August 3, 2022
When your home’s AC system goes on the fritz, you should try to get the situation taken care of as soon as possible. Annoyingly, there could be countless of reasons why your air conditioner isn’t working properly. How do you know which one is impacting you? There are a handful of problems that are more prevalent, and identifying what they are is handy when your Atmostemp Service Experts Expert is discussing available choices for fixing the problem through air conditioning repair in North America.
ere are the top six common air conditioner problems that can cause your air conditioning to stop working.
1. Thermostat Problems
Your thermostat instructs your AC system when to start and for how long to run. If the thermostat settings are wrong, your air conditioning may not work properly. And if the batteries have died in a programmable thermostat, you won’t be able to use it at all. Try this quick checklist to make sure 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)
- Verify that it’s currently on cooling mode
- Ensure your preferred temperature is below the current room temperature
2. Dirty Air Filter
Dirty or inefficient air filters are known for turning a perfectly functional and effective air conditioner into a slow and inefficient one. In addition, dirty filters can cause a number of problems, including weaker airflow, poorer indoor air quality and greater power use. They can also make an air conditioner work harder and stop working if the coil freezes.
You can easily minimize AC problems by consistently cleaning or replacing your 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 certainly time to. But for a standard guideline, make sure you try to change flat filters every month and pleated filters every three months.
3. Frozen Condenser Coils
Your air conditioner’s coils are essential components because they discharge heat from your home into the outdoor air. But even during the summer, ice can develop on the coils. Frozen coils won’t be able to regulate the cooling process as easily, and in some cases enough ice can keep the AC from running at all.
Freezing can be related to different issues, including:
- Dirty coils caused by a lack of annual maintenance
- Dirty air filters, which obstruct airflow
- Clogged drain line, which can trigger moisture buildup
- Refrigerant leaks, which decrease cooling power
If your air conditioner is frozen, shut it off and let the ice on the coils melt. This can take up to 24 hours, but you can accelerate the process by switching settings to “fan only.” This blows warm air over the coils without starting a cooling cycle.
It’s a good idea to check the air filter first. If you can’t see light through it, change it out. The other problems, such as dirty coils, a clogged drain line or refrigerant leaks, will need professional assistance.
4. Refrigerant Leak
Your air conditioning system employs refrigerant to relocate 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 dealing with a leak:
- Inadequate cold air
- Home feels humid
- Longer than normal cooling cycles
- Frozen evaporator coils
- Bubbling or hissing air conditioner sounds
- Sweet smell near the air conditioner
If your cooling was installed before 2011, it probably uses Freon® or R-22. This coolant is no longer being manufactured as a consequence of its damaging effects on the ozone layer. Only recycled supplies are obtainable, which makes refrigerant leaks more expensive 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. New air conditioners utilize Puron or R-410A, which is better for the environment.
We realize that replacing your air conditioner can be an emergency that you aren’t equipped for. Ask us about our Advantage Program™, which offers you a new air conditioner for just one low monthly fee. Repairs and maintenance are covered, and you’ll get to retain any useful manufacturer’s rebates.
5. Water Leak
Your AC unit needs a condensate drain line to flush water it strips 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.
Shut off your air conditioner to minimize damage and contact us at 866-397-3787 for support.
6. Tripped Circuit Breaker
There can be a few reasons why your cooling won't stop tripping its circuit breaker. Here are a few of the most widespread ones:
- Dirty air filter is significantly constraining airflow.
- Your air conditioning system overheated caused by a lack of refrigerant.
- Condenser coils are dirty and restraining airflow.
- Condenser fan motor has malfunctioned and coils are overheating.
- Electrical connections are worn or loose.
- Blower motor is malfunctioning.
- Compressor is drawing excessive power or wiring is malfunctioning.
- Capacitor in control of starting the compressor has broken down.
As we mentioned earlier, examine your air filter first, as that is most likely to be the culprit. Any other problems will need to be addressed by an HVAC professional like Atmostemp Service Experts.
7. Short Cycling
An insufficient cooling cycle can also be responsible. Short cycling is a frustrating error when the air conditioner turns off before the set temperature has made its way through the rest of the house. If you think your AC unit is short cycling, watch how long the air is active before it turns off. Your ordinary air conditioner typically runs for 15 to 20 minutes and stays inactive for about an equivalent period of time. But when it’s short cycling, your air conditioner is turning on and off in small bursts.
This puts heavy strain on moving parts and key components like the blower motor. Short cycling or any form of atypical cooling cycles are routinely a result of overheating. The internal chamber gets too hot and then safety components turn the AC off. This happens over and over, namely if the real cause of the overheating isn’t dealt with.
Trust the Experts for Your Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance Needs
The ideal way for you to prevent air conditioning problems is to sign up for a preventive maintenance agreement. At Atmostemp Service Experts, we provide several HVAC memberships to fit your needs and budget. Bad wiring, low refrigerant and dirty coils can be found and fixed 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 request your repair appointment? Call us at 856-310-4824 today!