5 Signs You Have a Faulty AC Sensor and What to Do About It

A man holding a remote control in front of an air conditioner.

Summertime is the perfect time to take a vacation, but it’s also when the air conditioner tends to break down. If you’re lucky, your AC will only stop working because of a dirty filter or something simple like that. But what if the problem is with the sensor? In this blog post, we will unveil the common signs of a faulty air conditioner sensor and how to fix it.

Outline

What is an AC sensor?

To ensure your home is comfortable and cool all year round, you need an air conditioning system with sensors. These small parts are accountable for measuring the temperature in rooms and assist in regulating the settings on the control panel according to your needs. When the sensor of your AC unit is not working properly, it won’t be able to measure temperatures in the room accurately. Thus, your unit will turn on and off at intervals, leading to premature failure.

Signs of Faulty AC Sensor

A few signs can indicate that your AC may not be functioning correctly. One of these is when you notice your unit still running even if the room has already reached the temperature you’ve set on the thermostat. Apart from this, here are other ways to determine whether there is something wrong with your AC sensor.

Faulty Thermostat

Having a defective thermostat can lead to an AC sensor working poorly. A faulty thermostat can be due to the accumulation of dust or grime inside it. Moreover, it can be caused by improper installation, where the wires are loose and are not firmly attached to the thermostat. Or, it can be due to the thermostat being an older model and having already reached its lifespan.

If your AC thermostat is defective, the sensor inside it could cycle on and off sporadically during proper activation time. It doesn’t matter if the room feels too cool or too hot; the thermostat will turn on and off automatically before the room has reached the preferred temperature. Your air conditioner, in turn, will not give enough cooling. The erratic cycling can put unnecessary pressure on the appliance, shortening its lifespan. So, in this case, you must Google “air conditioner repairs near me” immediately to avoid further damage and costly repairs down the line.

Shifted Sensor

A defective sensor could be shifted from its original setting. Once this happens, expect things to go badly. Given its job, when a sensor is displaced, it will not accurately measure the temperature of the passing air. Thus, your air conditioner will have trouble providing each room in your house with reliable cooling.

Keeping the sensor of your air conditioner in excellent working condition is vital in ensuring that you incessantly get enough cooling. It also ensures your unit’s efficiency and long-term performance. Luckily, there are easy troubleshooting steps you can take once you encounter a dislodged sensor.

First, switch off your unit. Remove the cover to see the evaporator coils. Look for the sensor and check if it is touching the coils or bent away. Return the sensor cable to its appropriate location if it is out of place. If the problem persists, it would be advisable to contact a reliable air conditioner repair company in the area to perform the task for you.

If putting the sensor back in the proper location does not address the cooling issues, this could mean it is already damaged. In this case, you can manually switch the air conditioner, so it doesn’t provide cool air constantly. But, if the issue is with the thermostat, think of replacing it immediately.

Hard to Change Settings with Your Remote Control

If you find it hard to change the setting with your AC remote control, this might suggest that there’s something wrong with your unit. However, before jumping into conclusions, try resetting the system first. Turn it off at the main power and leave it for half an hour. If the issue persists after you turn it on again, then it’s time for a professional diagnostic check on your AC. 

Irregular Temperature Readings

If your air conditioner system shows inconsistent temperatures, it can also point to sensor malfunction. This problem will eventually result in sensor replacement, if neglected. So, it’s best to contact a reliable appliance repair company to inspect the unit and determine the best solution.

A Considerable Spike in Monthly Utility Bills 

Once you experience higher than usual monthly power bills, this is another tell-tale sign that something is wrong with your unit. One common reason for this is the AC’s inability or ability to read temperature instabilities and respond accordingly. Issues with the sensor can lead to increased power consumption during the hot season when you are using your air conditioner more often simply because it is trying so hard to keep the air cool.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Thermostat Sensor Broken?

A defective AC sensor can trigger unpredictable cooling or constant operation, leaving you wondering “why my AC runs all the time”. It also causes extra power use, even in an energy-efficient window AC.

It takes a whole AC system and internal components, like AC sensors, to cool a home. By knowing “what temperature to set the AC when you are away” and some regular maintenance tips, you can examine and avoid faulty sensors in your air conditioner.

Conclusion

Whatever air conditioner problems you are facing right now, On Point Service Company has got you covered. We have been in business for many years and are the go-to air conditioning repair company in Waco, TX. Our reliable appliance repair and maintenance services are designed to prevent minor issues from getting worse. Thus, you can ensure the topnotch performance of your AC system through the years. 

Is your AC blowing cold air but house still hot? Is your air conditioner not blowing cold air but running? Whatever the issue is, we have the solution. Call us now or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. 

Share:

More Posts

Send Us A Message