Seven Most Common AC Problems and How to Fix Them

When your home’s air conditioner malfunctions, you deserve to get the issue resolved right away. Unfortunately, there could be countless of reasons why your cooling isn’t working properly. How do you know which one is causing trouble? There are a few problems that are more common, and recognizing what they are is beneficial when your Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Expert is discussing options for fixing 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 directs your cooling when to start and for how long to run. If its settings are wrong, your air conditioning may not function correctly. And if the batteries ran out in a programmable thermostat, you’ll have to charge the batteries before you can use it. Follow this short checklist to confirm 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 set temperature is below the current room temperature 

2. Dirty Air Filter 

Old or inefficient air filters are infamous for turning a perfectly functional and efficient air conditioner into a slow and inefficient one. In fact, dirty filters will sometimes cause lots of problems, including reduced airflow, reduced indoor air quality and higher power usage. They can also make an air conditioner work harder and stop working if the coil ices over. 

You can easily minimize AC problems by consistently 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 guideline, make sure you try to exchange flat filters every 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 summer, ice can form on the coils. Frozen coils won’t be able to handle the cooling process as precisely, and in some cases enough ice can block the AC from running at all. 

Freezing can be connected to different issues, like: 

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

• Refrigerant leaks, which decrease cooling power 

If your air conditioner is frozen, turn it off and let the ice on the coils 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 on the coils without beginning a refrigeration cycle. 

It’s smart 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, will need professional assistance. 

4. Refrigerant Leak 

Your air conditioner needs refrigerant to transfer heat. When it doesn’t have adequate refrigerant, you could notice you’re getting a lot of hot air. Here are a few signs you’re confronting a leak: 

• Inadequate cold air 
• Home is humid 
• Longer than normal cooling cycles 
• Frozen evaporator coils 
• Dripping or hissing air conditioner noises 

• Sweet smell nearby the air conditioner 

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

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

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

5. Water Leak 

Your air conditioner uses a condensate drain line to flush water it eliminates from the air. If you’ve overlooked air conditioning maintenance, this drain can become plugged up with mold and cause water to flood the system. If this happens, you’ll notice water leaking. 

Turn off your air conditioner to minimize damage and call 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 several of the most widespread ones: 

• Dirty air filter is severely restricting airflow. 

• Your air conditioner is running too hot caused by inadequate refrigerant. 
• Condenser coils are dirty and reducing airflow. 
• Condenser fan motor has failed and coils are overheating. 
• Electrical connections are worn or loose. 
• Blower motor is malfunctioning. 

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

As we discussed earlier, check your air filter first, as that is most often the culprit. Any other problems should be addressed by an HVAC professional like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. 

7. Short Cycling 

An insufficient cooling cycle can also cause problems. Short cycling is an annoying issue when the unit shuts down before the expected temperature has covered the remainder of the house. If you think your air conditioner is short cycling, listen to how long the air is on before it shuts off. Your average air conditioner generally runs for 15 to 20 minutes and stays inactive for around a similar period of time. But when it’s short cycling, your air conditioner is turning on and off in small bursts. 

This adds heavy strain on moving parts and key components such as the blower motor. Short cycling or any type of abnormal cooling cycles are often caused by overheating. The internal chamber gets too hot before safety components turn the AC off. This happens over and over, especially if the source of the overheating isn’t addressed. 

Trust the Experts for Your Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance Needs 

The number one way for you to avoid air conditioning problems is to participate in a preventive maintenance agreement. At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we offer several HVAC memberships to accommodate your needs and budget. Bad wiring, low refrigerant and dirty coils can be uncovered and corrected during routine service. 

Sometimes 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? Contact us at 866-397-3787 today!