Seven Most Common AC Problems and How to Fix Them

When your home’s air conditioner malfunctions, you should try to get the problem dealt with as soon as possible. However, there may be countless of reasons why your AC unit isn’t functioning properly. How do you know which one is affecting you? There are a handful of problems that are more widespread, and identifying what they are is handy when your Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Expert is going over 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 malfunction. 

1. Thermostat Problems 

Your thermostat tells your cooling when to start and for how long to run. If the settings are wrong, your air conditioning might not work like it should. And if the batteries have died in a programmable thermostat, it won’t be accessible at all. Try this short checklist to confirm your thermostat is receiving power and operating properly: 

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

• Ensure your desired temperature is below the current room temperature 

2. Dirty Air Filter 

Dirty or inefficient air filters are infamous for turning a perfectly functional and effective air conditioner into a slow and inefficient one. What’s more, dirty filters will sometimes cause lots of problems, like weaker airflow, lower indoor air quality and greater power use. They can also make an air conditioner work harder and stop working if the coil freezes. 

You can easily minimize AC problems by regularly cleaning or replacing your 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 certainly time to. But for a standard recommendation, make sure you try to exchange 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 emit 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 easily, and in certain cases enough ice can block the AC from running entirely. 

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 decrease cooling power 

If your air conditioner has frozen, switch it off and let the coils thaw. This will sometimes take up to 24 hours, but you can quicken the process by switching settings to “fan only.” This should blow warm air on the coils without going through a cooling cycle. 

It’s a good idea to examine the air filter first. If you can’t see light through it, change it out. The other challenges, like dirty coils, a clogged drain line or refrigerant leaks, will need professional assistance. 

4. Refrigerant Leak 

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

• Insufficient cold air 
• Home feels humid 
• Extended cooling cycles 
• Ice on the evaporator coils 
• Dripping or hissing air conditioner sounds 

• Sweet smell close to the air conditioner 

If your cooling was installed earlier than 2011, it likely uses Freon® or R-22. This refrigerant is no longer being made because of its harmful effects on the ozone layer. Only recycled portions of Freon are accessible, which makes refrigerant leaks more expensive to correct. 

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 use Puron or R-410A, which is superior for the environment. 

We understand that replacing your cooling can be an emergency that you aren’t equipped for. Ask us about our Advantage Program™, which provides you a new air conditioner for just one reasonable monthly fee. Repairs and maintenance are included, and you’ll get to proceed with any valuable manufacturer’s rebates. 

5. Water Leak 

Your AC unit utilizes a condensate drain line to flush water it eliminates from the air. If you’ve avoided air conditioning maintenance, this drain can become blocked with mold and cause water to flood the system. If this happens, you’ll notice water leaking. 

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

6. Tripped Circuit Breaker 

There can be a few reasons why your air conditioner keeps tripping its circuit breaker. Here are some of the most widespread ones: 

• Dirty air filter is significantly restricting airflow. 

• Your air conditioner is running too hot due to insufficient refrigerant. 
• Condenser coils are dirty and restraining airflow. 
• Condenser fan motor has stopped working and coils are overheating. 
• Electrical connections are damaged or loose. 
• Blower motor is defective. 

• Compressor is drawing excessive power or wiring is defective. 
• Capacitor in control of starting the compressor has broken down. 

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

7. Short Cycling 

An insufficient cooling cycle can also be responsible. Short cycling is an irritating issue when the unit shuts down before the expected temperature has covered the rest of the house. If you think your cooling is short cycling, watch how long the air is active before it turns off. Your ordinary air conditioner typically 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 turning on and off in small bursts. 

This places heavy strain on moving parts and key components such as the blower motor. Short cycling or any form of abnormal cooling cycles are routinely a result of overheating. The internal chamber gets too hot and then safety components turn the AC off. This happens again and again, especially if the root cause of the overheating isn’t addressed. 

Trust the Experts for Your Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance Needs 

The number one way for you to prevent air conditioning problems is to sign up for a preventive maintenance plan. At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we provide several HVAC memberships to fit your needs and budget. Bad wiring, low refrigerant and dirty coils can be uncovered and solved during 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 enroll in a membership program or to schedule your repair appointment? Get in touch with us at 866-397-3787 today!