August 3, 2022
When your home’s AC system breaks down, you deserve to get the situation resolved as soon as possible. Unfortunately, there can be dozens of reasons why your AC unit isn’t working properly. How do you know which one is affecting you? There are a handful of problems that are more prevalent, and identifying what they are is beneficial when your McKinley Heating Service Experts Expert is discussing routes for resolving the problem with air conditioning repair in North America.
ere are the top six common air conditioner problems that can cause your air conditioning to break down.
1. Thermostat Problems
Your thermostat directs your air conditioner when to start and for how long to run. If the settings are inaccurate, your air conditioning might not run properly. And if the batteries ran out in a programmable thermostat, you won’t be able to use it at all. Run through this brief checklist to make sure your thermostat is receiving power and operating 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 reliable air conditioner into a slow and inefficient one. In addition, dirty filters could cause multiple problems, including decreased airflow, poorer indoor air quality and higher power usage. They can also make your air conditioner work harder and stop working if the coil freezes.
You can easily minimize AC problems by consistently cleaning or replacing the air filter. How do you know whether you should change the filters? If you can’t think back to the last time you changed them, it’s almost surely time to. But for a standard rule of thumb, make sure you try to exchange flat filters each month and pleated filters every three months.
3. Frozen Condenser Coils
Your air conditioner’s coils are important components because they emit 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 smoothly, and in some cases sufficient ice can block the AC from running at all.
Freezing can be linked to several issues, such as:
- Dirty coils caused by a lack of annual maintenance
- Dirty air filters, which restrict airflow
- Clogged drain line, which can cause moisture buildup
- Refrigerant leaks, which lessen cooling power
If your air conditioner has frozen, 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 over the coils without starting a refrigeration cycle.
It’s a good idea to check your air filter first. If you can’t see light through it, change it. The other issues, such as dirty coils, a clogged drain line or refrigerant leaks, will need the support of a trained technician.
4. Refrigerant Leak
Your cooling employs refrigerant to convert heat. When it doesn’t have sufficient refrigerant, you could notice you’re getting a lot of hot air. Here are some signs you’re confronting a leak:
- Insufficient cold air
- Home feels humid
- Longer than normal cooling cycles
- Ice on the evaporator coils
- Dripping or hissing air conditioner noises
- Sweet smell close to the air conditioner
If your air conditioner was installed earlier than 2011, it likely uses Freon® or R-22. This refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer. Only recycled quantities are accessible, which makes refrigerant leaks more expensive to repair.
If your R-22 air conditioning system has a refrigerant leak, we suggest air conditioning installation due to age and the refrigerant being obsolete. New air conditioners use Puron or R-410A, which is superior for the environment.
We realize 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 affordable monthly fee. Repairs and maintenance are incorporated, and you’ll get to retain any worthwhile manufacturer’s rebates.
5. Water Leak
Your air conditioning uses a condensate drain line to flush water it removes from the air. If you’ve avoided 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 avoid damage and contact us at 866-397-3787 for help.
6. Tripped Circuit Breaker
There can be a number of reasons why your cooling is repeatedly tripping its circuit breaker. Here are some of the most widespread ones:
- Dirty air filter is significantly constraining airflow.
- Your cooling is overheating because of inadequate refrigerant.
- Condenser coils are dirty and restricting 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 mentioned earlier, inspect your air filter first, as that is most often the culprit. Any other problems will need to be addressed by an HVAC pro like McKinley Heating Service Experts.
7. Short Cycling
An insufficient cooling cycle can also be part of the problem. Short cycling is a frustrating malfunction when the unit turns off before the desired temperature has covered the remainder of the house. If you suspect your air conditioner is short cycling, watch how long the air is active before it shuts off. Your average air conditioner usually runs for 15 to 20 minutes and stays off for around an equivalent period of time. But when it’s short cycling, your air conditioner is switching on and off in quick bursts.
This adds heavy strain on moving parts and critical components like the blower motor. Short cycling or any type of abnormal cooling cycles are often a result of overheating. The internal chamber gets too hot and then safety components shut the AC off. This happens over and over, namely if the root cause of the overheating isn’t addressed.
Trust the Experts for Your Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance Needs
The best way for you to avoid air conditioning problems is to participate in a preventive maintenance agreement. At McKinley Heating Service Experts, we provide several HVAC memberships to suit your needs and budget. Faulty wiring, low refrigerant and dirty coils can be uncovered and fixed during routine tune-ups.
In some cases 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 enroll in a membership program or to arrange your repair appointment? Contact us at 780-800-7092 today!