August 3, 2022
When your home’s AC system breaks down, you deserve to get the situation dealt with right away. Unfortunately, there can be dozens of reasons why your cooling isn’t working properly. How do you know which one is affecting you? There are a handful of problems that are more common, and recognizing what they are is beneficial when your San Antonio Air Service Experts Expert is reviewing available choices for resolving the problem through air conditioning repair in North America.
ere are the top six common air conditioner problems that can cause your cooling system to stop working.
1. Thermostat Problems
Your thermostat tells your AC system when to start and for how long to run. If the thermostat settings are wrong, your cooling may not work correctly. And if the batteries ran out in a programmable thermostat, you'll have to charge the batteries before you can use it. Try this short checklist to make sure your thermostat is receiving power and functioning properly:
- Swap out batteries if the screen is blank (programmable models)
- Make sure your thermostat has power (smart models)
- Check that it’s switched to cooling mode
- Ensure your preferred temperature is below the current room temperature
2. Dirty Air Filter
Old or inefficient air filters are notorious for turning a perfectly functional and effective air conditioner into a slow and inefficient one. In addition, dirty filters will sometimes cause multiple problems, such as decreased airflow, reduced indoor air quality and excessive power consumption. They can also make an air conditioning work harder and stop working if the coil freezes.
You can easily reduce the risk of AC problems by routinely cleaning or replacing the 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 surely time to. But for a basic rule of thumb, make sure you try to change flat filters once a 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 manage the cooling process as easily, and in some cases the ice can block the AC from running entirely.
Freezing can be linked to several issues, such as:
- Dirty coils caused by insufficient annual maintenance
- Dirty air filters, which restrict airflow
- Clogged drain line, which can trigger moisture buildup
- Refrigerant leaks, which decrease cooling power
If your air conditioner freezes, turn it off and let the ice melt. This could take up to 24 hours, but you can quicken the process by switching settings to “fan only.” This should blow warm air over the coils without starting a cooling cycle.
It’s recommended to check the air filter first. If you can’t see light through it, change it out. The other problems, including dirty coils, a clogged drain line or refrigerant leaks, will require professional help.
4. Refrigerant Leak
Your air conditioner needs refrigerant to convert heat. When it doesn’t have enough refrigerant, you may notice you’re getting a lot of hot air. Here are some signs you’re confronting a leak:
- Insufficient cold air
- Home feels humid
- Extended cooling cycles
- Ice forming on the evaporator coils
- Dribbling or hissing air conditioner noises
- Sweet smell nearby the air conditioner
If your air conditioning system was installed prior to 2011, it most likely uses Freon® or R-22. This refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer. Only recycled portions of Freon are accessible, which makes refrigerant leaks more costly to correct.
If your R-22 AC unit has a refrigerant leak, we suggest air conditioning installation due to age and the refrigerant being obsolete. New air conditioners employ 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 gives you a new air conditioner for just one reasonable monthly fee. Repairs and maintenance are covered, and you’ll get to proceed with any valuable 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 avoided air conditioning maintenance, this drain can become plugged up with mold and cause water to stay in the drain line. If this happens, you’ll notice water leaking.
Turn off your air conditioner to avoid damage and contact us at 866-397-3787 for help.
6. Tripped Circuit Breaker
There can be a few reasons why your air conditioning system is repeatedly tripping its circuit breaker. Here are several of the most common ones:
- Dirty air filter is gravely restricting airflow.
- Your cooling is overheating because of a lack of refrigerant.
- Condenser coils are dirty and restricting airflow.
- Condenser fan motor has malfunctioned and coils are overheating.
- Electrical connections are worn or loose.
- Blower motor is malfunctioning.
- Compressor is drawing too much power or wiring is defective.
- Capacitor in charge of starting the compressor has gone out.
As we outlined earlier, examine your air filter first, as that is most commonly the culprit. Any other problems will need to be resolved by an HVAC professional like San Antonio Air Service Experts.
7. Short Cycling
An insufficient cooling cycle can also be responsible. Short cycling is a frustrating malfunction when the unit shuts off before the expected temperature has reached the remainder of the house. If you think your cooling is short cycling, listen to how long the air is on before it shuts off. Your average air conditioner usually runs for 15 to 20 minutes and stays inactive for around an equivalent period of time. But when it’s short cycling, your air conditioning is turning on and off in short bursts.
This puts heavy strain on moving parts and critical components including 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 again and again, namely if the source of the overheating isn’t dealt with.
Trust the Experts for Your Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance Needs
The number one way for you to prevent air conditioning problems is to sign up for a preventive maintenance program. At San Antonio Air Service Experts, we promote several HVAC memberships to fit your needs and budget. Inferior wiring, low refrigerant and dirty coils can be discovered and corrected with routine maintenance.
Occasionally repairs are inescapable, 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 join a membership program or to schedule your repair appointment? Contact us at 210-570-9705 today!