Seven Most Common AC Problems and How to Fix Them

When your home’s air conditioner goes on the fritz, you want to get the situation resolved at the earliest opportunity. Annoyingly, there could be hundreds of reasons why your AC unit isn’t working properly. How do you know which one is impacting you? There are a number of problems that are more widespread, and determining what they are is handy when your Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Expert is discussing 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 cooling system to break down. 

1. Thermostat Problems 

Your thermostat instructs your AC system when to start and for how long to run. If the thermostat settings are incorrect, your air conditioner might not run correctly. And if the batteries have died in a programmable thermostat, you won’t be able to use it at all. Run through 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) 
• 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 infamous for turning a perfectly functional and reliable air conditioner into a slow and inefficient one. In addition, dirty filters will sometimes cause multiple problems, such as weaker airflow, reduced indoor air quality and excessive power consumption. They can also make the air conditioner work harder and stop working if the coil freezes up. 

You can easily avoid AC problems by routinely cleaning or replacing your air filter. How do you know if you should change the filters? If you can’t recall the last time you changed them, it’s almost surely time to. But for a general guideline, make sure you try to change flat filters once a month and pleated filters every three months. 

3. Frozen Condenser Coils 

Your air conditioner’s coils are essential components because they emit 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 regulate the cooling process as precisely, and in some cases enough ice can stop the AC from running outright. 

Freezing can be linked to several issues, including: 

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

• Refrigerant leaks, which lessen cooling power 

If your air conditioner is frozen, switch it off and let the ice melt. This will sometimes take up to 24 hours, but you can accelerate the process by switching settings to “fan only.” This will blow warm air across the coils without beginning a refrigeration cycle. 

It’s recommended to check the air filter first. If you can’t see light through it, change it out. The other problems, including dirty coils, a clogged drain line or refrigerant leaks, will need the support of a trained technician. 

4. Refrigerant Leak 

Your air conditioner employs refrigerant to convert heat. When it doesn’t have adequate refrigerant, you could notice you’re getting a lot of hot air. Here are a couple signs you’re facing a leak: 

• Inadequate cold air 
• Home seems humid 
• Extended cooling cycles 
• Ice forming on the evaporator coils 
• Dripping or hissing air conditioner sounds 

• Sweet smell around the air conditioner 

If your air conditioner was installed prior to 2011, it most likely uses Freon® or R-22. This refrigerant is no longer being made because of its detrimental effects on the ozone layer. Only recycled supplies are accessible, which makes refrigerant leaks more expensive to fix. 

If your R-22 air conditioner is struggling with a refrigerant leak, we recommend air conditioning installation due to age and the refrigerant being obsolete. Modern air conditioners use 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 ready for. Ask us about our Advantage Program™, which provides you a new air conditioner for just one affordable monthly fee. Repairs and maintenance are covered, and you’ll get to retain any useful manufacturer’s rebates. 

5. Water Leak 

Your air conditioning uses a condensate drain line to flush water it eliminates from the air. If you’ve avoided 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 avoid damage and contact us at 866-397-3787 for help. 

6. Tripped Circuit Breaker 

There can be a couple of reasons why your cooling is repeatedly tripping its circuit breaker. Here are several of the most prevalent ones: 

• Dirty air filter is gravely limiting airflow. 

• Your air conditioner is running too hot because of inadequate refrigerant. 
• Condenser coils are dirty and reducing airflow. 
• Condenser fan motor has stopped working and coils are overheating. 
• Electrical connections are strained or loose. 
• Blower motor is defective. 

• Compressor is drawing excess power or wiring is defective. 
• Capacitor in control of starting the compressor has broken down. 

Like we mentioned earlier, inspect your air filter first, as that is most often the culprit. Any other problems should be taken care of by an HVAC pro like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. 

7. Short Cycling 

A faulty cooling cycle can also be part of the problem. Short cycling is an irritating issue when the unit shuts down before the expected temperature has reached the entire house. If you believe your cooling is short cycling, watch how long the air is on before it turns off. Your average air conditioner typically runs for 15 to 20 minutes and stays inactive for about an equivalent period of time. But when it’s short cycling, your air conditioner is switching on and off in small bursts. 

This places heavy strain on moving parts and key components such as the blower motor. Short cycling or any kind of atypical cooling cycles are often a consequence of overheating. The internal chamber gets too hot before safety components shut the AC off. This happens over and over, namely if the root cause of the overheating isn’t addressed. 

Trust the Experts for Your Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance Needs 

The number one way for you to minimize air conditioning problems is to participate in a preventive maintenance plan. At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we offer several HVAC memberships to suit your needs and budget. Bad wiring, low refrigerant and dirty coils can be found and solved with routine tune-ups. 

In some cases 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 arrange your repair appointment? Call us at 866-397-3787 today!