Does Your Air Conditioning Sensor Have A Fault?
The sensor in your air conditioning system tells your unit when to turn on and off. It reads the ambient temperature in your home so that your system knows when to run.
However, sensors sometimes develop problems. What are the signs that you have a sensor fault? How can you fix the problem?
Signs of Sensor Failure
If an air conditioning system's sensor stops working, then the system won't know when it needs to start or stop cooling. It can't measure ambient temperatures accurately enough to know when it should be working.
When this happens, your air conditioning might cycle on and off for no apparent reason. Your units won't cool your home down to the right temperature. They might shut off when things are too hot. Or, they might start up at times when you don't need any extra cooling.
Sometimes, your air conditioning will stay on all the time if it has a faulty sensor. It won't turn off even if your thermostat tells you that your house is cool enough. In fact, your units might circulate cooled air until your home gets uncomfortably cold.
Reasons for Sensor Failure
Sometimes, an air conditioning sensor fails because it has moved out of its regular place. If the sensor comes loose or moves, then it isn't in the right place to read the ambient temperature. The signals it sends to your system won't be accurate.
In some cases, the sensor itself develops a problem. It might stop working if it gets damaged or loses a connection. Sometimes, your system will act like it has a sensor problem; however, it actually has a broader problem with its thermostat. For example, if your thermostat has a fault, then you might lose communication between it and the sensor.
Here, the thermostat might not be able to follow the sensor's temperature guidance. You'll see similar problems to those associated with sensor failure, such as random on/off cycling or a failure to turn off at the right times.
Fixes for Sensor Failure
If your air conditioning has a sensor failure, then an AC repair contractor can help you find the right fix. In some cases, you simply need to put the sensor back in the right place. If the sensor is damaged, then you might need to replace it.
For more info, contact a local AC repair company. They can check your system for you and fix any problems.