Seven Most Common AC Problems and How to Fix Them

When your home’s cooling malfunctions, you should try to get the problem resolved at the earliest opportunity. Unfortunately, there can be dozens of reasons why your air conditioner isn’t working properly. How do you know which one is impacting you? There are a handful of problems that are more widespread, and recognizing what they are is handy when your Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Expert is reviewing 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 stop working. 

1. Thermostat Problems 

Your thermostat instructs your cooling when to start and for how long to run. If the thermostat settings are incorrect, your cooling might not work like it should. And if the batteries ran out in a programmable thermostat, you won’t be able to use it at all. Try 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) 
• Check that it’s switched to cooling mode 

• Ensure your preferred temperature is below the current room temperature 

2. Dirty Air Filter 

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

You can easily minimize AC problems by consistently cleaning or replacing your air filter. How do you know when you should change the 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 exchange flat filters once a month and pleated filters every three months. 

3. Frozen Condenser Coils 

Your air conditioner’s coils are important components because they discharge heat from your home into the outdoor air. But even during the summer, ice can build up on the coils. Frozen coils won’t be able to regulate the cooling process as easily, and in severe cases sufficient ice can stop the AC from running entirely. 

Freezing can be connected to multiple issues, like: 

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

• Refrigerant leaks, which decrease cooling power 

If your air conditioner freezes, shut it off and let the ice melt. This could 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 going through a cooling cycle. 

It’s a good idea to inspect 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 help. 

4. Refrigerant Leak 

Your air conditioning system uses refrigerant to transfer heat. When it doesn’t have sufficient 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 feels humid 
• Excessively long cooling cycles 
• Ice on the evaporator coils 
• Dribbling or hissing air conditioner sounds 

• Sweet smell around the air conditioner 

If your cooling was installed earlier than 2011, it likely uses Freon® or R-22. This refrigerant is no longer being produced because of its detrimental effects on the ozone layer. Only recycled quantities are available, which makes refrigerant leaks more costly to repair. 

If your R-22 AC unit has a refrigerant leak, we suggest 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 understand 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 useful manufacturer’s rebates. 

5. Water Leak 

Your AC unit uses a condensate drain line to flush water it eliminates from the air. If you’ve overlooked air conditioning maintenance, this drain can become blocked with mold and cause water to stay in the drain line. If this happens, you’ll notice water leaking. 

Turn off your air conditioner to avoid damage and call us at 866-397-3787 for help. 

6. Tripped Circuit Breaker 

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

• Dirty air filter is severely constraining airflow. 

• Your cooling overheated caused by insufficient 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 malfunctioning. 

• Compressor is drawing too much power or wiring is defective. 
• Capacitor in control of starting the compressor has broken down. 

As we mentioned earlier, examine your air filter first, as that is most likely to be the culprit. Any other problems should be resolved by an HVAC expert like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. 

7. Short Cycling 

An improper cooling cycle can also be part of the problem. Short cycling is an annoying error when the unit turns off before the expected temperature has made its way through the entire house. If you suspect your air conditioner is short cycling, listen to how long the air is running before it turns off. Your ordinary air conditioner generally runs for 15 to 20 minutes and stays off for around a similar period of time. But when it’s short cycling, your air conditioner is switching on and off in short bursts. 

This places heavy strain on moving parts and vital components like the blower motor. Short cycling or any type of irregular 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, particularly if the source of the overheating isn’t resolved. 

Trust the Experts for Your Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance Needs 

The number one way for you to prevent air conditioning problems is to participate in a preventive maintenance plan. At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we provide several HVAC memberships to fit your needs and budget. Faulty wiring, low refrigerant and dirty coils can be discovered and corrected during routine tune-ups. 

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 arrange your repair appointment? Call us at 866-397-3787 today!