“Why is my air conditioner unit light blinking?”. That’s a common question that many homeowners find themselves asking.
Well, don’t worry too much. When you find your AC light blinking, it’s a sign that something isn’t right with your AC. But, it’s probably not a big issue.
Your air conditioner is designed to notify you whenever there is an issue in the system – even the slightest one. Therefore, before going all scared and tense, it’s better to first find out the kind of problem you are dealing with.
Luckily, most of the issues that might be leading to the red and green light blinking on AC unit components are easy to rectify.
So, before anything else, let’s find out the answer to the question, “why is my air conditioner light blinking?”.
Main Causes of AC Light Blinking
1. Faulty Installation Process
Have you recently installed your air conditioner unit and noticed that the AC light is blinking? It might be a sign that something went wrong in the installation process. For instance, there might be some loose wires or electrical connection issues.
When this happens, the first thing is to try to understand the cause of the blinking by checking the error code on the instructions manual. If it’s an installation problem, it’s best to call an experienced technician to ascertain the root of the problem and rectify it.
However, if you are handy in this area, you can decipher the meaning of the blinking and try fixing it yourself.
2. Dirty Air Filters
One of the most common reasons for an AC light blinking is dirty air filters.
If you have not cleaned or changed your air filters in a long time, they might get filled with dust, pollen, pet dander, and other such particles. As a result, the airflow gets restricted, which further puts stress on the different parts of your AC unit.
Eventually, the system will overheat, and the AC light will start blinking. The solution to this problem is pretty straightforward – clean or replace your air filters.
Also, to ensure that this issue doesn’t recur, check your AC filters regularly. Most air filters need to be changed or cleaned at least four times a year. So, if you want the AC to function efficiently, ensure that they are replaced as recommended.
3. Frozen Evaporator Coils
Another issue that can cause your AC light to blink is frozen evaporator coils. When the evaporator coils get too cold, they begin to frost over. As a result, the airflow gets restricted, and your AC has to work harder than usual to circulate cool air.
If this HVAC problem is not fixed on time, it might lead to compressor failure – which is the most significant part of your AC unit. To determine if the coils are frozen, open your unit’s front panel and check if there is ice buildup around them. If so, it’s time to defrost the coils.
You can do this by turning off your AC and letting it thaw naturally. However, if you want to speed up the process, you can use a hair dryer (on the lowest setting) to melt the ice. Just be careful not to damage the coils in the process.
Once the coils are defrosted, check if the AC light is still blinking. If it is, there might be some other underlying issues that need professional attention.
4. Low Refrigerant Level
If your AC unit is low on refrigerant, it can also lead to your AC light blinking. The refrigerant helps in absorbing heat from your home and then releasing it outside. So, when there is not enough refrigerant in your system, it struggles to absorb heat, which further puts stress on different parts of the AC.
Usually, your air conditioner unit has a meter to measure refrigerant levels. And when they go below the required level, the blocking of the AC light will occur.
The solution here is to call a professional HVAC technician to establish if this is the case and add the refrigerant. Don’t try to refill it yourself, as this can be quite dangerous.
5. Faulty Compressor
The compressor is one of the hardest working parts of your air conditioner unit. It helps in circulating the refrigerant and helps in the heat absorption process. So, when it breaks down or starts functioning improperly, your AC light will blink.
Other than a blinking AC light, you might also notice that your home isn’t cooling as efficiently as before. Compressor issues are common during summer as the AC works for more hours to keep your home cool.
Usually, if your compressor malfunctions, it should be taken seriously. As such, after establishing that the compressor is the cause of your air conditioner light blinking, by deciphering the error code on the instruction menu, call an HVAC professional for assistance.
6. Delayed Maintenance
Like all machines, your air conditioner unit needs regular servicing to function properly. And, if you have not been paying attention to its maintenance, it might start showing signs of wear and tear. This can lead to a flashing green light on the AC unit.
When an AC isn’t serviced for a long time, the different parts begin to break down or malfunction. As a result, your unit has to work harder than usual to circulate cool air.
To avoid such issues and ensure that your AC functions efficiently for an extended period, make sure you schedule regular maintenance appointments. Doing so will also help you save money in the long run as it prevents extensive damage that might need costly repairs.
7. Poor Air Circulation
If there is poor air circulation within the unit and in the house, the AC light will blink. When the airflow is restricted, it puts extra strain on the system as it tries to maintain the desired indoor temperatures.
One way to increase air circulation is by cleaning or changing your unit’s air filter regularly. A blocked or dirty air filter will restrict airflow and make your AC work harder than usual.
Another thing you can do to improve air circulation is to keep the vents open. If any furniture pieces are blocking the vents, make sure you move them. Also, check if any drapes or curtains are covering the vents and, if so, open them up.
In some cases, poor airflow might be caused by an issue with the ductwork. So, if you have tried all the above solutions and nothing seems to be working, call a professional HVAC technician to check the ductwork for any leaks or blockages.