Seven Most Common AC Problems and How to Fix Them

When your home’s cooling goes on the fritz, you want to get the problem taken care of right away. Annoyingly, there could be dozens of reasons why your AC unit isn’t working properly. How do you know which one is impacting you? There are a handful of problems that are more common, and determining what they are is handy when your Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Expert is going over available choices for fixing 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 instructs your cooling when to start and for how long to run. If the thermostat settings are wrong, 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. Try this brief checklist to ensure your thermostat is receiving power and working properly: 

• Swap out batteries if the screen is blank (programmable models) 
• Make sure your thermostat has power (smart models) 
• Check that it’s in cooling mode 

• Ensure your set temperature is below the current room temperature 

2. Dirty Air Filter 

Dirty or inefficient air filters are infamous for turning a perfectly functional and effective air conditioner into a slow and inefficient one. In addition, dirty filters can cause multiple problems, including weaker airflow, reduced indoor air quality and higher power usage. They can also make an AC unit work harder and stop working if the coil freezes. 

You can easily avoid AC problems by routinely cleaning or replacing the air filter. How do you know if you should change the filters? If you can’t remember the last time you changed them, it’s almost definitely time to. But for a general 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 crucial components because they release heat from your home into the outdoor air. But even during the summer, ice can develop on the coils. Frozen coils won’t be able to handle the cooling process as easily, and in some cases sufficient ice can stop the AC from running outright. 

Freezing can be connected to multiple issues, such as: 

• Dirty coils caused by ignoring annual maintenance 
• Dirty air filters, which obstruct 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 quicken the process by switching settings to “fan only.” This will blow warm air across the coils without starting a refrigeration cycle. 

It’s recommended to inspect your air filter first. If you can’t see light through it, change it out. The other challenges, like dirty coils, a clogged drain line or refrigerant leaks, will need professional assistance. 

4. Refrigerant Leak 

Your cooling 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 few signs you’re dealing with a leak: 

• Inadequate cold air 
• Home is humid 
• Extended cooling cycles 
• Ice on the evaporator coils 
• Dribbling or hissing air conditioner sounds 

• Sweet smell near the air conditioner 

If your air conditioning system was installed earlier than 2011, it most likely uses Freon® or R-22. This coolant is no longer being produced because of its damaging effects on the ozone layer. Only recycled portions of Freon are obtainable, which makes refrigerant leaks more costly to fix. 

If your R-22 air conditioning system has a refrigerant leak, we advocate for air conditioning installation due to age and the refrigerant being obsolete. Modern air conditioners employ 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 prepared for. Ask us about our Advantage Program™, which offers you a new air conditioner for just one affordable monthly fee. Repairs and maintenance are included, and you’ll get to retain any worthwhile manufacturer’s rebates. 

5. Water Leak 

Your air conditioning needs a condensate drain line to flush water it eliminates from the air. If you’ve skipped air conditioning maintenance, this drain can become plugged up with mold and cause water to flood the system. If this happens, you’ll notice water leaking. 

Shut off your air conditioner to avoid damage and get in touch with us at 866-397-3787 for support. 

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 widespread ones: 

• Dirty air filter is significantly restricting airflow. 

• Your cooling is running too hot due to inadequate refrigerant. 
• Condenser coils are dirty and restricting airflow. 
• Condenser fan motor has failed and coils are overheating. 
• Electrical connections are damaged or loose. 
• Blower motor is defective. 

• Compressor is drawing excessive power or wiring is faulty. 
• Capacitor in control of starting the compressor has failed. 

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

7. Short Cycling 

An improper cooling cycle can also cause problems. Short cycling is an annoying issue when the air conditioner turns off before the expected temperature has reached the remainder of the house. If you think your air conditioner is short cycling, watch how long the air is on before it switches off. Your standard 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 turning on and off in quick bursts. 

This places heavy strain on moving parts and critical components including the blower motor. Short cycling or any type of abnormal cooling cycles are often a result of overheating. The internal chamber gets too hot and then safety components switch the AC off. This happens repeatedly, especially if the real cause of the overheating isn’t resolved. 

Trust the Experts for Your Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance Needs 

The ideal way for you to prevent air conditioning problems is to participate in a preventive maintenance agreement. At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we provide several HVAC memberships to accommodate your needs and budget. Faulty wiring, low refrigerant and dirty coils can be discovered and corrected through routine service. 

Sometimes 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 enroll in a membership program or to request your repair appointment? Get in touch with us at 866-397-3787 today!