August 3, 2022
When your home’s AC system goes on the fritz, you want to get the situation taken care of at the earliest opportunity. However, there may be countless 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 handy when your TML Service Experts Expert is reviewing available choices for fixing the problem through air conditioning repair in North America.
ere are the top six common air conditioner problems that can cause your air conditioner to break down.
1. Thermostat Problems
Your thermostat instructs your AC system when to start and for how long to run. If the settings are inaccurate, your air conditioning may not run correctly. And if the batteries died in a programmable thermostat, it won't be accessible at all. Follow this brief checklist to ensure your thermostat is receiving power and functioning properly:
- Change batteries if the screen is blank (programmable models)
- Make sure your thermostat has power (smart models)
- Confirm 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 known for turning a perfectly functional and reliable air conditioner into a slow and inefficient one. In fact, dirty filters could cause multiple problems, including weaker airflow, reduced indoor air quality and greater power consumption. They can also make an air conditioner work harder and stop working if the coil freezes up.
You can easily avoid AC problems by consistently cleaning or replacing your air filter. How do you know if you should change the filters? If you can’t think back to the last time you changed them, it’s almost definitely time to. But for a basic recommendation, 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 release heat from your home into the outdoor air. But even during the summer, ice can build up on the coils. Frozen coils won’t be able to handle the cooling process as smoothly, and in certain cases the ice can block the AC from running entirely.
Freezing can be related to multiple issues, such as:
- Dirty coils caused by a lack of 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 has frozen, turn it off and let the ice melt. This can take up to 24 hours, but you can accelerate the process by switching settings to “fan only.” This should blow warm air across the coils without going through a cooling cycle.
It’s smart to examine the air filter first. If you can’t see light through it, change it out. The other challenges, such as dirty coils, a clogged drain line or refrigerant leaks, are best handled with professional assistance.
4. Refrigerant Leak
Your air conditioning system employs refrigerant to relocate 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:
- Not enough cold air
- Home feels humid
- Extended cooling cycles
- Ice on the evaporator coils
- Bubbling or hissing air conditioner noises
- Sweet smell near the air conditioner
If your air conditioning system was installed prior to 2011, it likely uses Freon® or R-22. This refrigerant is no longer being made due to its damaging effects on the ozone layer. Only recycled portions of Freon are available, which makes refrigerant leaks more costly to correct.
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. New air conditioners employ Puron or R-410A, which is superior 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 gives you a new air conditioner for just one reasonable monthly fee. Repairs and maintenance are covered, and you’ll get to keep any worthwhile manufacturer’s rebates.
5. Water Leak
Your AC unit utilizes a condensate drain line to flush water it removes from the air. If you’ve overlooked 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.
Shut off your air conditioner to prevent damage and get in touch with us at 866-397-3787 for support.
6. Tripped Circuit Breaker
There can be a number of reasons why your air conditioner won't stop tripping its circuit breaker. Here are a few of the most common ones:
- Dirty air filter is gravely constraining airflow.
- Your air conditioner is running too hot because of a lack of 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 malfunctioning.
- Compressor is drawing excess power or wiring is faulty.
- Capacitor in charge of starting the compressor has failed.
Like we mentioned earlier, examine your air filter first, as that is most likely to be the culprit. Any other problems should be resolved by an HVAC professional like TML Service Experts.
7. Short Cycling
A faulty cooling cycle can also be part of the problem. Short cycling is an annoying issue when the system turns off before the expected temperature has covered the remainder of the house. If you suspect your cooling is short cycling, pay attention to how long the air is running before it shuts off. Your ordinary air conditioner typically runs for 15 to 20 minutes and stays off for close to an equivalent period of time. But when it’s short cycling, your cooling is running on and off in quick bursts.
This adds heavy strain on moving parts and key components like the blower motor. Short cycling or any type of irregular cooling cycles are routinely caused by overheating. The internal chamber gets too hot before safety components turn the AC off. This happens over and over, especially if the root cause of the overheating isn’t resolved.
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 TML Service Experts, we offer several HVAC memberships to suit your needs and budget. Bad wiring, low refrigerant and dirty coils can be discovered and corrected during routine tune-ups.
Sometimes repairs are unavoidable, 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 sign up for a membership program or to schedule your repair appointment? Get in touch with us at 208-488-4892 today!