Air conditioners have become a vital part of our lives, particularly in warmer climates like Southern Nevada. Air conditioner units keep our homes and workplaces comfortable even during the hottest months of the year. One critical part of these cooling systems that often goes unnoticed is the temperature sensor. Hal Mechanical will share a little bit more about the air conditioner temperature sensor and how to detect possible failure of this component.
What is a Temperature Sensor in an Air Conditioner?
An air conditioner’s temperature sensor is a small yet critical component that plays a central role in controlling and maintaining the desired temperature within a home or building. The sensor measures the room’s air temperature and feeds this information back to the control system, allowing the unit to adjust its cooling output properly. The temperature sensor usually works along with a thermostat to help the air conditioner’s performance. If the temperature sensor fails or experiences issues, it can cause major problems with the air conditioning system’s operations, often leading to uncomfortable indoor conditions and even a higher energy bill.
Causes of Temperature Sensor Failure
There are a number of different factors that can contribute or cause the temperature sensor to fail. Some of the most common causes for a temperature sensor failure are.
• Physical Damage: The sensor might get knocked out of its position, which is usually located near the evaporator coil, leading to inconsistent temperature readings. Additionally, any form of physical damage can interfere with the air conditioner’s performance.
• Dirt and Dust: Excessive buildup of dirt and dust can affect the sensor’s accuracy, as it blocks the sensor from being able to accurately read the ambient air temperature.
• Age and Wear: Like any other component, the temperature sensor can wear out over time. Regular maintenance and replacements can prevent complete future failures.
• Faulty Wiring or Electrical Issues: Sometimes, the problem might lie with the wiring connecting the sensor to the control system or an electrical issue with the sensor itself.
What Happens if Temperature Sensor Fails?
Recognizing the signs of a temperature sensor failure is an important step in repairing the issue before it becomes a bigger problem. Some symptoms of a temperature sensor failure are:
• Inconsistent Cooling: One of the most common symptoms is inconsistent cooling. The air conditioner may not cool as effectively at times.
• Frequent Cycling: If the air conditioner cycles on and off more frequently than usual, this could indicate a malfunctioning temperature sensor. The sensor might be inaccurately reading the temperature, causing the unit to turn on and off.
• Not Syncing with Thermostat Settings: If the air conditioner does not respond properly to changes in the thermostat settings, it might suggest a problem with the sensor.
• Higher Energy Bills: A faulty sensor often causes the air conditioner to run continuously or inefficiently, leading to higher energy bill.
Emergency Central Air Conditioning Repair in Aliante, Anthem, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Inspirada, Mountain’s Edge, North LV, Peccole Ranch, Paradise, Providence, Rhodes Ranch, Seven Hills, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor, The Lakes, Tuscany Village & Las Vegas Nevada
If your air conditioning system is showing signs of a faulty or failing temperature sensor and you need repairs, contact Hal Mechanical and schedule our services today.