Seven Most Common AC Problems and How to Fix Them

When your home’s AC system goes on the fritz, you deserve to get the situation resolved right away. However, there could be dozens of reasons why your air conditioner isn’t functioning properly. How do you know which one is causing trouble? There are a few problems that are more common, and recognizing what they are is helpful when your Winnipeg Supply Service Experts Expert is reviewing options for resolving 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 malfunction.

1. Thermostat Problems

Your thermostat tells your AC system when to start and for how long to run. If its settings are incorrect, your cooling may not run correctly. And if the batteries ran out in a programmable thermostat, it won’t be accessible at all. Run through this short checklist to confirm your thermostat is receiving power and operating properly:

• • Replace 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

Old or inefficient air filters are notorious for turning a perfectly functional and reliable air conditioner into a slow and inefficient one. What’s more, dirty filters will sometimes cause multiple problems, like decreased airflow, lower indoor air quality and higher power consumption. They can also make your air conditioning work harder and stop working if the coil ices over. You can easily reduce the risk of 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 general recommendation, make sure you try to replace flat filters each month and pleated filters every three months.

3. Frozen Condenser Coils

Your air conditioner’s coils are crucial components because they discharge heat from your home into the outdoor air. But even in the summer, ice can develop on the coils. Frozen coils won’t be able to regulate the cooling process as smoothly, and in certain cases the ice can keep the AC from running outright. Freezing can be connected to several issues, like:

• • Dirty coils caused by ignoring annual maintenance

• • Dirty air filters, which reduce airflow

• • Clogged drain line, which can trigger moisture buildup

• • Refrigerant leaks, which decrease cooling power

If your air conditioner has frozen, shut it off and let the ice on the coils melt. This will sometimes take up to 24 hours, but you can quicken the process by switching settings to “fan only.” This blows warm air on the coils without going through a refrigeration cycle. It’s a good idea to check the air filter first. If you can’t see light through it, change it. The other issues, including dirty coils, a clogged drain line or refrigerant leaks, will need the support of a trained technician.

4. Refrigerant Leak

Your air conditioning system uses refrigerant to convert 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 is humid

• • Extended cooling cycles

• • Ice forming on the evaporator coils

• • Dripping or hissing air conditioner sounds

• • Sweet smell nearby the air conditioner

If your air conditioner was installed before 2011, it probably uses Freon® or R-22. This refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its damaging effects on the ozone layer. Only recycled portions of Freon are accessible, which makes refrigerant leaks more costly to fix. If your R-22 air conditioning system is struggling with a refrigerant leak, we suggest air conditioning installation due to age and the refrigerant being obsolete. New air conditioners employ Puron or R-410A, which is superior for the environment. We realize that replacing your AC system can be an emergency that you aren’t prepared for. Ask us about our Advantage Program™, which offers you a new air conditioner for just one reasonable monthly fee. Repairs and maintenance are incorporated, and you’ll get to proceed with any useful manufacturer’s rebates.

5. Water Leak

Your AC unit needs 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 flood the system. 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 few reasons why your cooling won’t stop tripping its circuit breaker. Here are some of the most widespread 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 stopped working and coils are overheating.

• • Electrical connections are damaged or loose.

• • Blower motor is defective.

• • Compressor is drawing too much power or wiring is faulty.

• • Capacitor responsible for starting the compressor has gone out.

Like we outlined earlier, examine your air filter first, as that is most often the culprit. Any other problems will need to be resolved by an HVAC expert like Winnipeg Supply Service Experts.

7. Short Cycling

A faulty cooling cycle can also cause problems. Short cycling is an annoying error when the system shuts down before the set temperature has made its way through the remainder of the house. If you think your air conditioner is short cycling, listen to how long the air is working before it switches off. Your average air conditioner generally runs for 15 to 20 minutes and stays inactive for around a similar period of time. But when it’s short cycling, your cooling is running on and off in quick bursts. This places heavy strain on moving parts and critical components such as the blower motor. Short cycling or any form of irregular cooling cycles are routinely caused by overheating. The internal chamber gets too hot and then safety components turn the AC off. This happens again and again, especially if the source of the overheating isn’t addressed.

Trust the Experts for Your Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance Needs

The ideal way for you to minimize air conditioning problems is to participate in a preventive maintenance agreement. At Winnipeg Supply Service Experts, we promote several HVAC memberships to accommodate your needs and budget. Inferior wiring, low refrigerant and dirty coils can be found and solved through routine maintenance. 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 enroll in a membership program or to arrange your repair appointment? Get in touch with us at today!