August 3, 2022
When your home’s air conditioner malfunctions, you should try to get the issue resolved as soon as possible. However, there can be countless 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 common, and identifying what they are is helpful when your Knochelmann Service Experts Expert is reviewing routes for fixing the problem with air conditioning repair in North America.
ere are the top six common air conditioner problems that can cause your air conditioner to break down.
1. Thermostat Problems
Your thermostat directs your air conditioner when to start and for how long to run. If its settings are incorrect, your cooling might not work correctly. And if the batteries have died in a programmable thermostat, you'll have to charge the batteries before you can use it. Run through this brief 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)
- Verify that it’s currently on cooling mode
- Ensure your preferred temperature is below the current room temperature
2. Dirty Air Filter
Old or inefficient air filters are known 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, including weaker airflow, poorer indoor air quality and greater power usage. They can also make your AC unit work harder and stop working if the coil freezes.
You can easily minimize AC problems by consistently cleaning or replacing the air filter. How do you know when you should change the filters? If you can’t recall the last time you changed them, it’s almost definitely time to. But for a general recommendation, make sure you try to replace flat filters once a month and pleated filters every three months.
3. Frozen Condenser Coils
Your air conditioner’s coils are important components because they discharge heat from your home into the outdoor air. But even in the summer, ice can develop on the coils. Frozen coils won’t be able to regulate the cooling process as precisely, and in some cases the ice can keep the AC from running outright.
Freezing can be linked to several issues, like:
- Dirty coils caused by ignoring annual maintenance
- Dirty air filters, which reduce airflow
- Clogged drain line, which can cause moisture buildup
- Refrigerant leaks, which decrease cooling power
If your air conditioner has frozen, turn it off and let the ice melt. This can 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 beginning a refrigeration cycle.
It’s recommended to inspect the 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 require professional assistance.
4. Refrigerant Leak
Your air conditioner uses refrigerant to relocate heat. When it doesn’t have enough refrigerant, you may notice you’re getting a lot of hot air. Here are a couple signs you’re confronting a leak:
- Inadequate cold air
- Home is humid
- Extended cooling cycles
- Frozen evaporator coils
- Bubbling or hissing air conditioner sounds
- Sweet smell around the air conditioner
If your cooling was installed before 2011, it likely uses Freon® or R-22. This refrigerant is no longer being manufactured as a consequence of its harmful effects on the ozone layer. Only recycled supplies are obtainable, which makes refrigerant leaks more expensive to correct.
If your R-22 AC unit is dealing with a refrigerant leak, we advocate for air conditioning installation due to age and the refrigerant being obsolete. Modern air conditioners employ Puron or R-410A, which is better for the environment.
We understand that replacing your cooling can be an emergency that you aren’t prepared for. Ask us about our Advantage Program™, which offers you a new air conditioner for just one low monthly fee. Repairs and maintenance are covered, and you’ll get to proceed with any valuable manufacturer’s rebates.
5. Water Leak
Your AC unit needs a condensate drain line to flush water it removes from the air. If you’ve skipped air conditioning maintenance, this drain can become clogged with mold and cause water to back up. If this happens, you’ll notice water leaking.
Shut off your air conditioner to avoid damage and contact us at 866-397-3787 for assistance.
6. Tripped Circuit Breaker
There can be a number of reasons why your air conditioning system is repeatedly tripping its circuit breaker. Here are several of the most common ones:
- Dirty air filter is gravely constraining airflow.
- Your air conditioning system is overheating because of inadequate 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 excessive power or wiring is faulty.
- Capacitor responsible for starting the compressor has failed.
Like we discussed earlier, check your air filter first, as that is most likely to be the culprit. Any other problems will have to be taken care of by an HVAC expert like Knochelmann Service Experts.
7. Short Cycling
A faulty cooling cycle can also cause problems. Short cycling is a frustrating error when the system turns off before the desired temperature has reached the entire house. If you think your air conditioner is short cycling, listen to how long the air is working before it switches off. Your average air conditioner typically runs for 15 to 20 minutes and stays off 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 critical components such as the blower motor. Short cycling or any form of atypical cooling cycles are frequently a result of overheating. The internal chamber gets too hot and then safety components shut the AC off. This happens repeatedly, particularly if the source of the overheating isn’t dealt with.
Trust the Experts for Your Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance Needs
The ideal way for you to avoid air conditioning problems is to participate in a preventive maintenance agreement. At Knochelmann Service Experts, we offer several HVAC memberships to suit your needs and budget. Faulty wiring, low refrigerant and dirty coils can be uncovered and solved with routine service.
In some cases repairs are unavoidable, but as a maintenance member, you’ll enjoy special discounts on service, 24/7/365 priority service, no trip or overtime charges and more. Ready to enroll in a membership program or to schedule your repair appointment? Contact us at 859-905-0834 today!