Seven Most Common AC Problems and How to Fix Them

When your home’s cooling malfunctions, you deserve to get the situation resolved as soon as possible. Unfortunately, there may be dozens of reasons why your cooling isn’t functioning properly. How do you know which one is causing trouble? There are a number of problems that are more common, and identifying what they are is handy when your Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Expert is going over routes for solving the problem through air conditioning repair in North America.

Here are the top six common air conditioner problems that can cause your cooling system to malfunction.

1. Thermostat Problems

Your thermostat directs your AC system when to start and for how long to run. If the thermostat settings are incorrect, your air conditioning might not work like it should. And if the batteries ran out in a programmable thermostat, it won’t be accessible at all. Run through this short checklist to make sure your thermostat is receiving power and working properly:

• • Replace 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 desired temperature is below the current room temperature

2. Dirty Air Filter

Old or inefficient air filters are known for turning a perfectly functional and reliable air conditioner into a slow and inefficient one. What’s more, dirty filters could cause a number of problems, such as weaker airflow, reduced indoor air quality and greater power use. They can also make an air conditioning work harder and stop working if the coil ices over.

You can easily reduce the risk of AC problems by regularly cleaning or replacing your air filter. How do you know if you should change your filters? If you can’t recall the last time you changed them, it’s almost definitely time to. But for a standard rule of thumb, make sure you try to exchange 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 during the summer, ice can form on the coils. Frozen coils won’t be able to regulate the cooling process as precisely, and in severe cases the ice can block the AC from running outright.

Freezing can be related to multiple issues, including:

• • Dirty coils caused by a lack of annual maintenance

• • Dirty air filters, which restrict airflow

• • Clogged drain line, which can result in moisture buildup

• • Refrigerant leaks, which lessen cooling power

If your air conditioner has frozen, turn 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 will blow warm air on the coils without going through a cooling cycle.

It’s a good idea to check the air filter first. If you can’t see light through it, replace it. The other issues, such as dirty coils, a clogged drain line or refrigerant leaks, will need professional help.

4. Refrigerant Leak

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

• • Insufficient cold air

• • Home seems humid

• • Extended cooling cycles

• • Ice forming on the evaporator coils

• • Dripping or hissing air conditioner sounds

• • Sweet smell close to the air conditioner

If your air conditioning system was installed earlier than 2011, it likely uses Freon® or R-22. This refrigerant is no longer being made due to its detrimental effects on the ozone layer. Only recycled quantities are obtainable, 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. New air conditioners utilize Puron or R-410A, which is more sustainable 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 gives you a new air conditioner for just one low monthly fee. Repairs and maintenance are incorporated, and you’ll get to proceed with any worthwhile manufacturer’s rebates.

5. Water Leak

Your air conditioning uses a condensate drain line to flush water it eliminates from the air. If you’ve skipped air conditioning maintenance, this drain can become blocked 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 minimize damage and call us at 866-397-3787 for support.

6. Tripped Circuit Breaker

There can be a number of reasons why your air conditioner won’t stop tripping its circuit breaker. Here are several of the most widespread ones:

• • Dirty air filter is significantly constraining airflow.

• • Your air conditioning system is overheating because of a lack of refrigerant.

• • Condenser coils are dirty and reducing airflow.

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

• • Electrical connections are worn or loose.

• • Blower motor is malfunctioning.

• • Compressor is drawing excess power or wiring is malfunctioning.

• • Capacitor responsible for starting the compressor has broken down.

Like we discussed earlier, check your air filter first, as that is most often the culprit. Any other problems will have to be resolved by an HVAC professional like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

7. Short Cycling

An improper cooling cycle can also be responsible. Short cycling is an irritating malfunction when the system turns off before the set temperature has reached the entire house. If you suspect your air conditioner is short cycling, pay attention to how long the air is running before it turns off. Your average 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 vital components including the blower motor. Short cycling or any form of abnormal cooling cycles are frequently caused by overheating. The internal chamber gets too hot and then safety components turn the AC off. This happens again and again, particularly if the source of the overheating isn’t resolved.

Trust the Experts for Your Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance Needs

The number one way for you to prevent air conditioning problems is to participate in a preventive maintenance program. At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we offer several HVAC memberships to suit your needs and budget. Bad wiring, low refrigerant and dirty coils can be uncovered and solved during routine maintenance.

In some cases repairs are inescapable, 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 join a membership program or to schedule your repair appointment? Call us at today!