The American Standard air conditioner brand is more than a century old in the market. It is affordable and suitable for many American homes. However, does a red light blinking on your AC indicate it has a problem? We researched this issue to provide you with the answers below.
There are several types of flash error codes in an American Standard AC, each indicating a particular type of problem. We shall focus on three flash codes, which include:
- Two flash codes caused by the furnace blowing cold air due to
- Faulty pilot light
- Dirty flame detector
- Clogged air filter
- Low supply of gas
- Clogged condensate lines
- Damaged ductwork
- Incorrect thermostat setting
- Three flash codes caused by insufficient airflow due to
- Faulty inducer
- Blocked vent pipe
- Damaged pressure switch hose
- Faulty pressure switch
- 22 flash error code generated by flame not lighting due to
- Dirty or faulty ignitor
What do these flash codes mean? Keep reading to understand the problems behind each code and the solutions to each situation.
Included are tips for maintaining your AC in good condition and factors to consider when deciding between repairing or replacing your AC.
Why Does Your American Standard AC Red Light Blink?
When the red light in your American Standard AC blinks steadily, it means that it is operating efficiently. However, when the blinking pattern is out of the norm, then something is wrong.
There are several types of flash error codes in an American Standard AC. Each is indicated by the number of times the red light blinks, showing the type of problem. So, how can you know what is going on when your AC flashes
Let's find out what these problems are and how to solve them:
Two Flash Error Code
When the red light in your AC blinks twice, then your AC blows cold air. There are several reasons for this issue, including:
Faulty Pilot Light
Pilot lights sometimes go out and are usually not a big concern. They can go out due to a gush of air, the gas is shut off, or there is a temporary gas shortage.
Check out this thermocouple sensor set on Amazon.
Another reason could be that your thermocouple is loose or malfunctioning. A thermocouple detects heat loss from a pilot light and closes the gas valve to prevent gas leakage. If it stops working, it will shut off the gas supply to your AC.
A thermocouple can be faulty because it is dirty or worn out. Therefore, you may have to clean it or replace it.
The pilot orifice could also be dirty, preventing your pilot light from receiving enough fuel to ignite a flame. When the light is blue, then it receives enough fuel.
But, if the flame is red or yellow, it is not burning enough fuel. If it's dirty, clean it, and replace it if faulty.
Dirty Flame Detector
Have a look at this flame detector on Amazon.
Air conditioners that do not have pilot lights use flame detectors to complete the heating cycles. But, with time, dust, dirt, and grime accumulate on the detector or sensor, which can turn off your AC.
When that happens, your appliance will start blowing cold air. However, you can fix this issue by cleaning the detector and restoring the heating process.
Clogged Air Filter
Grime, dust, or soot can gather inside the air filter, restricting airflow from your AC. This will cause the heater to overheat and shut down your appliance. For warm air to start flowing again, consider replacing the air filter with a new one.
Low Supply Of Gas
If there's a low supply of gas in the gas line, your appliance will not be able to generate heat. The blower, however, will continue running, producing cold air. This is an issue best solved by an HVAC professional.
Clogged Condensate Lines
Some air conditioners drain water out through a condensate line. These lines can sometimes get clogged, causing the water to go back into the machine. To mitigate this problem, the overflow kill switch shuts it down. You can easily solve this by removing whatever is blocking the lines.
Damaged ductwork
Holes and cracks in the ductwork can let in cold air. Thus, even though your AC may be working properly, the warm air will leak out through the openings. You can solve this by sealing the ducts.
Incorrect Thermostat Setting
If your thermostat is turned ON, the blower will run throughout. Your machine continues running even when it is not heating, hence producing cold air. You can easily fix this by setting it to AUTO, meaning it will only run when the furnace is heating.
Three Flash Error Code
This is the most common error code. When it flashes three times, it means your AC does not have sufficient airflow, which is caused by the following issues:
Faulty Inducer
Immediately your AC begins heating. The draft inducer motor starts to spin, providing the burners with a steady supply of oxygen. It also removes carbon monoxide produced as your furnace is heating, which flows out through an external vent.
When it's operating optimally, you should feel air flowing from the heat exchanger. If there's no air flowing out, the motor could be faulty.
The pressure switch will shut off your furnace if the inducer is faulty. This protects your home by preventing the exhaust fumes from flowing back into the system. Tapping sounds or vibrations are some of the signs that your inducer is malfunctioning.
You can repair or replace a faulty inducer motor, though it's an issue best solved by a professional.
This inducer motor is suitable for major brands, which you can find on Amazon.
Blocked Vent Pipe
A blocked vent pipe prevents your furnace from heating. It could be blocked due to birds or rodents building their homes inside the vent. Leaves, debris, soot, and rust are other culprits. Snow, too, can block your vent.
When a vent pipe is blocked, it results in incomplete combustion. Your burners don't receive an adequate supply of oxygen to completely burn the fuel. In addition, a blocked vent cannot direct the carbon monoxide away from your home.
Both these situations are dangerous because they can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning in your home.
To solve this problem, remove whatever is blocking your vents. In places that have corroded due to rust, replace the damaged portion.
Damaged Pressure Switch Hose
The pressure switch in your furnace connects to the exhaust vent via a pressure switch hose. The pressure switch detects the amount of pressure using the hose.
Thus, if it is damaged, the pressure switch will remain open, causing your furnace not to heat up. You'll therefore have to replace it.
Sometimes, the problem is caused by a disconnected hose. Simply re-connect it to continue working normally.
Faulty Pressure Switch
Check out this pressure switch on Amazon that is suitable for an American Standard AC.
The pressure switch itself can be faulty, preventing the flow of air. It can malfunction because of wear and tear or a buildup of dirt and dust on the switch.
It could also be due to a torn or stiffened diaphragm, which causes the sensors in the switch to not work. Ideally, a damaged switch should be replaced, which is relatively easy.
If you are confident enough and have the skills, you may replace it yourself. Otherwise, it's always better to have a professional handle such a job.
22 Flash Error Code
You could first try to reset it by turning it off and then on. If this does not work, then the ignitor could be the issue.
When the flame in your AC does not ignite, the ignitor or sensor may be faulty or dirty. This is a common problem with furnaces.
The sensors normally get dirty due to carbon buildup. You'll need to clean it to start working again. But, if faulty, replace it.
How Can You Maintain Your AC In Good Condition To Last Longer?
You have a role to play in maintaining your AC in good condition. Some tips to help you are:
- Turn off the system whenever you want to examine it. That way, you avoid injury to yourself or further damage to the appliance.
- Clean and replace the air filter often as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Cleaning around your AC will prevent the buildup of debris that can block the vents. Doing this also ensures that your appliance runs optimally.
- Before the cold season sets in, arrange for an American Standard professional to check your AC for any current issues. Any problem present is dealt with immediately before it escalates, resulting in huge repair bills.
Should You Repair Or Replace Your American Standard AC?
It's important to think carefully and weigh your options when you want to decide between replacing or repairing your AC. The following are factors to consider:
When your AC is near the end of its lifespan, it might be cheaper to replace it.
- If your system is not performing at its peak, you may have to replace it. You will avoid high energy bills.
- If your warranty is still effective, it can cover the cost of replacing some parts or your AC. Otherwise, it might make more economic sense to carry out repairs.
- Carefully think through what will give you a higher return. Is it a repair or replacement?
- An AC that frequently breaks down may not be worth repairing. Replacing may be more sound financially.
In Closing
A red light blinking in your American Standard AC means there is a problem. The number of times it blinks indicates a particular problem or error code.
In addition to taking good care of your AC, it is important to weigh your options carefully before you repair or replace it.
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