Seven Most Common AC Problems and How to Fix Them

When your home’s cooling breaks down, you should try to get the issue taken care of at the earliest opportunity. Unfortunately, there may be countless of reasons why your cooling isn’t functioning properly. How do you know which one is impacting you? There are a number of problems that are more widespread, and determining what they are is handy when your Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Expert is discussing options for resolving the problem through air conditioning repair in North America. 

Here are the top six common air conditioner problems that can cause your air conditioning to break down. 

1. Thermostat Problems 

Your thermostat instructs your air conditioner when to start and for how long to run. If the thermostat settings are inaccurate, your air conditioning might not work like it should. And if the batteries died in a programmable thermostat, you won’t be able to use it at all. Follow this short checklist to make sure your thermostat is receiving power and operating properly: 

• Change batteries if the screen is blank (programmable models) 
• Make sure your thermostat has power (smart models) 
• Confirm that it’s in cooling mode 

• Ensure your desired temperature is below the current room temperature 

2. Dirty Air Filter 

Old or inefficient air filters are infamous for turning a perfectly functional and effective air conditioner into a slow and inefficient one. In addition, dirty filters can cause a number of problems, like weaker airflow, reduced indoor air quality and excessive power consumption. They can also make the AC unit work harder and stop working if the coil freezes. 

You can easily reduce the risk of AC problems by consistently cleaning or replacing your air filter. How do you know if you should change the filters? If you can’t recall the last time you changed them, it’s almost surely time to. But for a standard 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 essential components because they discharge 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 regulate the cooling process as smoothly, and in severe cases the ice can block the AC from running entirely. 

Freezing can be linked to multiple issues, including: 

• Dirty coils caused by a lack of annual maintenance 
• Dirty air filters, which restrict airflow 
• Clogged drain line, which can cause moisture buildup 

• Refrigerant leaks, which lessen cooling power 

If your air conditioner freezes, turn it off and let the ice melt. This will sometimes take up to 24 hours, but you can quicken the process by switching settings to “fan only.” This will blow warm air across the coils without beginning a cooling cycle. 

It’s a good idea to inspect your air filter first. If you can’t see light through it, replace it. The other challenges, like dirty coils, a clogged drain line or refrigerant leaks, will need professional help. 

4. Refrigerant Leak 

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

• Inadequate cold air 
• Home seems humid 
• Excessively long cooling cycles 
• Frozen evaporator coils 
• Dribbling or hissing air conditioner sounds 

• Sweet smell near the air conditioner 

If your air conditioning system was installed earlier than 2011, it probably uses Freon® or R-22. This refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its harmful effects on the ozone layer. Only recycled supplies are available, which makes refrigerant leaks more expensive to correct. 

If your R-22 air conditioner 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 understand that replacing your AC system 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 included, and you’ll get to keep any worthwhile 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 couple of reasons why your air conditioner keeps tripping its circuit breaker. Here are a few of the most prevalent ones: 

• Dirty air filter is significantly constraining airflow. 

• Your air conditioner overheated caused by inadequate refrigerant. 
• Condenser coils are dirty and restraining airflow. 
• Condenser fan motor has broken and coils are overheating. 
• Electrical connections are strained or loose. 
• Blower motor is malfunctioning. 

• Compressor is drawing too much power or wiring is defective. 
• Capacitor in charge of starting the compressor has failed. 

Like we mentioned earlier, inspect your air filter first, as that is most often the culprit. Any other problems will need to be taken care of by an HVAC expert like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. 

7. Short Cycling 

A faulty cooling cycle can also be responsible. Short cycling is an irritating error when the unit turns off before the set temperature has made its way through the remainder of the house. If you suspect your AC unit is short cycling, watch how long the air is active before it shuts off. Your standard air conditioner typically runs for 15 to 20 minutes and stays inactive for around an equivalent period of time. But when it’s short cycling, your air conditioning is turning on and off in quick bursts. 

This adds heavy strain on moving parts and critical components like 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, namely if the real cause of the overheating isn’t dealt with. 

Trust the Experts for Your Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance Needs 

The ideal way for you to prevent air conditioning problems is to enroll in a preventive maintenance program. At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we promote several HVAC memberships to accommodate your needs and budget. Inferior wiring, low refrigerant and dirty coils can be found and corrected through routine maintenance. 

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 join a membership program or to schedule your repair appointment? Contact us at 866-397-3787 today!