August 3, 2022
When your home’s cooling malfunctions, you want to get the problem dealt with right away. However, there can be dozens of reasons why your cooling isn’t working properly. How do you know which one is impacting you? There are a number of problems that are more prevalent, and identifying what they are is helpful when your Chief/Bauer Service Experts Expert is reviewing available choices for fixing 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 instructs your air conditioner when to start and for how long to run. If its settings are incorrect, your air conditioning may not run properly. And if the batteries died in a programmable thermostat, it won't be accessible at all. Run through this quick checklist to confirm your thermostat is receiving power and working properly:
- Swap out batteries if the screen is blank (programmable models)
- Make sure your thermostat has power (smart models)
- Verify that it’s currently on cooling mode
- Ensure your desired temperature is below the current room temperature
2. Dirty Air Filter
Dirty or inefficient air filters are infamous for turning a perfectly functional and reliable air conditioner into a slow and inefficient one. In addition, dirty filters could cause a number of problems, such as decreased airflow, lower indoor air quality and excessive power usage. They can also make the air conditioning work harder and stop working if the coil freezes.
You can easily minimize AC problems by consistently cleaning or replacing the air filter. How do you know if you should change your filters? If you can’t think back to the last time you changed them, it’s almost definitely time to. But for a basic recommendation, make sure you try to replace flat filters once a month and pleated filters every three months.
3. Frozen Condenser Coils
Your air conditioner’s coils are crucial components because they discharge heat from your home into the outdoor air. But even during the summer, ice can develop on the coils. Frozen coils won’t be able to regulate the cooling process as easily, and in some cases enough ice can block the AC from running entirely.
Freezing can be connected 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 has frozen, shut it off and let the ice on the coils melt. This could take up to 24 hours, but you can quicken the process by switching settings to “fan only.” This blows warm air over the coils without beginning a cooling cycle.
It’s recommended to examine your air filter first. If you can’t see light through it, change it. The other challenges, including dirty coils, a clogged drain line or refrigerant leaks, will need professional assistance.
4. Refrigerant Leak
Your cooling needs refrigerant to convert heat. When it doesn’t have adequate refrigerant, you could notice you’re getting a lot of hot air. Here are a couple signs you’re confronting a leak:
- Not enough cold air
- Home feels humid
- Excessively long cooling cycles
- Ice on the evaporator coils
- Bubbling or hissing air conditioner sounds
- Sweet smell near the air conditioner
If your air conditioning system was installed prior to 2011, it most likely uses Freon® or R-22. This coolant is no longer being made due to its detrimental effects on the ozone layer. Only recycled portions of Freon are available, which makes refrigerant leaks more costly to correct.
If your R-22 AC unit has a refrigerant leak, we recommend air conditioning installation due to age and the refrigerant being obsolete. Modern air conditioners utilize Puron or R-410A, which is more sustainable for the environment.
We realize that replacing your cooling 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 low monthly fee. Repairs and maintenance are included, and you’ll get to retain any valuable manufacturer’s rebates.
5. Water Leak
Your air conditioning needs a condensate drain line to flush water it eliminates from the air. If you’ve skipped air conditioning maintenance, this drain can become clogged with mold and cause water to back up. If this happens, you’ll notice water leaking.
Turn off your air conditioner to minimize damage and call us at 866-397-3787 for support.
6. Tripped Circuit Breaker
There can be a few reasons why your cooling keeps tripping its circuit breaker. Here are a few of the most prevalent ones:
- Dirty air filter is gravely constraining airflow.
- Your cooling is overheating because of inadequate refrigerant.
- Condenser coils are dirty and reducing airflow.
- Condenser fan motor has malfunctioned and coils are overheating.
- Electrical connections are strained or loose.
- Blower motor is malfunctioning.
- Compressor is drawing too much power or wiring is malfunctioning.
- Capacitor in charge of starting the compressor has failed.
As we discussed earlier, examine your air filter first, as that is most commonly the culprit. Any other problems will need to be addressed by an HVAC professional like Chief/Bauer Service Experts.
7. Short Cycling
A faulty cooling cycle can also cause problems. Short cycling is an irritating malfunction when the air conditioner turns off before the set temperature has reached the entire house. If you suspect your AC unit is short cycling, listen to how long the air is active before it switches off. Your ordinary air conditioner usually runs for 15 to 20 minutes and stays inactive for about the same period of time. But when it’s short cycling, your air conditioning is running on and off in short bursts.
This puts heavy strain on moving parts and critical components like the blower motor. Short cycling or any form of abnormal cooling cycles are frequently a result of overheating. The internal chamber gets too hot and then safety components switch the AC off. This happens repeatedly, namely if the root cause of the overheating isn’t addressed.
Trust the Experts for Your Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance Needs
The number one way for you to avoid air conditioning problems is to enroll in a preventive maintenance program. At Chief/Bauer Service Experts, we offer several HVAC memberships to fit your needs and budget. Faulty wiring, low refrigerant and dirty coils can be found and fixed during routine service.
In some cases repairs are inevitable, 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? Get in touch with us at 217-689-2469 today!