How to Deal With Air Conditioner Sensor Problems in Vero Beach, FL

Do you suspect an issue with your air conditioner sensor? Let Bates Air & Heat LLC get to the root of the problem and restore your unit to proper functionality when you call (772) 837-5109. 



In a traditionally tropical city like Vero Beach, Florida, you need a properly functioning cooling system to beat the heat and keep your home comfortable. The air conditioner sensor, working with other components, plays a crucial role in helping you achieve a cool, comfy home.   

So, what happens when you have an air conditioner sensor problem? As the go-to HVAC contractor in Vero Beach, the Bates Air & Heat LLC crew delves deeper into air conditioner sensors, how they work, common sensor defects, troubleshooting, and more. 

How Does an Air Conditioner Sensor Work? 

Because indoor air moving toward the return vents passes by the evaporator coils, the AC sensor sits conveniently near the coils.   

Much like a circuit breaker monitoring power flow, the sensor measures the temperature of the air in the evaporator coils and compares it to the desired temperature on the thermostat. 

If the air temperature reads warmer than the thermostat’s set temperature, the sensor activates the compressor. This powers the unit and pushes air through the coils to cool the room. If the air passing the coils matches or falls below the set temperature, the compressor and the AC unit shut off. 

Common Sensor Defects in Vero Beach, Florida 

You’ll know you have a potential sensor issue when the air conditioner keeps running despite your indoor space reaching the temperature you’ve set on the thermostat. Here, the system will continue blowing cool air, making your room uncomfortably cold. How can you tell? 

Faulty Thermostat 

A faulty thermostat can throw your AC sensor out of whack. This may happen when dust or grime builds up inside the thermostat. Other potential reasons for a thermostat failure include an improper installation or an old thermostat due for replacement. 

When you have a faulty thermostat, the AC system may cycle frequently or turn on and off intermittently. 

Displaced Sensor 

If the AC sensor moves from its original position, it won’t accurately measure the air temperature. As a result, the system will struggle to cool your space effectively. 

How to Troubleshoot an Air Conditioner Sensor Problem 

If you ever encounter a faulty sensor issue, start by turning off your air conditioning system. Then, open the circuit breaker panel and switch off the power to your unit. Head over to your AC unit, remove the cover to expose the evaporator coils, and check if the sensor is either bent or touching the coils. 

Adjusting an out-of-place sensor should be easy. Simply bend the wire that holds it in position. If you have any doubts about the sensor’s position, call an air conditioning repair expert to do the job for you. 

However, if the problem is a broken sensor or a broken thermostat, consider hiring an expert to replace it as soon as possible. Calibrating the sensor and thermostat regularly also helps ensure efficient operation and prevent malfunctions. This matters, especially in hot, humid climates. 

You wouldn’t want a Vero Beach, Florida, heat wave to catch you unprepared. 

Watch Out for Additional AC Issues   

Monitoring your system’s performance and recognizing the most common issues puts you one step ahead of costly repairs and potential breakdowns. Besides an air conditioner sensor problem, keep an eye and ear out for the following air conditioner issues: 

Refrigerant Leaks 

A refrigerant leak in your HVAC system can cause uneven cooling, higher power consumption, and lower system efficiency. It can also lead to freezing coils and damage components like the compressor.   

Symptoms of leaking refrigerant include loud hissing sounds coming from the indoor unit or weak and warm air blowing through the vents when the AC runs. 

Unusual HVAC Noises 

Different strange noises coming from your AC unit indicate different sets of issues. Buzzing sounds point to an issue with the electrical components. Banging or rattling noises mean a faulty motor or blower assembly.   

As already mentioned, a refrigerant leak can cause a hissing sound. If you hear clicking sounds when you power the AC on and off, you probably have a relay problem. 

Electrical Control Failure 

Having a faulty sensor or broken thermostat can cause systemwide issues. For example, frequent cycling can wear out the electrical connections between the compressor, condenser fan motor, and blower motor. Consider hiring a certified cooling system expert to check them out and determine the issue. 

Otherwise, various components may deteriorate and prevent the system from cooling your home efficiently. 

Seek Professional Help 

If you still experience cooling issues despite your best efforts to troubleshoot AC sensor issues, call an expert to check your unit. A seasoned HVAC contractor will diagnose the exact cause of your AC problems and find a lasting solution.  

The problem may involve more than just the sensor or thermostat. In such cases, an experienced professional will pinpoint the issue quickly and minimize the risk of further system damage. Given the sensitivity of the air conditioner sensor, you’d best leave it to the experts. 

Consider investing in regular HVAC maintenance so that your technician can identify potential issues before they become costly problems. Moreover, preventive maintenance keeps your HVAC system running at optimal levels whenever you need it. 

Call Bates Air & Heat LLC for First-Rate Cooling Services in Vero Beach, Florida 

At Bates Air & Heat LLC, we value your comfort and strive to offer personalized and effective solutions for all your cooling needs. Whether you need a minor repair, routine maintenance check, or complete system replacement, count on us to deliver quality service every time. 

Have you experienced an air conditioner sensor problem? Perhaps something made the air conditioner stop working in the middle of the night? Count on us for a quick diagnosis and air conditioning repair. We have an HVAC maintenance team on standby 24/7 for all your emergency needs. 

Call Bates Air & Heat LLC at (772) 837-5109 to schedule professional HVAC service in Vero Beach, Florida, or the surrounding areas.