Seven Most Common AC Problems and How to Fix Them

When your home’s AC system breaks down, you should try to get the problem resolved as soon as possible. Annoyingly, there can be hundreds of reasons why your cooling isn’t working properly. How do you know which one is causing trouble? There are a few problems that are more common, and identifying what they are is beneficial when your Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Expert is reviewing 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 tells your cooling when to start and for how long to run. If the settings are incorrect, your air conditioning may not function correctly. And if the batteries died in a programmable thermostat, you won’t be able to use it at all. Run through this short checklist to make sure 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) 
• Confirm 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 notorious for turning a perfectly functional and efficient air conditioner into a slow and inefficient one. In fact, dirty filters could cause a number of problems, such as weaker airflow, poorer indoor air quality and higher power use. They can also make an air conditioner work harder and stop working if the coil ices over. 

You can easily avoid AC problems by regularly cleaning or replacing the air filter. How do you know when you should change the filters? If you can’t think back to the last time you changed them, it’s almost definitely time to. But for a standard rule of thumb, 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 discharge 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 handle the cooling process as easily, and in some cases the ice can keep the AC from running outright. 

Freezing can be related to several issues, such as: 

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

• Refrigerant leaks, which lessen cooling power 

If your air conditioner is frozen, switch it off and let the coils thaw. This will sometimes take up to 24 hours, but you can accelerate the process by switching settings to “fan only.” This will blow warm air on the coils without beginning a cooling cycle. 

It’s recommended to check your air filter first. If you can’t see light through it, change it out. The other issues, including dirty coils, a clogged drain line or refrigerant leaks, will require professional help. 

4. Refrigerant Leak 

Your air conditioning system uses refrigerant to transfer heat. When it doesn’t have adequate refrigerant, you may notice you’re getting a lot of hot air. Here are a couple signs you’re dealing with a leak: 

• Not enough cold air 
• Home seems humid 
• Longer than normal cooling cycles 
• Frozen evaporator coils 
• Bubbling or hissing air conditioner noises 

• Sweet smell nearby 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 as a consequence of its detrimental effects on the ozone layer. Only recycled supplies are available, which makes refrigerant leaks more expensive to fix. 

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

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

5. Water Leak 

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

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

6. Tripped Circuit Breaker 

There can be a number of reasons why your air conditioner won’t stop tripping its circuit breaker. Here are several of the most prevalent ones: 

• Dirty air filter is severely constraining airflow. 

• Your air conditioner overheated caused by insufficient refrigerant. 
• Condenser coils are dirty and reducing airflow. 
• Condenser fan motor has malfunctioned 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 responsible for starting the compressor has failed. 

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

7. Short Cycling 

An improper cooling cycle can also be responsible. Short cycling is an irritating issue when the system shuts down before the desired temperature has made its way through the rest of the house. If you believe your air conditioner is short cycling, pay attention to how long the air is active before it shuts off. Your standard air conditioner typically runs for 15 to 20 minutes and stays off for around an equivalent period of time. But when it’s short cycling, your cooling is turning on and off in small bursts. 

This puts heavy strain on moving parts and vital components including the blower motor. Short cycling or any kind of atypical cooling cycles are often caused by overheating. The internal chamber gets too hot before safety components turn the AC off. This happens over and over, particularly if the source of the overheating isn’t dealt with. 

Trust the Experts for Your Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance Needs 

The ideal way for you to avoid air conditioning problems is to sign up for a preventive maintenance program. At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we offer several HVAC memberships to accommodate your needs and budget. Bad wiring, low refrigerant and dirty coils can be discovered and fixed 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 sign up for a membership program or to request your repair appointment? Get in touch with us at 866-397-3787 today!