8 Common A/C Problems For Homeowners

 

 

 

If your air conditioner breaks down, life can get uncomfortable pretty quickly! This is why it is a good idea to have a basic understanding of common A/C problems and the signs to look out for so you can act swiftly.

After all, the sooner you book an AC repair, the better! You will be able to get the problem resolved before it turns into a bigger and more expensive one.

With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the common A/C issues homeowners face:

 

1. Sensor problems

An air conditioner will have a thermostat sensor placed close to the evaporator coil. The thermostat will measure the air temperature in the evaporating coil, amending the cooling based on the room’s condition.

If the sensor moves out of position, it can cause the A/C to randomly turn on and off or cycle continuously.

The sensor must be situated close to the evaporator coil without actually touching it. Bend the wire that holds the sensor in position to adjust it.

 

2. Leaking water outside

Water leaking outside from your AC is not always a problem. It can happen when the temperature has been freezing and the ice starts to melt. It is also common on humid or hot days.

However, there are some other reasons why you may be faced with such a problem, including:

●  Broken condensate pan

●  Low coolant levels

●  Blocked drain pipe

●  Improper installation

●  Dirty air filters

 

3. Electric control failure

When you turn your A/C on and off on a regular basis, it can result in the compressor and fan controls wearing out.

For your A/C to start, the blower motor, compressor, and condenser fan motor must make an electrical connection. A connection issue can stop the compressor and motor from turning on.

To figure out the problem, check the electrical connections.

 

4. Noises coming from your A/C unit

Air conditioning units can make a whole host of different noises, depending on the issues they are facing.

Here are some examples of issues that can be faced and the sounds they make:

Issue	Sound
Faulty electrical components	Buzzing sound
Issues with the fan motor or compressor	Screeching noise
A problem with a motor assembly or blower	Banging, rattling, or thumping noises
Relay problem	Clicking sounds when you turn the A/C on and off
A refrigerant leak	Hissing sounds

 

5. A/C refrigerant leak

If the coolant in your A/C has started leaking, the temperature can change, and the unit will not perform precisely.

Refrigerant leaks can cause the following issues:

●  Uneven cooling

●  Damaged compressor

●  Coil freezing

●  High power consumption

●  Low efficiency

 

Inspect your A/C on a regular basis for any refrigerant leaks.

 

6. Your outside A/C unit is freezing up

There are a number of reasons that could cause your A/C unit to freeze:

●  Stuck contractor

●  Blower motor issues

●  Low coolant levels

●  Low outside temperature

●  Insufficient airflow

 

7. A/C won’t blow out cold air

If your A/C will not blow cold air out, it could be because the air filter is dirty and blocking the airflow of your unit.

A dirty air filter can further cause the condenser unit to freeze up, limiting your A/C's cooling power.

You should change your air filter every month. This will help to ensure it efficiently blows out cold air whenever you need it.

 

8. Your A/C unit won’t turn on

Last but not least, if your A/C won’t turn on, check your thermostat batteries. If they are dead, replace them!

If your batteries are working, check the thermostat settings to figure out whether the cooling mode is on with your preferred temperature settings.

If you have a working thermostat, but your A/C still won’t play ball, check the circuit breaker. Your A/C won’t turn on if the circuit breaker has tripped. Flip the switch off and on to reset it.

 

If you notice any problems, contact an expert quickly

If you start experiencing any issues with your A/C or you notice it is acting in a manner it usually doesn’t, such as operating very loudly, it is time to get in touch with an expert.

A professional will be able to assess the issue, provide you with a quote, and advise you on whether it makes sense to go forward with a repair or if a replacement would be a better option.