Seven Most Common AC Problems and How to Fix Them

When your home’s cooling malfunctions, you deserve to get the situation dealt with as soon as possible. However, there can be dozens of reasons why your cooling isn’t functioning properly. How do you know which one is affecting you? There are a number of problems that are more prevalent, and determining 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 air conditioner to break down. 

1. Thermostat Problems 

Your thermostat tells your cooling when to start and for how long to run. If its settings are inaccurate, your cooling might not function like it should. And if the batteries ran out in a programmable thermostat, you won’t be able to use it at all. Follow this brief checklist to ensure 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) 
  • Verify that it’s in cooling mode 
  • Ensure your preferred temperature is below the current room temperature 

2. Dirty Air Filter 

Dirty or inefficient air filters are known for turning a perfectly functional and effective air conditioner into a slow and inefficient one. In fact, dirty filters can cause lots of problems, such as weaker airflow, poorer indoor air quality and greater power use. They can also make an air conditioning work harder and stop working if the coil ices over. 

You can easily reduce the risk of AC problems by routinely cleaning or replacing the air filter. How do you know when you should change your filters? If you can’t think back to the last time you changed them, it’s almost surely time to. But for a basic rule of thumb, 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 release 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 manage the cooling process as precisely, and in some cases enough ice can stop the AC from running at all. 

Freezing can be linked to several issues, like: 

  • Dirty coils caused by ignoring annual maintenance 
  • Dirty air filters, which obstruct airflow 
  • Clogged drain line, which can result in moisture buildup 
  • Refrigerant leaks, which reduce cooling power 

If your air conditioner freezes, switch it off and let the ice melt. This could 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 going through a cooling cycle. 

It’s a good idea to check the air filter first. If you can’t see light through it, change it. The other challenges, including dirty coils, a clogged drain line or refrigerant leaks, are best handled with professional assistance. 

4. Refrigerant Leak 

Your cooling uses refrigerant to transfer 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 dealing with a leak: 

  • Not enough cold air 
  • Home seems humid 
  • Extended cooling cycles 
  • Ice forming on the evaporator coils 
  • Dripping or hissing air conditioner sounds 
  • Sweet smell close to the air conditioner 

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

If your R-22 AC unit is struggling with a refrigerant leak, we recommend air conditioning installation due to age and the refrigerant being obsolete. New air conditioners use Puron or R-410A, which is more sustainable for the environment. 

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

5. Water Leak 

Your AC unit uses a condensate drain line to flush water it removes from the air. If you’ve skipped 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 contact us at 866-397-3787 for help. 

6. Tripped Circuit Breaker 

There can be a couple of reasons why your air conditioning system won’t stop tripping its circuit breaker. Here are several of the most widespread ones: 

  • Dirty air filter is significantly constraining airflow. 
  • Your air conditioning system is overheating caused by insufficient refrigerant. 
  • Condenser coils are dirty and restricting airflow. 
  • Condenser fan motor has stopped working and coils are overheating. 
  • Electrical connections are strained or loose. 
  • Blower motor is faulty. 
  • Compressor is drawing excessive power or wiring is malfunctioning. 
  • Capacitor in control of starting the compressor has broken down. 

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

7. Short Cycling 

A faulty cooling cycle can also cause problems. Short cycling is an annoying issue when the system shuts down before the expected temperature has reached the rest of the house. If you suspect your AC unit is short cycling, watch how long the air is running before it turns off. Your ordinary air conditioner typically runs for 15 to 20 minutes and stays inactive for around the same period of time. But when it’s short cycling, your cooling is running on and off in small bursts. 

This places 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 before safety components turn the AC off. This happens again and again, especially if the real cause of the overheating isn’t dealt with. 

Trust the Experts for Your Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance Needs 

The ideal way for you to avoid air conditioning problems is to sign up for a preventive maintenance agreement. At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we provide several HVAC memberships to suit your needs and budget. Inferior wiring, low refrigerant and dirty coils can be uncovered and fixed through routine service. 

Occasionally repairs are inescapable, but as a maintenance member, you’ll receive 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 866-397-3787 today!