Your air conditioner is responsible for keeping your home cool and comfortable all summer long. The last thing you need during the dog days of summer is a major issue that renders your system inoperable.
If you have air conditioner problems that you need fixed quickly, the pros at ASI Hastings Inc. are always here to help! We’ve been serving homeowners in San Diego since 1952 with air conditioner repair, maintenance, and more.
However, some problems you can troubleshoot on your own. Take a look at the common air conditioning issues, their causes, and some tips to fix them yourself before you have to call in professionals like ASI Hastings.
Common AC Problems
There are many issues that can affect your AC’s operation, but here are some of the most common ones:
AC Won’t Turn On
If your air conditioner refuses to turn it, it can be extremely frustrating. There are many possible reasons for this, including faulty wiring or a tripped circuit breaker.
Solution:
First, check your fuse box to see if the circuit tripped. Step to the side of the breaker box (never stand directly in front of it!) and turn the correct circuit breaker switch to the off position, then back to the on position. Your circuit breaker should have labels based on the rooms in your home and the appliances they’re connected to.
If this corrects the problem, you’re good to go. If it doesn’t, don’t attempt to open the electrical panel to check for problems with the wiring. Any time you’re dealing with electrical issues, you should call in a professional. Otherwise, you could end up with a house fire or an electrical shock.
AC Constantly Turning On and Off
If your AC cycles on and off, this is called short cycling. It can be caused by a dirty air filter, a clogged condenser unit, or the evaporator. Short cycling isn’t just annoying but can cause damage to your compressor.
Solution:
Try cleaning the air filter to see if that fixes the problem. If it’s a blocked condenser unit, cleaning that out may correct it. If these fixes don’t work and your AC is still short cycling, it’s time to call a professional to assess your AC and ensure it’s working properly and the right size for your home.
AC Is Constantly Running
Your AC will probably run harder when it’s hot out, but it needs time in between to get a break and avoid freezing up. If your AC runs constantly, the components take more stress and may wear out faster, not to mention your high utility bill. Your AC may run constantly for several reasons, including setting the temperature too low or having electrical problems.
Solution:
The simplest solution is to raise the indoor temperature on your thermostat to see if your AC continues to run. If it shuts off, you may simply have your temperature set too low. However, if it continues to run, you should call a professional for AC repair. The potential problems can include faulty electrical components, compressor issues, or a broken thermostat, all of which should be addressed by something with knowledge and training.
AC Blowing Hot Air
Your air conditioner should always blow cool air. If you feel a warm breeze, there’s a problem. It may be caused by your thermostat temperature, a dirty air filter, a dirty evaporator, or refrigerant levels that are too low.
Solution:
Try lowering your thermostat by about 5 degrees and see if the air comes out cooler. If it doesn’t change or clean your air filter. You can try cleaning your evaporator if you’re comfortable or hire a professional for the job. If these solutions don’t work, it’s best to bring in a professional to check your refrigerant levels and ensure your system isn’t leaking.
No AC Airflow
If you hear your unit running but no air is coming out of the ducts, or the air is coming out and it’s warm, there could be a problem with your blower belt, refrigerant levels, or circuit breaker.
Solution:
The simplest solution is to check the circuit breaker to see if it tripped. Follow the same steps to switch the breaker off and on, then see if your AC blows cool air. If it’s not the circuit breaker, call a professional to inspect your system and determine if there’s a belt or refrigerant problem.
AC Is Leaking Liquid
Your AC can leak either water or refrigerant. Having condensation outside of the air conditioner is normal, but if you see brightly colored stains, condensation in the AC unit itself, or water leaking inside your home, there could be bigger problems.
Solution:
This is not a problem to DIY. Turn off the unit and call a professional AC technician. Refrigerant leaks can damage your compressor, which is an expensive fix. If it’s hot out when you notice the leak, try to tough it out or go out for the day and enjoy the air conditioning in public places, such as a movie theater or mall, until you can have it repaired.
AC Drainage Issues
Air conditioning units have moisture that needs to drain regularly. The condensate moves through a drain pipe to a pan and then to a drain, but if the drainage pipe or drain become clogged from dirt and debris, it can lead to water buildup in the unit. Over time, this can cause serious problems or damage to your AC components.
Solution:
Turn off the unit and check the owner’s manual to find the drain pan. Once you locate it, pull out the pan to check for debris. Clean it out and return it to the proper position. Check the drainage pipes for clogs, cracks, or other damage, then use a mixture of water and vinegar or water and bleach to clean the pipe out. Dry it with a clean cloth.
If you can’t locate the drain pipe easily or don’t feel comfortable, call an AC repair professional to help you clean out any clogs or repair cracked pipes.
Frozen Condenser Coil
If you run your AC nonstop without giving it a break, the condenser coil can freeze up. If this happens, it can lead to high utility bills and damage to your unit.
Solution:
Check for ice on your condenser coils. You should never see ice in your unit when it’s hot out. However, it could be a dirty air filter, so you can try swapping it out or cleaning it to see if the problem is corrected. You should still have a professional check your system to ensure there are no major issues with components.
AC Odors
While there may be a slight smell when you start your AC for the season, you shouldn’t smell strong or foul odors. If you do, there could be problems within your system. The most common unpleasant smells are musty and electrical odors.
Solution:
If you smell an electrical odor, turn the power off to your system and call a professional. This could be a sign of a short circuit, which means your wires could be burning. This is not something any homeowner should fix on their own without electrical training.
You can try changing out your air filter if you’re getting a musty or mildew smell. If the problem is solved, no additional work is needed. However, if you notice more odd smells in your home, there could be problems with internal components, a dead animal in your ductwork, leaks or clogs in your unit, and more. Call in a pro to diagnose the issue.
Strange Noises Coming from Your AC
Different AC units have different noise levels, but they shouldn’t be louder than a faint whirring sound from the fan. If you hear squealing, grinding, or other loud sounds, there could be problems with the belt or motor.
Solution:
Regular maintenance can catch problems brewing with a motor or belt early on – before they become a problem. However, if you hear odd sounds, make sure to contact an HVAC professional. These problems can be complex to fix, so they should be handled by professionals to avoid damage.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
If your AC is short cycling or only working intermittently, it could be a problem with your thermostat. If the sensors aren’t level or they’re dirty, it can cause your system to short cycle or run constantly, leading to poor energy efficiency.
Solution:
Check that your thermostat light is on, which indicates that it has strong battery power. You should also wipe it clean of any dirt or debris, which can affect its ability to signal the AC unit to turn on or off after reaching the desired temperature. If you still have issues after these fixes, contact a professional for assistance.
Circuit Breaker Tripping
If your circuit breaker is overheated or overloaded, it will shut down for safety. If your AC is tripping your breaker, it could mean that there’s a problem with the breaker itself or that the AC unit has faulty wiring.
Solution:
Circuit breakers can wear down over time. If your breaker is over 25 years old, it may need to be replaced. You may have too many modern appliances connected to it or it may not have the capacity to run your AC alongside other appliances.
To troubleshoot, reset the circuit breaker and give the system at least 30 minutes to restart. If it continues to trip after resetting, shut it off. Letting the system run with faulty wiring or a faulty circuit breaker could cause your system to fail and need replacement.
If you don’t have extensive experience with electrical work, hire a professional to replace the circuit breaker or repair the wiring in the unit. This is not a DIY task as it can be extremely dangerous.
Keep Up with AC Maintenance
Your AC is an important part of summer comfort. Instead of dealing with major problems as they arise, it’s best to take a proactive approach with regular AC maintenance. Contact us at ASI Hastings, Inc. to schedule your appointment!
