Did you know that 91 percent of American households have an air conditioning system? If you’re one of these homeowners, you’ll likely experience some air conditioner problems. After all, it’s not uncommon for an air conditioner to break down during the hottest days of summer.
Knowing the most common air conditioner issues and how to troubleshoot them can help keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long. You don’t need to be an expert to know when your home AC unit has issues.
Our article will discuss eight of the most common AC problems and how to fix them. Read on to ensure that you’re not stuck inside your home in the hot summer heat because of an AC issue you can easily fix.
1. Air Conditioner Dripping Water
One of the most common AC problems is when it starts dripping water. You may notice water leaking from your AC’s indoor unit. It could be due to various issues, such as a clogged drain line or a malfunctioning condensate pump.
If you notice this problem, check if the condensate pipe is clogged. You can unclog it by vacuuming it or using vinegar to drain the fungi or algae that may have built up on the pipe.
You may also notice a water leak outdoors under your AC’s compressor. The leak may be due to a broken AC seal or a malfunctioning condensate pan. In this case, you might need a professional experienced in air conditioner repairs.
2. AC Not Turning On
Your air conditioner may refuse to turn on. If this happens, check if the circuit breaker has tripped. If it has, reset it and see if that does the trick.
If the air conditioner still doesn’t turn on, there could be an issue with the AC’s thermostat or wiring. You’ll need a professional to look at it and see if it needs repair or replacement.
Another possibility is that the air conditioner’s evaporator coils are frozen. This usually happens when you use the air conditioner for long periods of time in very humid conditions.
In this case, you’ll need to turn off the air conditioner and let it thaw for a few hours. You can turn it back on and see if it works properly.
3. AC Not Blowing Cold Air
You may notice that your AC is not blowing cold air when you turn it on. The cool air may not come out at all, or the air that comes out of the ducts may feel hot.
In such cases, there’s a possibility that your circuit breaker has tripped. Your AC’s blower belt may also be worn out, or refrigerant levels may be too low.
While you can check the circuit breaker, it’s best to call a technician to see whether the blower belt needs replacement. You should also schedule regular AC maintenance to identify wear and tear issues before they cause a total AC breakdown.
4. AC Blows Hot Air
Another air conditioner issue is when your home AC unit blows hot air. This air conditioner problem may be due to issues such as a clogged air filter. There could also be an obstruction in the AC’s ducts, or dirt may be overworking the compressor.
The best thing is to clean and replace your air filters regularly. You should also schedule professional air duct cleaning to prevent obstructions. This way, you can avoid air quality issues and keep your air conditioner working properly.
5. Leaking Refrigerant
Your air conditioner may start leaking refrigerant. AC refrigerant is the substance that helps cool the air inside your home. The leakage could be due to a hole in the AC’s coils.
If you notice this problem, it’s best to call a professional right away. Refrigerant leaks can cause serious damage to the compressor and the entire AC system, requiring you to incur costly replacements.
If you’re in Phoenix, these costs can be a nightmare because inflation has increased AC replacement costs. You can read the full article on markdanielsac.com to see how much an AC replacement will cost you.
6. AC Making Strange Noise
Your AC may start making weird noises out of nowhere. For example, you may hear a hissing noise, vibrations, grinding noises, and squealing. Grinding noises may indicate that the air conditioner’s motor bearings have a problem.
Hissing noises may be due to a refrigerant leak, while squealing noises may indicate that the air conditioner’s blower belt or other parts are loose.
If you hear strange noises, it’s best to call a technician skilled in repairing an AC unit. A professional will understand the meaning of each strange sound and fix the problem.
7. AC Has a Foul Smell
You may also notice that your air conditioner starts producing a foul smell. This could be due to mold or mildew growth inside the air conditioner.
Your AC could also have a burning smell. This usually happens when the air conditioner’s wiring is damaged. The problem could also be with the air conditioner’s motor or another electronic component.
If you notice any of these smells, you can start by checking the air filters and replacing them if they look clogged. You can also opt for professional air duct cleaning. For electrical odors, it’s best to call a professional to repair your AC unit.
8. Short Cycling
Your air conditioner may also start short cycling. This happens when the air conditioner turns on and off too frequently. Short cycling puts a lot of stress on the air conditioner’s compressor, causing it to wear out quickly.
The problem could be due to a thermostat issue, especially if it’s not well-calibrated. Clogged air filters may also cause short cycling, or your AC may not be the right fit for your home.
The best solution is to invest in professional air conditioning maintenance. A technician can clean the air conditioner and calibrate the thermostat to prevent short cycling. When installing the AC system, you should also ask for professional advice to ensure you choose the right fit.
Stay on Top of Air Conditioner Problems
These are some of the air conditioner problems you may have to deal with in the summer. You can fix some of these issues yourself, but it’s always best to call a professional. Regular air conditioner maintenance can also prevent these problems.
If you’re interested in more home maintenance tips, check out other articles on our website.
