Seven Most Common AC Problems and How to Fix Them

When your home’s air conditioner breaks down, you deserve to get the situation dealt with right away. Annoyingly, there may be countless of reasons why your cooling isn’t working properly. How do you know which one is affecting you? There are a few problems that are more widespread, and determining what they are is beneficial when your Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Expert is discussing routes 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 conditioner to stop working. 

1. Thermostat Problems 

Your thermostat directs your cooling when to start and for how long to run. If the thermostat settings are inaccurate, your air conditioning might not function like it should. And if the batteries have 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 functioning properly: 

  • Swap out batteries if the screen is blank (programmable models) 
  • Make sure your thermostat has power (smart models) 
  • Confirm 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 efficient air conditioner into a slow and inefficient one. In addition, dirty filters could cause lots of problems, including decreased airflow, reduced indoor air quality and excessive power usage. They can also make your AC unit 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 whether you should change your filters? If you can’t recall the last time you changed them, it’s almost certainly time to. But for a basic recommendation, 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 essential components because they discharge heat from your home into the outdoor air. But even in the summer, ice can form on the coils. Frozen coils won’t be able to regulate the cooling process as easily, and in some cases the ice can block the AC from running outright. 

Freezing can be related to different issues, including: 

  • Dirty coils caused by a lack of annual maintenance 
  • Dirty air filters, which restrict airflow 
  • Clogged drain line, which can trigger moisture buildup 
  • Refrigerant leaks, which decrease cooling power 

If your air conditioner is frozen, shut it off and let the coils thaw. This could take up to 24 hours, but you can accelerate the process by switching settings to “fan only.” This should blow warm air over the coils without going through a cooling cycle. 

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

4. Refrigerant Leak 

Your cooling uses refrigerant to relocate heat. When it doesn’t have enough refrigerant, you might notice you’re getting a lot of hot air. Here are a couple signs you’re confronting a leak: 

  • Not enough cold air 
  • Home seems humid 
  • Excessively long cooling cycles 
  • Ice on the evaporator coils 
  • Bubbling or hissing air conditioner noises 
  • Sweet smell near the air conditioner 

If your cooling was installed before 2011, it probably uses Freon® or R-22. This coolant is no longer being manufactured due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer. Only recycled supplies are available, which makes refrigerant leaks more expensive to fix. 

If your R-22 air conditioner 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 more sustainable for the environment. 

We understand 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 included, and you’ll get to keep any useful manufacturer’s rebates. 

5. Water Leak 

Your air conditioner uses 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 stay in the drain line. If this happens, you’ll notice water leaking. 

Shut off your air conditioner to minimize damage and call us at 866-397-3787 for support. 

6. Tripped Circuit Breaker 

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

  • Dirty air filter is gravely constraining airflow. 
  • Your air conditioning system is running too hot because of a lack of 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 too much power or wiring is malfunctioning. 
  • Capacitor responsible for starting the compressor has failed. 

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

7. Short Cycling 

An improper cooling cycle can also be responsible. Short cycling is an annoying malfunction when the air conditioner shuts off before the desired temperature has made its way through the remainder of the house. If you believe your air conditioner is short cycling, pay attention to how long the air is running before it shuts off. Your ordinary air conditioner usually runs for 15 to 20 minutes and stays inactive for about a similar period of time. But when it’s short cycling, your air conditioning is running on and off in quick bursts. 

This adds heavy strain on moving parts and vital components like the blower motor. Short cycling or any kind of irregular cooling cycles are routinely a consequence of overheating. The internal chamber gets too hot before safety components shut the AC off. This happens over and over, particularly 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 enroll in a preventive maintenance program. At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we promote several HVAC memberships to accommodate your needs and budget. Faulty wiring, low refrigerant and dirty coils can be discovered and fixed during routine maintenance. 

Occasionally repairs are inescapable, but as a maintenance member, you’ll enjoy 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!