Seven Most Common AC Problems and How to Fix Them

When your home’s air conditioner breaks down, you want to get the situation dealt with at the earliest opportunity. However, there can be hundreds of reasons why your cooling isn’t functioning properly. How do you know which one is affecting you? There are a handful of problems that are more widespread, and determining what they are is beneficial when your Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Expert is discussing options for fixing 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 instructs your AC system when to start and for how long to run. If the settings are inaccurate, your air conditioner might not work like it should. And if the batteries ran out in a programmable thermostat, it won’t be accessible at all. Follow this short checklist to make sure your thermostat is receiving power and functioning properly: 

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

• Ensure your preferred temperature is below the current room temperature 

2. Dirty Air Filter 

Dirty or inefficient air filters are infamous for turning a perfectly functional and efficient air conditioner into a slow and inefficient one. In fact, dirty filters could cause multiple problems, including weaker airflow, lower indoor air quality and greater power consumption. They can also make the air conditioner work harder and stop working if the coil freezes. 

You can easily avoid AC problems by consistently cleaning or replacing the air filter. How do you know when 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 change flat filters every 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 during the summer, ice can form on the coils. Frozen coils won’t be able to manage the cooling process as precisely, and in certain cases enough ice can stop the AC from running entirely. 

Freezing can be related to several issues, including: 

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

• Refrigerant leaks, which decrease 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 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 recommended to inspect your air filter first. If you can’t see light through it, change it. The other challenges, like dirty coils, a clogged drain line or refrigerant leaks, will need the support of a trained technician. 

4. Refrigerant Leak 

Your air conditioner needs 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 dealing with a leak: 

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

• Sweet smell close to the air conditioner 

If your air conditioning system was installed before 2011, it likely uses Freon® or R-22. This refrigerant is no longer being produced as a consequence of its detrimental effects on the ozone layer. Only recycled supplies are obtainable, which makes refrigerant leaks more costly to repair. 

If your R-22 AC unit has a refrigerant leak, we advocate for air conditioning installation due to age and the refrigerant being obsolete. Modern air conditioners utilize Puron or R-410A, which is better for the environment. 

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

5. Water Leak 

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

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

6. Tripped Circuit Breaker 

There can be a number of reasons why your cooling won’t stop tripping its circuit breaker. Here are some of the most widespread ones: 

• Dirty air filter is severely restricting airflow. 

• Your air conditioning system is running too hot because of insufficient refrigerant. 
• Condenser coils are dirty and reducing airflow. 
• Condenser fan motor has broken and coils are overheating. 
• Electrical connections are strained or loose. 
• Blower motor is defective. 

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

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

7. Short Cycling 

An insufficient cooling cycle can also cause problems. Short cycling is an irritating issue when the system turns off before the expected temperature has covered the rest of the house. If you believe your cooling is short cycling, pay attention to how long the air is on before it switches off. Your ordinary air conditioner generally runs for 15 to 20 minutes and stays off for around the same period of time. But when it’s short cycling, your cooling is running on and off in quick bursts. 

This adds heavy strain on moving parts and vital components including the blower motor. Short cycling or any kind of atypical cooling cycles are frequently caused by 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 addressed. 

Trust the Experts for Your Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance Needs 

The number one way for you to avoid air conditioning problems is to sign up for a preventive maintenance plan. 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 found and corrected with routine service. 

In some cases repairs are unavoidable, 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 enroll in a membership program or to request your repair appointment? Get in touch with us at 866-397-3787 today!