Seven Most Common AC Problems and How to Fix Them

When your home’s AC system breaks down, you should try to get the situation dealt with at the earliest opportunity. However, there can be dozens of reasons why your cooling isn’t functioning properly. How do you know which one is impacting you? There are a few problems that are more prevalent, and identifying what they are is handy when your Winnipeg Supply Service Experts Expert is reviewing 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 air conditioning to malfunction.

1. Thermostat Problems

Your thermostat directs your AC system when to start and for how long to run. If its settings are incorrect, your air conditioning may not function properly. And if the batteries have died in a programmable thermostat, you’ll have to charge the batteries before you can use it. Follow this short checklist to make sure your thermostat is receiving power and working properly:

    • Change batteries if the screen is blank (programmable models)
    • Make sure your thermostat has power (smart models)
    • Check 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 could cause lots of problems, such as reduced airflow, lower indoor air quality and higher power usage. They can also make the air conditioner work harder and stop working if the coil ices over.

You can easily reduce the risk of AC problems by regularly cleaning or replacing the air filter. How do you know whether you should change the filters? If you can’t remember the last time you changed them, it’s almost surely time to. But for a basic recommendation, make sure you try to change flat filters each 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 summer, ice can form on the coils. Frozen coils won’t be able to regulate the cooling process as smoothly, and in some cases sufficient ice can stop the AC from running outright.

Freezing can be connected to several issues, such as:

    • Dirty coils caused by insufficient annual maintenance
    • Dirty air filters, which reduce airflow
    • Clogged drain line, which can cause moisture buildup
    • Refrigerant leaks, which lessen cooling power

If your air conditioner is frozen, switch it off and let the ice melt. This could take up to 24 hours, but you can quicken the process by switching settings to “fan only.” This blows warm air across the coils without starting a refrigeration cycle.

It’s recommended to check your air filter first. If you can’t see light through it, change it. The other problems, such as dirty coils, a clogged drain line or refrigerant leaks, will need the support of a trained technician.

4. Refrigerant Leak

Your air conditioner needs refrigerant to transfer heat. When it doesn’t have sufficient refrigerant, you could notice you’re getting a lot of hot air. Here are some signs you’re dealing with a leak:

    • Inadequate cold air
    • Home feels humid
    • Extended cooling cycles
    • Ice on the evaporator coils
    • Bubbling or hissing air conditioner sounds
    • Sweet smell near the air conditioner

If your air conditioner was installed before 2011, it likely uses Freon® or R-22. This coolant is no longer being produced as a consequence of its damaging effects on the ozone layer. Only recycled supplies are accessible, which makes refrigerant leaks more expensive to repair.

If your R-22 air conditioning system has a refrigerant leak, we recommend air conditioning installation due to age and the refrigerant being obsolete. Modern air conditioners utilize Puron or R-410A, which is better for the environment.

We recognize that replacing your AC system 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 affordable monthly fee. Repairs and maintenance are included, and you’ll get to keep any valuable manufacturer’s rebates.

5. Water Leak

Your AC unit needs a condensate drain line to flush water it strips from the air. If you’ve skipped air conditioning maintenance, this drain can become clogged with mold and cause water to stay in the drain line. If this happens, you’ll notice water leaking.

Turn off your air conditioner to prevent damage and get in touch with us at 866-397-3787 for help.

6. Tripped Circuit Breaker

There can be a few reasons why your cooling won’t stop tripping its circuit breaker. Here are several of the most prevalent ones:

    • Dirty air filter is gravely restricting airflow.
    • Your air conditioner overheated due to a lack of refrigerant.
    • Condenser coils are dirty and restricting airflow.
    • Condenser fan motor has stopped working and coils are overheating.
    • Electrical connections are worn or loose.
    • Blower motor is malfunctioning.
    • Compressor is drawing excess power or wiring is malfunctioning.
    • Capacitor in charge of starting the compressor has failed.

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

7. Short Cycling

An insufficient cooling cycle can also cause problems. Short cycling is an annoying malfunction when the system shuts down before the desired temperature has reached the remainder of the house. If you suspect your air conditioner is short cycling, watch how long the air is active before it switches off. Your ordinary air conditioner usually runs for 15 to 20 minutes and stays inactive for close to an equivalent period of time. But when it’s short cycling, your air conditioner is running on and off in quick bursts.

This puts heavy strain on moving parts and key components like the blower motor. Short cycling or any kind of atypical cooling cycles are routinely caused by overheating. The internal chamber gets too hot and then safety components switch the AC off. This happens over and over, especially if the root cause of the overheating isn’t resolved.

Trust the Experts for Your Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance Needs

The number one way for you to avoid air conditioning problems is to enroll in a preventive maintenance program. At Winnipeg Supply Service Experts, we provide several HVAC memberships to accommodate your needs and budget. Inferior wiring, low refrigerant and dirty coils can be found and solved with routine maintenance.

Occasionally 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 sign up for a membership program or to schedule your repair appointment? Get in touch with us at today!

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