Seven Most Common AC Problems and How to Fix Them

When your home’s AC system breaks down, you should try to get the issue resolved as soon as possible. However, there can be dozens of reasons why your cooling isn’t working properly. How do you know which one is impacting you? There are a few problems that are more prevalent, and recognizing what they are is helpful when your Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Expert is discussing available choices for resolving the problem through air conditioning repair in North America. 

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

1. Thermostat Problems 

Your thermostat tells your AC system when to start and for how long to run. If its settings are inaccurate, your air conditioning might not function correctly. And if the batteries ran out in a programmable thermostat, you’ll have to charge the batteries before you can use it. Try this brief checklist to ensure your thermostat is receiving power and working properly: 

• Replace batteries if the screen is blank (programmable models) 
• Make sure your thermostat has power (smart models) 
• Verify that it’s currently on cooling mode 

• Ensure your set temperature is below the current room temperature 

2. Dirty Air Filter 

Dirty or inefficient air filters are notorious for turning a perfectly functional and reliable air conditioner into a slow and inefficient one. In fact, dirty filters could cause a number of problems, like weaker airflow, lower indoor air quality and greater power use. They can also make an AC unit work harder and stop working if the coil ices over. 

You can easily reduce the risk of AC problems by consistently cleaning or replacing your air filter. How do you know when you should change your filters? If you can’t recall the last time you changed them, it’s almost definitely time to. But for a standard recommendation, make sure you try to replace flat filters every 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 develop on the coils. Frozen coils won’t be able to manage the cooling process as smoothly, and in certain cases enough ice can stop the AC from running at all. 

Freezing can be connected to different issues, including: 

• Dirty coils caused by insufficient 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 is frozen, switch it off and let the ice melt. This will sometimes take up to 24 hours, but you can quicken the process by switching settings to “fan only.” This blows warm air on the coils without beginning a refrigeration cycle. 

It’s recommended to inspect the air filter first. If you can’t see light through it, change it. The other challenges, including dirty coils, a clogged drain line or refrigerant leaks, are best handled with professional assistance. 

4. Refrigerant Leak 

Your air conditioner uses refrigerant to relocate 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 facing a leak: 

• Insufficient cold air 
• Home is humid 
• Excessively long cooling cycles 
• Frozen evaporator coils 
• Dribbling or hissing air conditioner noises 

• Sweet smell close to the air conditioner 

If your air conditioner was installed before 2011, it most likely uses Freon® or R-22. This coolant is no longer being produced due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer. Only recycled supplies are obtainable, which makes refrigerant leaks more costly to correct. 

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. New air conditioners utilize Puron or R-410A, which is more sustainable for the environment. 

We realize that replacing your air conditioner can be an emergency that you aren’t ready for. Ask us about our Advantage Program™, which gives you a new air conditioner for just one low monthly fee. Repairs and maintenance are incorporated, and you’ll get to proceed with any valuable manufacturer’s rebates. 

5. Water Leak 

Your air conditioner needs a condensate drain line to flush water it eliminates from the air. If you’ve avoided 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 prevent damage and call us at 866-397-3787 for assistance. 

6. Tripped Circuit Breaker 

There can be a few reasons why your air conditioning system won’t stop tripping its circuit breaker. Here are a few of the most common ones: 

• Dirty air filter is gravely restricting airflow. 

• Your cooling overheated due to inadequate refrigerant. 
• Condenser coils are dirty and reducing airflow. 
• Condenser fan motor has broken and coils are overheating. 
• Electrical connections are damaged or loose. 
• Blower motor is faulty. 

• Compressor is drawing too much power or wiring is defective. 
• Capacitor in charge of starting the compressor has gone out. 

As we outlined earlier, inspect your air filter first, as that is most commonly the culprit. Any other problems will have to be addressed by an HVAC pro like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. 

7. Short Cycling 

An insufficient cooling cycle can also be responsible. Short cycling is an irritating error when the air conditioner turns off before the set temperature has covered the rest of the house. If you suspect your AC unit is short cycling, pay attention to how long the air is active before it shuts off. Your ordinary air conditioner typically runs for 15 to 20 minutes and stays off for close to a similar period of time. But when it’s short cycling, your air conditioning is running on and off in small bursts. 

This puts heavy strain on moving parts and key components such as the blower motor. Short cycling or any kind of irregular cooling cycles are frequently a result of overheating. The internal chamber gets too hot before safety components switch the AC off. This happens repeatedly, namely if the source 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 participate in a preventive maintenance plan. At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we offer several HVAC memberships to fit your needs and budget. Faulty wiring, low refrigerant and dirty coils can be found and fixed through routine maintenance. 

Occasionally repairs are unavoidable, 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 sign up for a membership program or to schedule your repair appointment? Call us at 866-397-3787 today!