Seven Most Common AC Problems and How to Fix Them

When your home’s air conditioner goes on the fritz, you should try to get the issue dealt with right away. Unfortunately, there could be hundreds of reasons why your air conditioner isn’t functioning properly. How do you know which one is causing trouble? There are a handful of problems that are more widespread, and determining what they are is handy when your Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Expert is going over available choices 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 stop working.

1. Thermostat Problems

Your thermostat directs your AC system when to start and for how long to run. If the thermostat settings are inaccurate, your air conditioner might not work correctly. And if the batteries died in a programmable thermostat, it won’t be accessible at all. Try this quick checklist to confirm your thermostat is receiving power and operating 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 set temperature is below the current room temperature

2. Dirty Air Filter

Dirty or inefficient air filters are notorious for turning a perfectly functional and reliable air conditioner into a slow and inefficient one. What’s more, dirty filters can cause a number of problems, including decreased airflow, lower indoor air quality and higher power use. They can also make your AC unit work harder and stop working if the coil freezes up.

You can easily minimize AC problems by regularly cleaning or replacing the air filter. How do you know if you should change the filters? If you can’t remember the last time you changed them, it’s almost definitely time to. But for a standard recommendation, make sure you try to replace flat filters each month and pleated filters every three months.

3. Frozen Condenser Coils

Your air conditioner’s coils are essential components because they release heat from your home into the outdoor air. But even during the summer, ice can develop on the coils. Frozen coils won’t be able to handle the cooling process as smoothly, and in some cases the ice can block the AC from running entirely.

Freezing can be linked to several issues, including:

• • Dirty coils caused by ignoring 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 freezes, turn it off and let the coils thaw. This can take up to 24 hours, but you can speed up the process by switching settings to “fan only.” This will blow warm air on the coils without starting a refrigeration cycle.

It’s a good idea to examine 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 need professional assistance.

4. Refrigerant Leak

Your air conditioning system employs refrigerant to convert 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 confronting a leak:

• • Inadequate cold air

• • Home seems humid

• • Longer than normal cooling cycles

• • Ice on the evaporator coils

• • Bubbling or hissing air conditioner noises

• • 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 manufactured because of its detrimental effects on the ozone layer. Only recycled quantities are available, which makes refrigerant leaks more costly to correct.

If your R-22 AC unit is dealing with a refrigerant leak, we suggest air conditioning installation due to age and the refrigerant being obsolete. New air conditioners utilize Puron or R-410A, which is superior for the environment.

We understand that replacing your air conditioner 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 reasonable monthly fee. Repairs and maintenance are included, 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 strips from the air. If you’ve overlooked 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.

Switch off your air conditioner to minimize damage and get in touch with us at 866-397-3787 for help.

6. Tripped Circuit Breaker

There can be a couple of reasons why your cooling keeps tripping its circuit breaker. Here are some of the most prevalent ones:

• • Dirty air filter is gravely limiting airflow.

• • Your air conditioner overheated caused by insufficient refrigerant.

• • Condenser coils are dirty and restraining airflow.

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

• • Electrical connections are worn or loose.

• • Blower motor is faulty.

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

• • Capacitor in charge of starting the compressor has failed.

As we mentioned earlier, inspect your air filter first, as that is most likely to be the culprit. Any other problems should be taken care of by an HVAC pro like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

7. Short Cycling

A faulty cooling cycle can also cause problems. Short cycling is a frustrating malfunction when the air conditioner shuts down before the desired temperature has reached the remainder of the house. If you believe your AC unit is short cycling, pay attention to how long the air is working before it shuts off. Your standard air conditioner generally runs for 15 to 20 minutes and stays off for about the same period of time. But when it’s short cycling, your air conditioner is switching on and off in short bursts.

This adds heavy strain on moving parts and key components like the blower motor. Short cycling or any form of irregular cooling cycles are routinely a consequence of overheating. The internal chamber gets too hot and then safety components switch the AC off. This happens again and again, particularly 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 minimize air conditioning problems is to enroll in a preventive maintenance agreement. 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 found and solved during routine maintenance.

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