Seven Most Common AC Problems and How to Fix Them

When your home’s AC system breaks down, you should try to get the problem taken care of at the earliest opportunity. Annoyingly, there may be dozens of reasons why your AC unit isn’t functioning properly. How do you know which one is impacting you? There are a number of problems that are more widespread, and identifying what they are is helpful when your Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Expert is discussing available choices for resolving 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 break down. 

1. Thermostat Problems 

Your thermostat instructs your cooling when to start and for how long to run. If the thermostat settings are inaccurate, your air conditioning may not function correctly. And if the batteries have died in a programmable thermostat, it won’t be accessible at all. Try this brief 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) 
• Check that it’s switched to cooling mode 

• Ensure your desired temperature is below the current room temperature 

2. Dirty Air Filter 

Old or inefficient air filters are notorious for turning a perfectly functional and reliable air conditioner into a slow and inefficient one. In addition, dirty filters could cause lots of problems, like decreased airflow, poorer indoor air quality and excessive power consumption. They can also make an air conditioner work harder and stop working if the coil freezes. 

You can easily minimize AC problems by routinely 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 certainly time to. But for a standard guideline, make sure you try to change flat filters every 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 middle of the summer, ice can form on the coils. Frozen coils won’t be able to handle the cooling process as smoothly, and in certain cases sufficient ice can block the AC from running at all. 

Freezing can be related to several issues, like: 

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

• Refrigerant leaks, which reduce cooling power 

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

It’s recommended to inspect the air filter first. If you can’t see light through it, change it out. The other problems, such as dirty coils, a clogged drain line or refrigerant leaks, are best handled with the support of a trained technician. 

4. Refrigerant Leak 

Your cooling employs refrigerant to convert heat. When it doesn’t have adequate refrigerant, you may notice you’re getting a lot of hot air. Here are a few signs you’re confronting a leak: 

• Not enough cold air 
• Home feels humid 
• Excessively long cooling cycles 
• Frozen evaporator coils 
• Dripping or hissing air conditioner noises 

• Sweet smell around the air conditioner 

If your air conditioner was installed earlier than 2011, it probably uses Freon® or R-22. This coolant is no longer being made as a consequence of its harmful effects on the ozone layer. Only recycled portions of Freon are obtainable, which makes refrigerant leaks more costly to repair. 

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

We understand that replacing your AC system can be an emergency that you aren’t ready for. Ask us about our Advantage Program™, which offers you a new air conditioner for just one reasonable monthly fee. Repairs and maintenance are included, and you’ll get to retain any useful manufacturer’s rebates. 

5. Water Leak 

Your air conditioning needs a condensate drain line to flush water it eliminates from the air. If you’ve avoided 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 avoid damage and get in touch with us at 866-397-3787 for help. 

6. Tripped Circuit Breaker 

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

• Dirty air filter is significantly restricting airflow. 

• Your air conditioner is overheating caused by insufficient refrigerant. 
• Condenser coils are dirty and restraining airflow. 
• Condenser fan motor has broken and coils are overheating. 
• Electrical connections are worn or loose. 
• Blower motor is defective. 

• Compressor is drawing too much power or wiring is faulty. 
• Capacitor in control of starting the compressor has broken down. 

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

7. Short Cycling 

An insufficient cooling cycle can also be part of the problem. Short cycling is an annoying malfunction when the air conditioner shuts off before the desired temperature has reached the entire house. If you think your air conditioner is short cycling, watch how long the air is active before it turns off. Your average 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 short bursts. 

This adds heavy strain on moving parts and vital components including the blower motor. Short cycling or any kind of abnormal cooling cycles are often a consequence of overheating. The internal chamber gets too hot before safety components turn the AC off. This happens over and over, especially if the real cause of the overheating isn’t dealt with. 

Trust the Experts for Your Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance Needs 

The number one way for you to prevent air conditioning problems is to enroll in a preventive maintenance program. At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we offer several HVAC memberships to fit your needs and budget. Faulty wiring, low refrigerant and dirty coils can be found and solved with routine tune-ups. 

In some cases repairs are inevitable, 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 sign up for a membership program or to arrange your repair appointment? Call us at 866-397-3787 today!