10 Common AC Problems & Solutions
When the weather gets hot in Coatesville, the last thing you want is a broken air conditioner. Many common problems can develop with air conditioning systems. Timothy Off Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing wants you to be aware, prepared, and ready to resolve these AC issues so you and your family can stay cool this summer.
Here, Timothy Off discusses the most common air conditioner problems and how to address them.
1. Inconsistent Cooling
Do you find some of your rooms are too cold while others are uncomfortably warm? Many Pennsylvania homeowners have trouble with inconsistent cooling.
While factors such as the age and design of your home can cause these issues, you may also have a leak in your duct system. One of our trained professionals can come and inspect your AC and duct system and suggest solutions.
2. Failure To Cool
If your air conditioner is blowing warm air, you may want to check simple things like your filter. Dirty filters are easy to change and can prevent your system from functioning properly. They can also decrease your system’s efficiency. Changing your filter in combination with other energy-saving actions can save between 5% and 15% of the energy used for cooling.
In some cases, you may need to clean condenser coils or have one of our professionals come and add refrigerant to your AC due to a leak in your system. Other mechanical failures may also cause cooling issues.
One way to ensure your air conditioner is ready for summer is to have regular maintenance performed. One of our highly trained and experienced technicians can conduct a thorough inspection, cleaning, and tune-up to be sure all system components are running well.
3. No Air Movement
When you place your hand on a room’s register and feel no air blowing even though your air conditioning unit is turned on, you may have a broken fan or thermostat or tripped breaker.
It’s easy to fix your tripped breaker on your own, and you can inspect your unit to see if you notice the fan is running or not. Other less common issues may be a faulty blower belt or wiring issues requiring help from a professional.
4. Ice Accumulation
You may notice that ice is accumulating around your AC unit at times. Many situations can result in your air conditioner freezing up. Check that you have good airflow through and around your air conditioning system.
Dirty air filters, closed dampers, or blocked vents or ducts can restrict airflow. If all these areas seem clear on visual inspection, you should call our trained team to conduct a more thorough check.
5. Strange Noises
By being aware of what your air conditioning system usually sounds like, you’ll notice more quickly if something seems wrong. If you hear strange noises, they can indicate that something needs to be repaired or replaced.
Squeaking sounds usually indicate problems with your AC belt, which may need realignment or replacement. If you hear grinding sounds, you may need to inspect the motor’s bearings. Other noises, such as rattling, can be easier to remedy; they can simply indicate a loose cover.
6. Odd Operation Patterns
In nearly all weather conditions, your air conditioner should kick on at a specific temperature, run for a while, and then shut off. If you find your AC is constantly running or seems to cycle on and off too frequently, you need to address these issues.
If your air conditioner never takes a break, you may have an issue with the fan, refrigerant level, or relay switches. This may require a professional visit from our team to diagnose and repair these issues.
7. Refrigerant Leaks
Most AC systems rely on refrigerants to operate effectively. If your unit is undercharged or leaks refrigerant, it won’t run properly. When your outdoor AC unit emits warm air, your system uses refrigerant properly to expel hot air from inside your home. If that outdoor unit is blowing cool air outside, it’s a sign there’s a refrigerant deficiency.
And if you visibly see an oily-looking spot on any of your lines or indoor AC components, there could be a refrigerant leak. In these instances, it’s best to call a professional to inspect and repair leaks before replenishing refrigerant.
8. Thermostat Problems
Sometimes, it’s not the AC unit itself that causes a problem. Instead, it’s the thermostat. Unresponsive thermostats or bad connectivity could be the culprit. It’s not uncommon for older model thermostats to malfunction, too.
Remove your thermostat’s cover to see if you can spot visible damage or wire corrosion. Also, try changing your thermostat batteries. If you believe your thermostat needs to be replaced or isn’t working, trust a professional to take a look. Thermostats are usually quick fixes for a technician, and you’ll enjoy improved efficiency with a new replacement.
9. Faulty Electrical Connections or Components
Because your AC runs on electricity, faulty or worn electrical connections could prevent it from operating. Compressor and fan controls will age over time and often require replacement. Additionally, wires and terminals can corrode, leading to bad connections that stall your unit.
If you suspect an electrical problem is causing issues with your air conditioner, don’t attempt to resolve the problem yourself. A professional service call with a reliable HVAC technician is the best course of action to avoid electrical safety risks.
10. Tripping the Circuit Breaker
If, during those hot summers, your circuit breaker is constantly tripping, your air conditioner could be the problem. Common causes for regular tripping circuits related to your AC include a clogged filter, dirty condenser coils, a broken coil fan, or loose wiring.
As a homeowner, start by replacing your unit’s air filter to see if it remedies the constant tripping. If that doesn’t fix the problem, you’ll need to schedule a service call with a professional to investigate and make repairs for some of those other common causes.
Contact Us Today
If you find yourself with air conditioner problems you can’t resolve, contact our knowledgeable professionals at Timothy Off in Coatesville, PA, for help.
Contact Timothy Off or request service online today for any of your air conditioning needs.
