When your air conditioner starts struggling to maintain or cool your home effectively, it can be a major headache trying to figure out the cause. One often overlooked component that can be particularly difficult to troubleshoot is the air conditioner’s temperature sensor. LV Heating & Cooling will walk you through the symptoms of a failing temperature sensor and provide tips on troubleshooting this common issue.
Understanding the AC Temperature Sensor
A thermostat’s temperature sensor is not part of the actual thermostat but is located near the evaporator coils. As the air inside your home is sucked up through the return vent, it passes over the sensor and then the coils. The sensor reads the air temperature and if it is higher than the thermostat setting, it triggers a cooling cycle. If the sensor is not working properly, the thermostat won’t know when to trigger the cooling cycle. This can lead to a range of issues, from your home becoming uncomfortably warm to the air conditioner running erratically.
Symptoms of a Failing AC Temperature Sensor
Random Cooling Cycles: One of the earliest warning signs of a failing temperature sensor is the air conditioner triggering cooling cycles randomly, sometimes in the middle of an already activated cycle. This erratic behavior can cause your home to become too cold, indicating that the sensor is not accurately reading the indoor temperature.
Inconsistent Indoor Temperatures: If your home is experiencing fluctuating temperatures or if certain areas are significantly warmer or cooler than others, it might be due to a malfunctioning temperature sensor. This inconsistency can make your home uncomfortable and can be a sign that the sensor is not triggering the cooling cycle correctly.
Air Conditioner Not Turning On or Off: A faulty temperature sensor might fail to signal the thermostat to turn the air conditioner on or off. If your AC doesn’t seem to respond to temperature changes, it could be due to a sensor issue.
Troubleshooting the AC Temperature Sensor
While waiting for professional HVAC service, there are a few things you can try yourself:
Step 1: Turn Off the Air Conditioner: Before doing any inspections, turn off the air conditioner and shut off the power supply to the HVAC system. The easiest way to do this is by switching off the breaker in the electrical panel that supplies the air conditioner.
Step 2: Access the Indoor Unit: Locate the indoor unit, which is usually installed in the attic. If you’re comfortable, remove the panel covering the evaporator coils.
Step 3: Inspect the Sensor: Check the sensor’s position. Sometimes the sensor can get bent out of place. The sensor should be close to but not touching the coils. If the sensor is too far away or touching the coils, this can cause inaccurate temperature readings. Adjust its position to the proper place.
Central Air Conditioning Inspections, Tune Ups, Repair, Replacement & More in Summerlin, North LV, Henderson, Enterprise, Paradise, Spring Valley, Sunrise Manor & Greater Las Vegas, NV
If you cannot determine if the sensor is misplaced or if adjusting it doesn’t solve the problem, it’s time to seek professional HVAC services. The sensor may need to be replaced. An erratic air conditioner is often a sign of a sensor problem, but air conditioners have multiple sensors, making it hard to identify the culprit. Professional HVAC technicians have the tools and expertise to accurately diagnose and repair the problem. For HVAC repair, installations, and much more, contact LV Heating & Cooling today.
