August 3, 2022
When your home’s cooling malfunctions, you deserve to get the problem resolved as soon as possible. Annoyingly, there may be hundreds of reasons why your cooling isn’t functioning properly. How do you know which one is affecting you? There are a handful of problems that are more widespread, and recognizing what they are is beneficial when your Golden Seal Service Experts Expert is reviewing options 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 conditioner to break down.
1. Thermostat Problems
Your thermostat directs your cooling when to start and for how long to run. If the settings are inaccurate, your air conditioner may not function properly. And if the batteries ran out in a programmable thermostat, you'll have to charge the batteries before you can use it. Try this quick checklist to ensure your thermostat is receiving power and functioning 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 infamous for turning a perfectly functional and reliable air conditioner into a slow and inefficient one. In fact, dirty filters could cause multiple problems, such as reduced airflow, lower indoor air quality and higher power consumption. They can also make an air conditioning work harder and stop working if the coil freezes.
You can easily avoid AC problems by routinely 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 certainly time to. But for a basic guideline, 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 release heat from your home into the outdoor air. But even during the summer, ice can build up on the coils. Frozen coils won’t be able to handle the cooling process as smoothly, and in severe cases enough ice can keep the AC from running entirely.
Freezing can be connected to multiple issues, including:
- Dirty coils caused by a lack of annual maintenance
- Dirty air filters, which reduce airflow
- Clogged drain line, which can trigger moisture buildup
- Refrigerant leaks, which lessen cooling power
If your air conditioner has frozen, switch it off and let the ice on the coils melt. This can take up to 24 hours, but you can quicken 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 examine the air filter first. If you can’t see light through it, change it out. The other issues, such as dirty coils, a clogged drain line or refrigerant leaks, will require the support of a trained technician.
4. Refrigerant Leak
Your air conditioner 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:
- Not enough cold air
- Home seems humid
- Longer than normal cooling cycles
- Ice on the evaporator coils
- Dribbling or hissing air conditioner sounds
- Sweet smell around the air conditioner
If your air conditioner was installed earlier than 2011, it probably uses Freon® or R-22. This coolant is no longer being made as a consequence of its damaging effects on the ozone layer. Only recycled supplies are obtainable, which makes refrigerant leaks more costly to fix.
If your R-22 air conditioning system is dealing with a refrigerant leak, we recommend air conditioning installation due to age and the refrigerant being obsolete. New air conditioners employ Puron or R-410A, which is more sustainable for the environment.
We recognize that replacing your AC system can be an emergency that you aren’t prepared for. Ask us about our Advantage Program™, which gives you a new air conditioner for just one low monthly fee. Repairs and maintenance are covered, and you’ll get to proceed with any worthwhile manufacturer’s rebates.
5. Water Leak
Your AC unit uses a condensate drain line to flush water it strips from the air. If you’ve skipped air conditioning maintenance, this drain can become blocked with mold and cause water to back up. If this happens, you’ll notice water leaking.
Switch off your air conditioner to prevent damage and get in touch with us at 866-397-3787 for support.
6. Tripped Circuit Breaker
There can be a couple of reasons why your air conditioning system is repeatedly tripping its circuit breaker. Here are several of the most common ones:
- Dirty air filter is severely restricting airflow.
- Your cooling overheated caused by insufficient refrigerant.
- Condenser coils are dirty and restricting airflow.
- Condenser fan motor has malfunctioned 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 in charge of starting the compressor has gone out.
As we discussed earlier, examine your air filter first, as that is most commonly the culprit. Any other problems will have to be taken care of by an HVAC professional like Golden Seal Service Experts.
7. Short Cycling
An improper cooling cycle can also be responsible. Short cycling is an irritating error when the air conditioner shuts off before the set temperature has reached the rest of the house. If you believe your AC unit is short cycling, listen to how long the air is on before it turns off. Your average air conditioner typically runs for 15 to 20 minutes and stays off for around a similar period of time. But when it’s short cycling, your air conditioning is running on and off in short bursts.
This places heavy strain on moving parts and vital components including the blower motor. Short cycling or any kind of abnormal cooling cycles are frequently a consequence of overheating. The internal chamber gets too hot before safety components switch the AC off. This happens again and again, namely if the real cause of the overheating isn’t resolved.
Trust the Experts for Your Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance Needs
The best way for you to minimize air conditioning problems is to participate in a preventive maintenance plan. At Golden Seal Service Experts, we offer several HVAC memberships to fit your needs and budget. Inferior wiring, low refrigerant and dirty coils can be uncovered and corrected through routine tune-ups.
In some cases repairs are inevitable, 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 sign up for a membership program or to request your repair appointment? Contact us at 630-246-2698 today!