August 3, 2022
When your home’s AC system malfunctions, you should try to get the problem resolved as soon as possible. However, there could be dozens of reasons why your air conditioner isn’t working properly. How do you know which one is affecting you? There are a handful of problems that are more widespread, and recognizing what they are is handy when your Calverley Service Experts Expert is reviewing routes for fixing the problem with 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 directs your AC system when to start and for how long to run. If the settings are wrong, your air conditioning may not work correctly. And if the batteries died in a programmable thermostat, it won't be accessible at all. Run through this brief checklist to ensure your thermostat is receiving power and functioning properly:
- Swap out 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 preferred temperature is below the current room temperature
2. Dirty Air Filter
Dirty or inefficient air filters are notorious for turning a perfectly functional and efficient air conditioner into a slow and inefficient one. In addition, dirty filters can cause a number of problems, like weaker airflow, lower indoor air quality and excessive power use. They can also make the air conditioning work harder and stop working if the coil ices over.
You can easily minimize AC problems by consistently cleaning or replacing the air filter. How do you know whether 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 standard guideline, 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 discharge heat from your home into the outdoor air. But even during the summer, ice can form on the coils. Frozen coils won’t be able to handle the cooling process as precisely, and in certain cases enough ice can keep the AC from running entirely.
Freezing can be connected to different issues, like:
- 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 reduce cooling power
If your air conditioner freezes, shut it off and let the ice melt. This will sometimes take up to 24 hours, but you can speed up the process by switching settings to “fan only.” This should blow warm air over the coils without starting a cooling cycle.
It’s smart to check the air filter first. If you can’t see light through it, change it. The other challenges, like dirty coils, a clogged drain line or refrigerant leaks, are best handled with the support of a trained technician.
4. Refrigerant Leak
Your air conditioner uses refrigerant to relocate heat. When it doesn’t have adequate refrigerant, you may notice you’re getting a lot of hot air. Here are some signs you’re confronting a leak:
- Insufficient cold air
- Home seems humid
- Longer than normal cooling cycles
- Frozen evaporator coils
- Bubbling or hissing air conditioner noises
- Sweet smell around the air conditioner
If your air conditioner was installed prior to 2011, it most likely uses Freon® or R-22. This coolant is no longer being made due to its detrimental effects on the ozone layer. Only recycled portions of Freon are accessible, which makes refrigerant leaks more costly to repair.
If your R-22 air conditioner is dealing with a refrigerant leak, we suggest air conditioning installation due to age and the refrigerant being obsolete. New air conditioners employ Puron or R-410A, which is better for the environment.
We recognize that replacing your AC system can be an emergency that you aren’t equipped for. Ask us about our Advantage Program™, which offers you a new air conditioner for just one reasonable monthly fee. Repairs and maintenance are incorporated, and you’ll get to proceed with any useful manufacturer’s rebates.
5. Water Leak
Your AC unit utilizes a condensate drain line to flush water it strips from the air. If you’ve skipped 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.
Turn off your air conditioner to minimize damage and call us at 866-397-3787 for help.
6. Tripped Circuit Breaker
There can be a few reasons why your cooling won't stop tripping its circuit breaker. Here are a few of the most prevalent ones:
- Dirty air filter is gravely constraining airflow.
- Your air conditioner is running too hot due to a lack of refrigerant.
- Condenser coils are dirty and restricting airflow.
- Condenser fan motor has stopped working and coils are overheating.
- Electrical connections are worn or loose.
- Blower motor is malfunctioning.
- Compressor is drawing too much power or wiring is defective.
- Capacitor responsible for starting the compressor has failed.
As we outlined earlier, examine your air filter first, as that is most commonly the culprit. Any other problems should be taken care of by an HVAC expert like Calverley Service Experts.
7. Short Cycling
A faulty cooling cycle can also be responsible. Short cycling is a frustrating malfunction when the air conditioner shuts down before the expected temperature has covered the rest of the house. If you believe your cooling is short cycling, pay attention to how long the air is on before it shuts off. Your standard 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 air conditioner is turning on and off in small bursts.
This puts heavy strain on moving parts and key components including the blower motor. Short cycling or any kind of abnormal cooling cycles are frequently a result of overheating. The internal chamber gets too hot and then safety components switch the AC off. This happens over and over, especially if the root cause of the overheating isn’t dealt with.
Trust the Experts for Your Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance Needs
The best way for you to prevent air conditioning problems is to enroll in a preventive maintenance program. At Calverley Service Experts, we offer several HVAC memberships to accommodate your needs and budget. Faulty wiring, low refrigerant and dirty coils can be discovered and fixed during routine maintenance.
In some cases 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 817-380-5647 today!