AC Not Working? Here are some Common AC Problems

While there may be endless reasons why your Columbia home’s central air conditioner may need to be looked at by a certified contractor, there are a few reasons that are fairly common. Knowing what they are may help you to understand what a technician is referring to when they discuss the options for fixing the problem. Here are the 5 most common problems that may result in a system’s failure. Check out the list below and consider whether your home has any of these issues. If so, schedule an HVAC inspection.

1. Faulty wiring

   Incorrect, haphazard or uncertified A/C wiring is unsafe and a potential fire hazard. Bad wiring often prevents the system from getting power or can pop the circuit breaker.

2. Leaking refrigerant

   Refrigerant (more commonly referred to as Freon) is the chemical that cools the air within your air conditioning system. Reduced levels of refrigerant could indicate a leak or problem with the refrigerant system. If your air conditioning system needs to be recharged with refrigerant, 90% of the time that means there is a leak. All refrigerant leaks should be located and repaired. To read about the phase out of R-22 refrigerant in the United States, we suggest that you to visit the U.S. EPA website.

3. Outside fan is not operating

   The fan on your outside AC unit is responsible for moving the heat from your Columbia home to the outside air. If the fan on the outside unit doesn’t operate properly, proper heat transfer is not taking place and the air conditioning compressor may overheat and trip the safety overload. The consequence of this action could result in internal damage to the compressor.

4. Outside unit not functional

   This often indicates a significant reduction of power, contactor problems or even a broken thermostat.

5. Frozen coil

   A frozen coil typically indicates an issue with the airflow, such as restrictions caused by old air filters or blocked return air ductwork. Frozen indoor coils could also be caused by low refrigerant.

Experts recommend that the most convenient way for a Columbia area homeowner to prevent these expected problems is by participating in a preventive maintenance program. Bad wiring, low refrigerant and airflow problems can be detected during routine maintenance tune-ups. For all these common issues, a professionally qualified, NATE-certified technician can efficiently diagnose the problem area and apply the necessary repairs. Call or contact us today for an evaluation!