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Summer heat can be relentless, and nothing beats the comfort of a well-functioning air conditioner. However, like all mechanical equipment, AC units are not immune to occasional malfunctions and may require an AC repair service every once and a while. Contacting an HVAC company to diagnose and fix these issues is always recommended to ensure the job is done right.
Here is an overview of some of the most common AC issues.
The AC Is Not Blowing Cold Air
Arguably one of the most common issues, this can have a number of causes.
Low Refrigerant
The refrigerant is the substance that your air conditioner uses to remove heat and humidity from the air. If your HVAC system develops leaks in the refrigerant lines, you’ll end up with insufficient refrigerant to cool the air.
Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter limits airflow into your AC system, hindering its ability to cool the air effectively. It’s important to clean or replace your air filters regularly.
Thermostat Issues
If your thermostat is not calibrated correctly, it may not send the right signals to your air conditioning system. Make sure it’s set to the right temperature.
The AC Is Not Turning On
If your AC isn’t turning on, you could have an electrical issue.
Tripped Circuit Breaker or Blown Fuse
If the AC is drawing more power than the circuit can handle, it may trip the circuit breaker or blow a fuse. Check your electrical panel to see if this is the issue.
Faulty Thermostat
A malfunctioning thermostat can fail to trigger your AC system to turn on. If you suspect this, it may be time to replace your thermostat.
The AC Is Making Noise
An air conditioner should operate quietly. If it’s making noise, something might be off.
Loose Parts
If you hear rattling, there might be loose screws, bolts, or fasteners inside the unit. Tightening these can often resolve the issue.
Compressor Issues
A loud, low hum could mean there’s a problem with your compressor. You should call a professional for this.
Fan Problems
If the fan blades are loose or out of balance, they can create a constant noise when the AC is running.
The AC Is Leaking Water Inside the House
If you notice water pooling around your indoor unit, it’s usually a sign of an issue with the condensate drain.
Clogged Condensate Drain
Over time, the condensate drain might get clogged with dirt, mold, or algae. This can cause water to back up into your home.
Damaged Condensate Pan
If the pan that catches the condensate is cracked or rusted, it may leak water.
The AC Is Running, But Not Cooling
This can be particularly frustrating because the unit is drawing power but not effectively cooling your home.
Dirty Condenser Coils
When the condenser coils are covered with a layer of dirt and grime, they can’t effectively release heat from the system. This causes your AC to run constantly without cooling.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
A frozen coil can result from a variety of issues, including low refrigerant, poor airflow, or a dirty air filter. The ice forms a barrier that prevents the coil from absorbing heat, preventing the AC from cooling your home.
Short Cycling
If your AC is constantly starting and stopping, it is not only inefficient but could also lead to more wear and tear on the system. This problem is known as short cycling.
Oversized Air conditioner
If your AC unit is too large for the size of your home, it will cool the area quickly, then shut off, only to restart a short time later. This could lead to constant cycling.
Dirty or Blocked Condenser
The condenser could be dirty or blocked by debris. This makes it hard for the AC to expel heat, causing it to turn off and on more frequently to try to cool your home.
Closing Thoughts
It’s important to note that while some of these issues can be resolved with simple AC maintenance tasks, others might require professional assistance. Always prioritize safety, and call a professional if you’re unsure whether you need a repair.
At Custom Air Inc., we offer heating and cooling services for customers living in Greensboro, NC and the surrounding areas. Our team also specializes in crawl space encapsulation, duct services, indoor air quality, and much more.
Reach out to Custom Air Inc. today to learn more about our HVAC services!
