Seven Most Common AC Problems and How to Fix Them

When your home’s air conditioner malfunctions, you deserve to get the situation 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 few problems that are more widespread, and recognizing what they are is beneficial when your Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Expert is going over options for resolving the problem with air conditioning repair in North America. 

Here are the top six common air conditioner problems that can cause your air conditioning to stop working. 

1. Thermostat Problems 

Your thermostat directs your AC system when to start and for how long to run. If its settings are incorrect, your cooling may not work correctly. And if the batteries have died in a programmable thermostat, you won’t be able to use it at all. Try this brief checklist to make sure 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) 
• Verify that it’s switched to cooling mode 

• Ensure your desired 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. What’s more, dirty filters will sometimes cause a number of problems, including reduced airflow, poorer indoor air quality and greater power usage. They can also make an AC unit work harder and stop working if the coil freezes up. 

You can easily reduce the risk of AC problems by routinely cleaning or replacing your air filter. How do you know whether you should change the filters? If you can’t think back to the last time you changed them, it’s almost surely time to. But for a standard rule of thumb, make sure you try to change flat filters each 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 in the middle of the summer, ice can build up on the coils. Frozen coils won’t be able to regulate the cooling process as smoothly, and in some cases sufficient ice can keep the AC from running outright. 

Freezing can be linked to several issues, including: 

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

• Refrigerant leaks, which decrease 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 speed up the process by switching settings to “fan only.” This should blow warm air across the coils without starting a refrigeration cycle. 

It’s smart to check the air filter first. If you can’t see light through it, change it out. The other problems, such as dirty coils, a clogged drain line or refrigerant leaks, are best handled with the support of a trained technician. 

4. Refrigerant Leak 

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

• Not enough cold air 
• Home feels humid 
• Longer than normal cooling cycles 
• Ice forming on the evaporator coils 
• Dripping or hissing air conditioner sounds 

• Sweet smell around the air conditioner 

If your cooling was installed earlier than 2011, it most likely uses Freon® or R-22. This coolant is no longer being made because of its harmful effects on the ozone layer. Only recycled quantities are accessible, which makes refrigerant leaks more expensive to correct. 

If your R-22 air conditioning system has 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 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 gives you a new air conditioner for just one reasonable monthly fee. Repairs and maintenance are incorporated, and you’ll get to keep any valuable manufacturer’s rebates. 

5. Water Leak 

Your air conditioning uses a condensate drain line to flush water it removes from the air. If you’ve overlooked air conditioning maintenance, this drain can become blocked with mold and cause water to back up. If this happens, you’ll notice water leaking. 

Turn off your air conditioner to prevent 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 keeps tripping its circuit breaker. Here are a few of the most widespread ones: 

• Dirty air filter is gravely constraining airflow. 

• Your cooling overheated due to a lack of refrigerant. 
• Condenser coils are dirty and restraining airflow. 
• Condenser fan motor has failed and coils are overheating. 
• Electrical connections are strained or loose. 
• Blower motor is malfunctioning. 

• Compressor is drawing too much power or wiring is faulty. 
• Capacitor in control of starting the compressor has broken down. 

As we discussed earlier, check your air filter first, as that is most likely to be the culprit. Any other problems should be addressed by an HVAC pro like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. 

7. Short Cycling 

A faulty cooling cycle can also be responsible. Short cycling is an irritating malfunction when the unit turns off before the desired temperature has reached the rest of the house. If you believe your AC unit is short cycling, watch how long the air is active before it turns off. Your ordinary air conditioner generally runs for 15 to 20 minutes and stays inactive for close to an equivalent period of time. But when it’s short cycling, your air conditioning is running on and off in small bursts. 

This adds heavy strain on moving parts and vital components like the blower motor. Short cycling or any type of abnormal cooling cycles are frequently caused by overheating. The internal chamber gets too hot before safety components shut the AC off. This happens over and over, namely if the real cause of the overheating isn’t resolved. 

Trust the Experts for Your Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance Needs 

The best way for you to prevent air conditioning problems is to participate in a preventive maintenance program. At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we promote several HVAC memberships to suit your needs and budget. Faulty wiring, low refrigerant and dirty coils can be found and fixed through routine maintenance. 

Occasionally repairs are inevitable, 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? Get in touch with us at 866-397-3787 today!