Seven Most Common AC Problems and How to Fix Them

When your home’s air conditioner malfunctions, you want to get the problem resolved right away. Unfortunately, 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 few problems that are more common, and recognizing what they are is helpful when your Calverley Service Experts Expert is discussing options for resolving 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 malfunction. 

1. Thermostat Problems 

Your thermostat directs your air conditioner when to start and for how long to run. If the thermostat settings are incorrect, your air conditioner may not function properly. And if the batteries died in a programmable thermostat, you’ll have to charge the batteries before you can use it. Follow this short checklist to make sure 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) 
• Confirm that it’s currently on cooling mode 

• Ensure your desired temperature is below the current room temperature 

2. Dirty Air Filter 

Old or inefficient air filters are notorious for turning a perfectly functional and efficient air conditioner into a slow and inefficient one. In fact, dirty filters could cause lots of problems, including decreased airflow, lower indoor air quality and excessive power consumption. They can also make your air conditioner work harder and stop working if the coil freezes up. 

You can easily avoid AC problems by regularly cleaning or replacing the air filter. How do you know if you should change your filters? If you can’t remember the last time you changed them, it’s almost definitely time to. But for a general rule of thumb, make sure you try to exchange flat filters once a 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 in the summer, ice can build up on the coils. Frozen coils won’t be able to manage the cooling process as easily, and in some cases enough ice can block the AC from running outright. 

Freezing can be linked to different issues, including: 

• Dirty coils caused by a lack of annual maintenance 
• Dirty air filters, which restrict airflow 
• Clogged drain line, which can cause moisture buildup 

• Refrigerant leaks, which reduce cooling power 

If your air conditioner has frozen, turn it off and let the coils thaw. This can 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 refrigeration cycle. 

It’s a good idea to check your air filter first. If you can’t see light through it, replace it. The other issues, including dirty coils, a clogged drain line or refrigerant leaks, will require professional help. 

4. Refrigerant Leak 

Your air conditioning system employs refrigerant to transfer heat. When it doesn’t have enough refrigerant, you could notice you’re getting a lot of hot air. Here are a couple signs you’re dealing with a leak: 

• Insufficient cold air 
• Home feels humid 
• Longer than normal cooling cycles 
• Ice forming on the evaporator coils 
• Bubbling or hissing air conditioner noises 

• Sweet smell near the air conditioner 

If your air conditioner was installed prior to 2011, it likely uses Freon® or R-22. This refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer. Only recycled portions of Freon are available, which makes refrigerant leaks more expensive to repair. 

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

We understand that replacing your air conditioner 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 low monthly fee. Repairs and maintenance are included, and you’ll get to proceed with any useful manufacturer’s rebates. 

5. Water Leak 

Your air conditioning utilizes 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 back up. If this happens, you’ll notice water leaking. 

Turn off your air conditioner to avoid damage and call us at 866-397-3787 for assistance. 

6. Tripped Circuit Breaker 

There can be a couple of reasons why your air conditioner keeps tripping its circuit breaker. Here are a few of the most common ones: 

• Dirty air filter is severely limiting airflow. 

• Your air conditioner is overheating due to inadequate refrigerant. 
• Condenser coils are dirty and restricting airflow. 
• Condenser fan motor has broken and coils are overheating. 
• Electrical connections are worn or loose. 
• Blower motor is defective. 

• Compressor is drawing too much power or wiring is faulty. 
• Capacitor responsible for starting the compressor has failed. 

Like we discussed earlier, check your air filter first, as that is most likely to be the culprit. Any other problems will have to be addressed by an HVAC professional like Calverley Service Experts. 

7. Short Cycling 

A faulty cooling cycle can also be responsible. Short cycling is an annoying malfunction when the air conditioner turns off before the expected temperature has reached the rest of the house. If you believe your air conditioner is short cycling, listen to how long the air is running before it turns off. Your average air conditioner typically runs for 15 to 20 minutes and stays off for close to the same period of time. But when it’s short cycling, your cooling is switching on and off in quick bursts. 

This puts heavy strain on moving parts and vital components including the blower motor. Short cycling or any form of abnormal cooling cycles are routinely caused by overheating. The internal chamber gets too hot before safety components switch the AC off. This happens over and over, particularly if the root cause of the overheating isn’t addressed. 

Trust the Experts for Your Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance Needs 

The best way for you to minimize air conditioning problems is to participate in a preventive maintenance program. At Calverley Service Experts, we offer several HVAC memberships to fit your needs and budget. Faulty wiring, low refrigerant and dirty coils can be discovered and corrected through routine service. 

In some cases repairs are inevitable, but as a maintenance member, you’ll benefit from special discounts on service, 24/7/365 priority service, no trip or overtime charges and more. Ready to enroll in a membership program or to schedule your repair appointment? Call us at 817-380-5647 today!