August 3, 2022
When your home’s air conditioner malfunctions, you want to get the issue resolved at the earliest opportunity. However, there can be countless of reasons why your air conditioner isn’t functioning properly. How do you know which one is affecting you? There are a number of problems that are more common, and identifying what they are is handy when your McElroy Service Experts Expert is reviewing routes for solving the problem through air conditioning repair in North America.
ere are the top six common air conditioner problems that can cause your cooling system to malfunction.
1. Thermostat Problems
Your thermostat directs your AC system when to start and for how long to run. If the settings are wrong, your cooling may not function properly. And if the batteries have died in a programmable thermostat, you won’t be able to use it at all. Run through this brief checklist to ensure your thermostat is receiving power and operating properly:
- Change 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 set temperature is below the current room temperature
2. Dirty Air Filter
Old or inefficient air filters are notorious for turning a perfectly functional and effective air conditioner into a slow and inefficient one. In fact, dirty filters could cause lots of problems, such as decreased airflow, reduced indoor air quality and higher power consumption. They can also make the AC unit work harder and stop working if the coil freezes up.
You can easily minimize AC problems by regularly cleaning or replacing your air filter. How do you know when 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 general recommendation, make sure you try to change 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 release 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 regulate the cooling process as easily, and in certain cases sufficient ice can keep the AC from running at all.
Freezing can be related to different issues, like:
- Dirty coils caused by a lack of annual maintenance
- Dirty air filters, which reduce airflow
- Clogged drain line, which can cause moisture buildup
- Refrigerant leaks, which decrease cooling power
If your air conditioner freezes, switch it off and let the ice melt. This could take up to 24 hours, but you can speed up the process by switching settings to “fan only.” This should blow warm air on the coils without beginning a cooling cycle.
It’s smart to check your air filter first. If you can’t see light through it, change it. The other challenges, such as dirty coils, a clogged drain line or refrigerant leaks, will need professional assistance.
4. Refrigerant Leak
Your air conditioner employs refrigerant to transfer heat. When it doesn’t have enough refrigerant, you could 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 feels humid
- Longer than normal cooling cycles
- Frozen evaporator coils
- Dripping or hissing air conditioner noises
- Sweet smell close to the air conditioner
If your air conditioner was installed before 2011, it most likely uses Freon® or R-22. This coolant is no longer being made due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer. Only recycled portions of Freon are accessible, which makes refrigerant leaks more costly to correct.
If your R-22 AC unit is dealing with 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 more sustainable for the environment.
We understand that replacing your cooling can be an emergency that you aren’t ready 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 retain any worthwhile manufacturer’s rebates.
5. Water Leak
Your air conditioning utilizes a condensate drain line to flush water it removes from the air. If you’ve skipped air conditioning maintenance, this drain can become clogged 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 minimize damage and call us at 866-397-3787 for assistance.
6. Tripped Circuit Breaker
There can be a number of reasons why your air conditioner keeps tripping its circuit breaker. Here are a few of the most widespread ones:
- Dirty air filter is significantly restricting airflow.
- Your cooling overheated due to insufficient refrigerant.
- Condenser coils are dirty and reducing airflow.
- Condenser fan motor has stopped working and coils are overheating.
- Electrical connections are worn or loose.
- Blower motor is defective.
- Compressor is drawing too much power or wiring is malfunctioning.
- Capacitor in charge of starting the compressor has gone out.
As we outlined earlier, inspect your air filter first, as that is most often the culprit. Any other problems should be addressed by an HVAC professional like McElroy Service Experts.
7. Short Cycling
An improper cooling cycle can also be responsible. Short cycling is an irritating error when the unit turns off before the expected temperature has reached the entire house. If you believe your air conditioner is short cycling, watch how long the air is on before it turns off. Your ordinary air conditioner generally runs for 15 to 20 minutes and stays off for close to an equivalent period of time. But when it’s short cycling, your air conditioner is turning on and off in quick bursts.
This places heavy strain on moving parts and vital components like the blower motor. Short cycling or any form of abnormal cooling cycles are routinely a consequence of overheating. The internal chamber gets too hot before safety components switch the AC off. This happens repeatedly, namely 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 minimize air conditioning problems is to sign up for a preventive maintenance program. At McElroy Service Experts, we offer several HVAC memberships to fit your needs and budget. Faulty wiring, low refrigerant and dirty coils can be uncovered and solved during 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 schedule your repair appointment? Get in touch with us at 308-210-4398 today!