August 3, 2022
When your home’s AC system breaks down, you should try to get the situation taken care of right away. However, there can be dozens of reasons why your AC unit isn’t functioning properly. How do you know which one is affecting you? There are a number of problems that are more widespread, and recognizing what they are is helpful when your Sunbeam Service Experts Expert is going over options 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 malfunction.
1. Thermostat Problems
Your thermostat instructs your air conditioner when to start and for how long to run. If the thermostat settings are wrong, your cooling may not work like it should. And if the batteries died in a programmable thermostat, you'll have to charge the batteries before you can use it. Run through this brief checklist to ensure your thermostat is receiving power and operating 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 infamous for turning a perfectly functional and efficient air conditioner into a slow and inefficient one. In fact, dirty filters can cause multiple problems, such as weaker airflow, poorer indoor air quality and greater power use. 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 your air filter. How do you know if you should change the filters? If you can’t recall the last time you changed them, it’s almost surely time to. But for a general recommendation, make sure you try to replace flat filters each month and pleated filters every three months.
3. Frozen Condenser Coils
Your air conditioner’s coils are crucial components because they release heat from your home into the outdoor air. But even in the middle of the summer, ice can build up on the coils. Frozen coils won’t be able to regulate the cooling process as smoothly, and in certain cases enough ice can keep the AC from running at all.
Freezing can be connected to several issues, like:
- Dirty coils caused by insufficient annual maintenance
- Dirty air filters, which reduce airflow
- Clogged drain line, which can cause moisture buildup
- Refrigerant leaks, which lessen cooling power
If your air conditioner has frozen, shut it off and let the coils thaw. This could take up to 24 hours, but you can speed up the process by switching settings to “fan only.” This should blow warm air across the coils without going through a cooling cycle.
It’s a good idea to examine your air filter first. If you can’t see light through it, change it out. The other problems, like dirty coils, a clogged drain line or refrigerant leaks, will need the support of a trained technician.
4. Refrigerant Leak
Your air conditioner employs refrigerant to transfer heat. When it doesn’t have adequate refrigerant, you might notice you’re getting a lot of hot air. Here are some signs you’re dealing with a leak:
- Inadequate cold air
- Home is humid
- Extended cooling cycles
- Ice forming on the evaporator coils
- Bubbling or hissing air conditioner noises
- Sweet smell close to the air conditioner
If your cooling was installed before 2011, it most likely uses Freon® or R-22. This refrigerant is no longer being produced as a consequence of its damaging effects on the ozone layer. Only recycled quantities are available, which makes refrigerant leaks more costly to repair.
If your R-22 air conditioning system is dealing with a refrigerant leak, we advocate for 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 understand 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 affordable monthly fee. Repairs and maintenance are incorporated, and you’ll get to keep any worthwhile 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 overlooked air conditioning maintenance, this drain can become clogged with mold and cause water to flood the system. If this happens, you’ll notice water leaking.
Switch off your air conditioner to minimize damage and call us at 866-397-3787 for support.
6. Tripped Circuit Breaker
There can be a number of reasons why your air conditioning system is repeatedly tripping its circuit breaker. Here are several of the most prevalent ones:
- Dirty air filter is gravely limiting airflow.
- Your cooling is overheating because of inadequate refrigerant.
- Condenser coils are dirty and reducing airflow.
- Condenser fan motor has failed and coils are overheating.
- Electrical connections are damaged or loose.
- Blower motor is malfunctioning.
- Compressor is drawing too much power or wiring is faulty.
- Capacitor responsible for starting the compressor has gone out.
Like we discussed earlier, check your air filter first, as that is most commonly the culprit. Any other problems will need to be taken care of by an HVAC professional like Sunbeam Service Experts.
7. Short Cycling
An improper cooling cycle can also cause problems. Short cycling is an irritating error when the system turns off before the expected temperature has reached the rest of the house. If you believe your cooling is short cycling, listen to how long the air is on before it turns off. Your ordinary air conditioner typically runs for 15 to 20 minutes and stays inactive for about an equivalent period of time. But when it’s short cycling, your air conditioning is running on and off in quick bursts.
This puts heavy strain on moving parts and critical components such as the blower motor. Short cycling or any kind of irregular cooling cycles are frequently a consequence of overheating. The internal chamber gets too hot before safety components switch the AC off. This happens repeatedly, namely if the real cause of the overheating isn’t dealt with.
Trust the Experts for Your Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance Needs
The ideal way for you to minimize air conditioning problems is to enroll in a preventive maintenance program. At Sunbeam Service Experts, we promote several HVAC memberships to accommodate your needs and budget. Bad wiring, low refrigerant and dirty coils can be found and corrected during routine maintenance.
Occasionally repairs are inescapable, but as a maintenance member, you’ll benefit from special discounts on service, 24/7/365 priority service, no trip or overtime charges and more. Ready to enroll in a membership program or to arrange your repair appointment? Get in touch with us at 716-427-6807 today!