Seven Most Common AC Problems and How to Fix Them

When your home’s cooling breaks down, you deserve to get the situation dealt with as soon as possible. Annoyingly, there can be hundreds of reasons why your AC unit isn’t working properly. How do you know which one is impacting you? There are a number of problems that are more widespread, and recognizing what they are is helpful when your Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning Expert is discussing options for fixing the problem with air conditioning repair in North America. Here are the top six common air conditioner problems that can cause your cooling system to stop working.

1. Thermostat Problems

Your thermostat tells your air conditioner when to start and for how long to run. If the thermostat settings are inaccurate, your air conditioner might not function correctly. And if the batteries died in a programmable thermostat, it won’t be accessible at all. Try this quick checklist to confirm your thermostat is receiving power and functioning properly:

• • Replace batteries if the screen is blank (programmable models)

• • Make sure your thermostat has power (smart models)

• • Verify that it’s switched to cooling mode

• • Ensure your set temperature is below the current room temperature

2. Dirty Air Filter

Dirty or inefficient air filters are notorious for turning a perfectly functional and effective air conditioner into a slow and inefficient one. In addition, dirty filters will sometimes cause a number of problems, such as reduced airflow, reduced indoor air quality and excessive power use. They can also make an air conditioning work harder and stop working if the coil freezes. You can easily minimize AC problems by routinely cleaning or replacing the air filter. How do you know whether you should change the filters? If you can’t recall the last time you changed them, it’s almost certainly time to. But for a basic rule of thumb, make sure you try to change flat filters every month and pleated filters every three months.

3. Frozen Condenser Coils

Your air conditioner’s coils are crucial components because they release heat from your home into the outdoor air. But even in the middle of the summer, ice can develop on the coils. Frozen coils won’t be able to handle the cooling process as easily, and in some cases the ice can keep the AC from running entirely. Freezing can be related to several issues, such as:

• • Dirty coils caused by a lack of annual maintenance

• • Dirty air filters, which obstruct airflow

• • Clogged drain line, which can trigger moisture buildup

• • Refrigerant leaks, which lessen cooling power

If your air conditioner has frozen, switch it off and let the ice on the coils melt. This will sometimes take up to 24 hours, but you can speed up the process by switching settings to “fan only.” This blows warm air over the coils without going through a refrigeration cycle. It’s a good idea to inspect your air filter first. If you can’t see light through it, replace it. The other issues, like dirty coils, a clogged drain line or refrigerant leaks, will need professional help.

4. Refrigerant Leak

Your air conditioner employs refrigerant to convert heat. When it doesn’t have sufficient refrigerant, you might notice you’re getting a lot of hot air. Here are some signs you’re facing a leak:

• • Insufficient cold air

• • Home seems humid

• • Excessively long cooling cycles

• • Frozen evaporator coils

• • Dripping or hissing air conditioner sounds

• • Sweet smell around the air conditioner

If your air conditioner was installed prior to 2011, it probably uses Freon® or R-22. This refrigerant is no longer being made as a consequence of its harmful effects on the ozone layer. Only recycled quantities are obtainable, which makes refrigerant leaks more expensive to fix. If your R-22 air conditioning system is dealing with a refrigerant leak, we suggest air conditioning installation due to age and the refrigerant being obsolete. Modern air conditioners employ Puron or R-410A, which is superior for the environment. We realize that replacing your cooling can be an emergency that you aren’t ready for. Ask us about our Advantage Program™, which provides you a new air conditioner for just one reasonable monthly fee. Repairs and maintenance are incorporated, and you’ll get to keep any worthwhile manufacturer’s rebates.

5. Water Leak

Your air conditioning needs a condensate drain line to flush water it eliminates from the air. If you’ve avoided air conditioning maintenance, this drain can become plugged up with mold and cause water to stay in the drain line. If this happens, you’ll notice water leaking. Switch off your air conditioner to minimize damage and get in touch with us at 866-397-3787 for support.

6. Tripped Circuit Breaker

There can be a few reasons why your air conditioning system is repeatedly tripping its circuit breaker. Here are a few of the most prevalent ones:

• • Dirty air filter is severely constraining airflow.

• • Your air conditioner overheated caused by a lack of refrigerant.

• • Condenser coils are dirty and reducing airflow.

• • Condenser fan motor has broken and coils are overheating.

• • Electrical connections are worn or loose.

• • Blower motor is defective.

• • Compressor is drawing too much power or wiring is faulty.

• • Capacitor in charge of starting the compressor has failed.

Like we mentioned earlier, examine your air filter first, as that is most commonly the culprit. Any other problems will need to be addressed by an HVAC professional like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.

7. Short Cycling

An insufficient cooling cycle can also be responsible. Short cycling is a frustrating error when the unit turns off before the expected temperature has made its way through the rest of the house. If you think your AC unit is short cycling, watch how long the air is running before it switches off. Your standard air conditioner generally runs for 15 to 20 minutes and stays off for close to a similar period of time. But when it’s short cycling, your air conditioner is switching on and off in quick bursts. This places heavy strain on moving parts and key components such as the blower motor. Short cycling or any kind of abnormal cooling cycles are often a result of overheating. The internal chamber gets too hot before safety components turn the AC off. This happens repeatedly, particularly if the source of the overheating isn’t addressed.

Trust the Experts for Your Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance Needs

The best way for you to avoid air conditioning problems is to sign up for a preventive maintenance program. At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer several HVAC memberships to accommodate your needs and budget. Faulty wiring, low refrigerant and dirty coils can be discovered and corrected with routine service. Sometimes repairs are inevitable, but as a maintenance member, you’ll benefit from special discounts on service, 24/7/365 priority service, no trip or overtime charges and more. Ready to join a membership program or to request your repair appointment? Contact us at today!