Is your air conditioner having trouble keeping a consistent temperature? You might have air conditioner sensor problems that prevent you from staying comfortable in your own home.
As the provider of the most reliable AC repair in Hodgkins, IL, JC Heating & Cooling can keep your air conditioner in working order and find a solution for any problem. Let us teach you more about this issue and how to prevent it.
What Is the Air Conditioner Sensor?
Your air conditioner’s sensor is responsible for reading the ambient temperature around the device to determine if it should continue releasing cool air. It’s most often located on your air conditioner near the evaporator coils. As the air passes by the return vents, the sensor determines whether it matches the desired temperature you set on your thermostat.
The sensor can malfunction for several reasons, at which point your AC system can’t accurately condition your air. Sensor malfunctions most commonly occur for two reasons:
- Displaced sensor: If the sensor becomes dislodged or bumped, it either can’t read the temperature of the surrounding air or it will take readings of the air in the wrong location.
- Broken thermostat: Because your sensor compares its readings to the settings on your thermostat, a faulty thermostat can prevent the sensor from accurately reading or comparing the temperature.
Signs Your Sensor Is Malfunctioning
What are the most common signs you have air conditioner sensor problems?
Your Air Conditioner Runs Constantly
If your air conditioner runs constantly, one of the most common causes is that your sensor isn’t detecting when it reaches the correct temperature. With a constantly running device, you’ll not only drastically increase your energy bills but also significantly shorten the life of your air conditioner.
With constant usage, you’ll also pay for more frequent AC repairs, so calling an HVAC technician to quickly fix your sensor is in your best interest.
Inconsistent Temperature Readings
You might notice your thermostat giving inconsistent readings. For example, even if your temperature doesn’t change, it might read as 68 degrees at one point and 72 degrees at another.
You might also notice wild temperature fluctuations within your home. If you set your thermostat at 78, one day the air conditioner might accurately cool it to that temperature, while another day it doesn’t get below 80 degrees.
You See an Error Reading
The most obvious sign you need air conditioning repairs is when your thermostat gives you an error reading or the fault indicator turns on. Because they’re standardized, you can easily tell what’s wrong with your air conditioner by knowing the corresponding codes. When it comes to sensor problems, the following are the most relevant readings:
- E1: The indoor unit’s room sensor
- E2: The outdoor unit’s condenser sensor
- E3: The indoor unit’s evaporator sensor
- F1: The internal ambient temperature sensor
- F2: The indoor pipe temperature sensor
Your Remote Control Doesn't Work
While not all thermostats use a remote control, if yours does and it can’t change the temperature on your thermostat, it’s likely because you have a faulty sensor. You might also receive error notifications on your remote, or your remote control will fail to accurately change the temperature.
First, check the batteries in your remote control to verify they’re not causing the problem. After you troubleshoot the remote, call your HVAC technician to fully ascertain if your sensor is the problem.
You Notice Higher Energy Bills
While it might take you a month or more to notice, if your energy bills are higher than normal, a broken air conditioner is often the problem. While other components or problems can cause higher energy bills, if you notice the other signs, such as an air conditioner that runs constantly, the faulty sensor is the likely problem.
The sooner you call for repairs, the faster your energy bills can return to normal and you can stop wasting money on poorly conditioned air.
How Specialists Fix Sensor Issues
With more days of extreme heat, air conditioners remain essential to your safety and your comfort. If you believe you have a faulty sensor, don’t waste time wondering whether you should call a specialist. When you call JC Heating & Cooling to repair your sensor, we use the following methods:
- We turn off their air conditioner at its power source to prevent life-threatening shocks.
- We examine the sensor to determine whether it needs repairs or replacement.
- If the problem is a displaced sensor, we can usually put it back into place without requiring further repairs.
- If the sensor is dirty, we can clean it and test whether that fixes the issue.
- If we can’t repair the sensor, we promptly install a new one.
- We then restore power to your air conditioner to verify we’ve fixed the problem.
How To Prevent Sensor Problems
If you want to avoid the stress of a faulty sensor, you can help prevent the problem by following these best practices.
Regular Maintenance
Annual maintenance is the most important and cost-effective thing you can do for your air conditioner, and yet, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, only 42% of homeowners take advantage of it. Schedule maintenance every spring to prepare your air conditioner for heavy usage during the summer.
Frequent Cleaning
Use a clean, damp cloth to clean the dust off your indoor and outdoor units and your thermostat. Dust weekly to prevent debris from building up, causing damage to your HVAC system.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
If your thermostat is old, consider upgrading to a newer model. Modern thermostats are more durable, longer lasting, and more easily programmable than older ones.
Contact JC Heating & Cooling for All Your Air Conditioner Repairs
If you’re experiencing air conditioner sensor problems, JC Heating & Cooling can solve the issue and restore comfort to your home. With 24/7 emergency service and over 100 five-star reviews, you won’t find a better option. Whether you’re wondering what causes an AC capacitor to fail or need help finding the best air conditioner for your home, we’re dedicated to helping you.
To book an appointment, call 708-367-6720.
