In the heat of summer, a properly functioning air conditioner isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Few things are more frustrating than an AC unit that’s not cooling effectively, constantly running, or showing bizarre behaviors. Often, the culprit behind these issues is a faulty AC sensor or a general air conditioner sensor problem.
Are you wondering if your AC sensor is faulty? Common signs include irregular temperatures, constant running, or unresponsive controls. In this guide, we’ll cover five symptoms of a bad air conditioner sensor and how to test for failure.
Quick Signs Your AC Sensor May Be Failing:
- AC constantly runs even when cool
- Inconsistent room temperatures
- The fault indicator light is on
- AC remote doesn’t respond correctly
- Sudden rise in electricity bills
What is an AC Sensor and Why Does It Matter?
Your AC system relies on tiny yet crucial components called sensors to ensure your home remains cool, comfortable, and dry all year round. These components (AC temperature sensors, evaporator temperature sensors, and ambient temperature sensors) are designed to accurately measure temperatures in various parts of your HVAC system and the room itself.
When an AC sensor is not working correctly, it won’t accurately measure these temperatures. This misinformation leads to your unit turning on and off at incorrect intervals, running inefficiently, or failing to cool your home to the desired setting. An undetected AC sensor problem can result in increased energy consumption, system strain, and even premature failure of your entire AC unit.
5 Clear Signs of a Faulty AC Sensor
A few telltale signs indicate that your air conditioning system might not be working correctly. One of these is if you find yourself with an AC unit running even when the room has reached its desired temperature. This can happen for various reasons, such as faulty sensors or failure in insulation around windows near where they’re located on walls/sides. Here’s how to determine whether there’s something wrong:
Your AC Unit is Constantly Running:
If your air conditioner doesn’t shut off, even after reaching the desired temperature, a faulty sensor may be feeding incorrect data to the control system. This continuous operation wastes energy and shortens the lifespan of your unit.
A professional electrician will know exactly what needs fixing, so they’ll fix everything immediately. Like Reliability Home Services, their team of HVAC professionals in Dundalk, MD, is well-equipped and experienced in handling any HVAC situation. Whether it’s AC repair services or HVAC installation, this is the right HVAC company for you!
You Have Irregular Temperature Readings & Inconsistent Cooling:
If your AC shows irregular temperatures—where sometimes it’s much cooler than other times, or cycles between blowing hot and cold air—this is a strong indicator of AC sensor malfunction. This often points to an AC temperature sensor not working correctly or an evaporator temperature sensor symptom.
Inconsistent cooling can significantly impact your comfort and raise questions like “Can a bad temp sensor cause the AC not to work?” Yes, it absolutely can, as the unit won’t know when to cool or stop.
Reliability Home Services specializes in AC sensor replacement for irregular temperature issues in Dundalk, MD.
The AC Fault Indicator is On:
Many modern air conditioning systems display error codes or a dedicated AC fault indicator on the control panel when the unit detects a malfunction. If your air conditioner’s fault indicator is on and you’re seeing unfamiliar codes, it means something is wrong within the system. This often directly signals a sensor’s faulty condition or another internal air conditioner sensor problem that requires professional attention.
When looking for AC repair or replacement in Maryland, there is no better company to call than Reliability Home Services for error code diagnosis and resolution. With over 20 years of experience in the business, we have built a good reputation for our reliability, friendly customer service, and best value for money! With us, any of your HVAC service needs will be taken care of carefully because we believe in making your home a better place to live.
You cannot Change Settings with the Remote Control:
If you’re getting false alarms on your remote control or your AC unit doesn’t respond accurately when switching between temperatures, it could indicate an issue beyond the remote itself. If you’ve confirmed the remote is functional, this points to an air conditioner sensor problem within the central unit. This can sometimes involve the ambient temperature sensor not communicating correctly, preventing the system from properly interpreting your desired settings.
Reliability Home Services can diagnose remote control response issues linked to faulty AC sensors for residents in Dundalk, MD, and surrounding areas.
Your Monthly Utility Bills Are Unusually Higher:
An unexpected spike in your monthly utility bills can be a subtle yet significant sign that your air conditioner may have a faulty sensor. The most common reason for this is the unit’s inability to read temperature fluctuations and respond accurately. Problems with these sensors can result in your AC unit running longer or harder than necessary, leading to increased energy consumption and higher costs. If your energy bills are unexpectedly high due to AC performance in Maryland, we can assess and resolve faulty sensor issues to restore efficiency.
How to Check Your AC Temperature Sensor
- Turn off the power to your unit.
- Locate the sensor near the evaporator coil.
- Ensure it’s not touching the coil and is correctly positioned.
- Use a multimeter to test its resistance. If values are inconsistent, it may need replacement.
- Not confident? It’s best to call an HVAC technician to run diagnostics safely.
Reliable AC Sensor Replacement & Repair Services in Dundalk, MD & nearby areas
If you need reliable AC sensor replacement services, choose Reliability Home Services. We’ve been around since 2000, always doing the job above and beyond. We offer personalized solutions that will suit whatever your HVAC needs – no matter how big or small they may be. Our expert team is dedicated to providing professional services at affordable prices.
We hope that you found this blog helpful! If you need help finding trusted plumbers in Columbus, we would love to contact you about our reliable HVAC and plumbing services.
You may notice signs like the AC running constantly, blowing inconsistent temperatures, or failing to shut off when the room is cool. Other indicators include an error code on your control panel or unresponsive remote settings.
Yes, a faulty temperature sensor can send incorrect readings to the system, causing the AC to shut off too soon or not cool at all. It disrupts the thermostat’s ability to regulate room temperature properly.
Common symptoms include short cycling (frequent on/off), warm air blowing, an AC that won’t start, or high energy bills. You might also hear unusual noises from the unit or see warning lights.
Yes, the ambient temperature sensor helps the AC adjust based on outside conditions. If it’s faulty, the system might misjudge cooling needs, leading to poor performance or inefficient operation.
To test your AC sensor, check if it’s properly positioned near the evaporator coil and not touching it. Use a multimeter to verify electrical readings. If unsure, it’s best to call an HVAC technician for accurate diagnostics.
