occupants.

How to Tell If You Have a Failing Sensor

There are noticeable indications that you can observe to determine if your sensor isn’t functioning properly, such as the following:

• The air conditioner doesn’t turn off when your home has reached the set temperature on the thermostat. If the temperature sensor stops reading the temperature in the evaporator unit, the air conditioner will just continue to blow cool air into the room. This will result in the room becoming too cold, which can lead to higher energy bills and an uncomfortably cold interior. Immediately call for an HVAC repair if this occurs.

• The air conditioner continues to randomly cycle on and off instead of turning off when the temperature reaches the thermostat setting you’ve chosen. A faulty temperature sensor could misread the temperature in the evaporator unit. Your unit will keep turning off and on at random intervals, which can result in premature failure.

• Your monthly utility bills are higher than expected for the season. While there are many signs that could suggest why you’ve been paying more than usual lately, it’s still best to have your system checked by an HVAC installation company to save you from spending a lot.

How to Fix the Air Conditioner Sensor

Sometimes a faulty air conditioner sensor can be fixed without major repairs. Thus, there could be an easy way to repair the faulty sensor on your own. Consider following these steps:

• Turn your air conditioner off as well as the power at the main electrical panel.

• Try accessing the evaporator coil inside. The sensor will be near the coil’s location. If the sensor is bent, put it back into place cautiously. You can turn the breaker back on at the main panel and switch your system on.

However, remember that if it’s bent away from the coil or if it seems like the sensor is the problem, you should contact a trained professional from a heating and air conditioning maintenance company to have it inspected.

Taking Good Care of Your Air Conditioner Sensor & Unit

Keeping your AC sensor in good shape is highly encouraged to ensure you’re able to continuously get the right amount of cooling in your home. While there are simple DIY repair tricks that can be found on online tutorials that you may try before seeking out assistance from a professional, it’s still best to call in an experienced HVAC technician to ensure that you get the full scope of air conditioning repair and maintenance.

Only 42% of homeowners call a professional to perform routine maintenance on their HVAC systems, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This is worrying because HVAC maintenance is highly essential. Most manufacturers require their furnaces and air conditioners to be maintained. Moreover, preventative maintenance is intended to keep your heating and cooling system running at full performance all-year- long.

Because the air conditioner sensor is a sensitive part of the air conditioning unit, it would be best to leave it in the hands of the experts. Get in touch with a team of professionals to have your system checked and get a proper estimate.

If you’ve got an HVAC repair emergency, Cafco Services has you covered! We provide emergency service 24/7, guaranteeing that you get the HVAC, refrigeration and hot side help you need, whenever you need it. We’re among the most trusted heating and air conditioning maintenance companies in the area. Call us at (513) 242-3400 or contact us here.