Common Air Conditioner Problems And Solutions
During the hottest months of the year, it’s normal to experience issues with your air conditioning system. This is when it has to work the hardest, and it’s the most common time for problems to occur. In this article, we are going to go over some of the most common air conditioner problems.
John Cipollone Inc. is a family owned and operated HVAC company that has been working in the Havertown area since 1953. We have dealt with thousands of air conditioners, and have seen every problem there can be. Our technicians are trained and certified to repair or replace all sorts of air conditioning systems, from traditional central air solutions to heat pumps and ductless mini splits.
If you are looking for any help with your home’s cooling system, give us a call at (610) 446-7877, or contact us online. The experts here at John Cipollone Inc. will diagnose your system, let you know if you are in need of service, a repair, or an AC replacement.
The Most Common AC Problems
Even though not every air conditioner is the same, they all go through similar problems and issues. Here are some of the most common AC problems, and the steps you can take to solve them!
The Air Isn’t Coming Out Of Each Vent
Poor airflow is something that can gradually happen over time. It could be wear and tear on your HVAC system, or the air could be blocked in the ducts. There are a few steps you can take on your own to help promote better airflow.
First off, make sure the vent register is completely open. Sometimes a vent is partially closed and you may not even realize it. Next, check your air filter. Over time, your air filter can get clogged and filled up with airborne particles and debris. This can prevent the air from flowing through your system properly, and could lead to poor airflow.
If you change the filter and check the vents, but there is still no airflow, you should call a professional HVAC technician. They will be able to tell you what the problem is that is causing the airflow issues. It could be an issue with the blower on your AC system, or something else that you may not be able to see. A technician can identify the problem and provide the proper solution!
You Have A Leak In Your System
A leaky air conditioner can mean a few different things. There could be a refrigerant leak, in which case, you will need to call a professional. If you have an older system, a refrigerant leak and repair may cost too much money. In fact, some older systems that use outdated refrigerants may be more expensive to repair and refill with refrigerant in the long run, rather than just replacing the system with a new energy efficient model.
The other thing that could cause a leak is a clogged condensation drain line. This is the most common reason your AC would be leaking. Every air conditioner has condensation, which is usually carried out of the house by a drain line. If this gets clogged, or the drain pan gets damaged, it could cause a leak around your system.
This is something you can take care of on your own, or you can call a professional if you think you need some help.
Frozen Coils
Frozen evaporator coils can be a result of low refrigerant or poor airflow. If there isn’t enough airflow, the coils can’t get warm enough and the refrigerant freezes the coil. If there isn’t enough refrigerant, the system also can’t absorb enough heat, and the coils freeze up in that case as well.
First, check your air filter. If it’s all clogged it could be preventing airflow, and causing the coil to freeze. If that’s not the problem, call an HVAC professional. They will let you know what’s making the coils freeze, and help you fix the problem!
Air Conditioner Not Turning On
If your air conditioner isn’t turning on, it could mean a number of things. You could be experiencing thermostat issues. Check the thermostat and see if it is working. If it appears to be working and the AC isn’t on still, go take a look at your electrical connections. If that’s also looking good and the AC isn’t on, check the circuit breaker. You may have tripped the breaker and there is no power going to your AC.
If you can verify that all of those are looking good, but the air conditioner is still not working, it’s time to call a professional. There may be a bigger problem that needs to be fixed, or you may need to replace the system.
AC Is Constantly Running
If your air conditioner is constantly running, you are probably in need of AC service. This could be caused by dirty coils, a thermostat issue, or an improperly sized AC. If your AC has run properly in the past, then the size probably isn’t the problem. We recommend scheduling routine AC service to clean the system and have a professional take a look at it.
The Best Way To Avoid Air Conditioner Problems
The best way to avoid any AC problems is to schedule regular maintenance for your air conditioning system. During routine maintenance, the technician will inspect your system, clean all the components, replace your filter, and ensure that your system is ready to keep your space cool. If there are parts that need to be replaced, the technician will let you know, and replace them before the system breaks down.
We recommend you have your air conditioning system serviced once a year, preferably before the summer. When you have your AC serviced, it comes along with benefits other than simply having your air conditioner turn on:
- Improved energy efficiency
- Lower energy bills
- Longer AC lifespan
- Better indoor air quality
- Better cooling
- Fewer chance of breakdowns
If you want to schedule AC service for your system, give us a call at (610) 446-7877, or contact us online. One of our cooling experts would be happy to help you out!
