Problems With the Cheapest Air Conditioners

• In certain cases, a bargain-priced item performs just as well and sometimes better than higher-priced ones. Yet with air conditioners, the old adage, "You get what you pay for," seems to hold true more often than not. Do not just look at price when shopping for an air conditioner, but instead examine the product's overall quality before making a purchase. You can avoid certain problems associated with cheaper air conditioners by employing this method and ultimately coming out ahead.

Undersize Air Conditioner

• Although a smaller air conditioner may be cheaper, the unit may be insufficient to cool a home. An undersized air conditioner often runs constantly and cycles off infrequently, claims Green Energy Efficient Homes. When you place your hand over the vent and cool air is not streaming out or the airflow feels weak, the unit is likely undersized. The only remedy is to upgrade your air conditioner to a bigger one that suits the size specifications of your home.

Frozen Coils

• Cheaper air conditioning units tend to suffer from frozen coils. This problem is frequently apparent when airflow from vents is strong, but the air is not cold. Turn off your air conditioner for about an hour or two to provide time for the coils to thaw. Once adequate time has passed, turn the unit back on, and inspect the vents again. If the airflow is strong and cold, the problem is probably solved. However, when the original issue of no cold air persists, the coils need to be replaced. Coil replacement generally warrants hiring an air conditioner technician.

Unit Fails to Turn on

• Loose, frayed or corroded wires inside the unit can cause it to fail. When your air conditioner does not turn on, unplug it, remove the panel to expose the internal wiring and inspect it. If you notice any defects, you need to contact a repair technician. Wiring problems are possible with air conditioners that have not been served annually as air conditioner manufacturers generally recommend. Cheaper units especially are not made with quality materials, and engineering can be faulty. Upgrade to a newer, more efficient air conditioner. Even though these models may cost more upfront, they can save you money in lower energy bills and maintenance costs in the long run.