8 Sources of AC Problems & How to Fix Them
Each of the appliances in your home will require continuous maintenance to ensure optimal efficiency, and your air conditioner is no exception. To ensure your system is able to make it through the summer season, it’s vital that you regularly inspect the refrigerant lines and clean the condenser coils. To help you fight the heat and humidity of the warm months, we have gathered a list of the top 8 AC problems and the various ways to fix them.
Table of Contents
Common AC Issues
1.) Refrigerant Leaks
It is not abnormal for cracks to form in the refrigerant lines of your central air conditioning system as it reaches the middle of its lifespan. Once a moderate to severe crack has developed, the refrigerant that is utilized to eliminate heat in your house will begin to escape from the system. Since the refrigerant is directly responsible for providing cold air to your supply of air ducts, this common AC problem will make it hard to maintain a livable temperature in your enclosure.
While it may be easy to refill the refrigerant in your air conditioner, this will only temporarily solve the problem. To avoid excess heat and humidity this summer, you will be required to hire an HVAC contractor to fix the cracks in the refrigerant pipes.
2.) Contaminated Condenser Coils
The condenser coils are a component of the outside air conditioning system that are engineered to push the warm air collected from your home to the outdoor air. If these coils become clogged with pollen, dirt, insects, leaves, or dust, the system will be required to exert additional energy to eliminate hot air from the indoors. This ordinary AC problem can be fixed by using a vacuum to eliminate dirt and pollen from the condenser fins.
Once you are finished cleaning the coils, inspect the interior of the condenser to confirm that it’s clean. If you notice dirt, leaves, or grass inside the outdoor condenser, use a screwdriver to unscrew and remove the top panel. Next, carefully pull the fan out of the condenser and set it near you without damaging the wires. After the fan has been removed, use a paper towel with general purpose liquid cleaner to remove excess dirt and eliminate this common air conditioner problem.
3.) Filthy Supply & Return Vents
Another common AC problem that may restrict the flow of cold air in your house is dirty supply and return vents. What’s the difference between these two types of vents? A supply vent is designed to push cool air into a room while a return vent is tasked with removing warm air. As you continuously use your air conditioner in the summer, these vents may become clogged with dust, pet hair, or food. To eliminate airflow problems with your AC system, use a wet rag to remove excess dirt and hair.
4.) Incorrect Thermostat Settings
If you are having trouble activating your air conditioning system, we recommend checking your thermostat to confirm it’s not set to a temperature that is warmer than the interior of your house. If the temperature is set to a warm setting, lower the temperature by a couple of degrees to eliminate this AC problem.
Once you decrease the temperature on the thermostat, the central air conditioner should turn on. The improper placement of a thermostat may also be the reason you’re having trouble turning your air conditioner on. Avoid installing a programmable thermostat directly above a supply vent that provides cold air.
This will cause your thermostat to inaccurately interpret the temperature of your home. In addition, do not install your thermostat in an area that is exposed to direct sunlight. To avoid AC problems, we recommend installing your thermostat on an interior wall in a central area of your home that is away from doors, air vents, sunlight, hallways, and windows.
5.) Inadequate Wiring
If you notice a tripped circuit breaker each time you activate your air conditioning system, this AC problem may be caused by faulty wiring in your HVAC system or house. A tripped switch will stop the flow of cold air throughout your air ducts. To restore power to your air conditioner, navigate to the electrical panel in your utility room or garage. Move the tripped circuit breaker to the off position and back to the on position to restore your HVAC system. Please contact a professional electrician if you continue having problems with your electrical panel or air conditioner.
6.) Malfunctioning Fans
Your HVAC system includes a fan that is engineered to push interior air from your house over an evaporator coil to decrease its temperature. Your air conditioner is also equipped with another blower that is designed to push air above the condenser to the outdoor air. As these two fans get older, you may notice common AC problems such as a malfunctioning motor, cracked belts, or weak airflow. Performing repairs to malfunctioning fans is a task that should only be performed by an HVAC technician.
7.) Clogged Air Filters
When an air filter becomes clogged, this will make it hard for your air conditioning system to push warm and cold air throughout the air ducts in your house. This common AC problem can be easily avoided by replacing your air filters on a regular basis. Some types of filters should be replaced each month while other types of filters are able to last 3 months.
Please refer to the instructions that came with your furnace, air conditioner, or air filter to become familiar with the lifespan of an HVAC filter. If you don’t want to continuously purchase new HVAC filters to avoid moderate AC problems, we suggest investing in a reusable filter that is able to be cleaned. Prior to purchasing a new filter, check the dimensions of the current filter to avoid purchasing an incompatible product.
8.) Worn Out Capacitors
If your fans are failing to activate, this air conditioner problem may be caused by faulty capacitors. The capacitors are engineered to activate the motor of your system at the beginning of each cooling cycle. A worn out capacitor can often be identified by a noticeable clicking noise. To avoid damage to your motor and expensive repairs, it is vital that you hire a professional technician to resolve this AC problem.
Air Conditioning Services in New Jersey For Small to Large Air Conditioner Problems
From air conditioning repair, installation, to tune-up, our staff has the resources, skills, and equipment necessary to resolve all types of common AC problems. Team Electric, Plumbing, & Air provides dependable air conditioning services to homes in areas of New Jersey such as Middletown, Tom’s River, Elizabeth, Trenton, and Brick. Give us a call by phone at (732) 201-3305 or book an appointment on our website to receive help.
