AIR CONDITIONER TROUBLESHOOTING: YOUR GUIDE TO 11 OF THE MOST COMMON AC PROBLEMS
May 28, 2015
Some of the most common problems with air conditioners result from inadequate maintenance, and the best way to prevent these problems is to get a proper maintenance plan like the one we offer at A.J. Perri.
Still, unexpected issues can arise. We know it can be frustrating if your AC suddenly stops working or starts behaving strangely, but oftentimes the issue isn’t as serious as it seems, and all that’s needed is a little air conditioner troubleshooting.
We created this list of 11 common air conditioner problems to help you diagnose potential causes and see if there’s an easy solution.
1. YOUR AIR CONDITIONER WON'T TURN ON
If your air conditioner won’t turn on, check your outdoor unit to determine if the condenser is running. Make sure the unit is plugged in.
Also, make sure your thermostat is set to cool. Next, lower the temperature setting by 5 to 10 degrees and see if that fixes your problem.
If your AC still doesn’t turn on, you may have blown a fuse or tripped your circuit breaker. If replacing a fuse or locating your electrical panel to reset the circuit breaker doesn’t fix the issue, contact one of our AC experts so we can get to the heart of the problem.
2. YOUR AIR CONDITIONER ISN’T COOLING THE AIR
If your air conditioner turns on and your thermostat is set properly but your system isn’t cooling, you may have a dirty or blocked air condenser. Start by cleaning the outside unit and removing any debris or weeds blocking air circulation.
Next, check your filter and make sure it’s clean. A dirty filter can restrict airflow to the unit’s evaporator coil, causing it to freeze. Pet owners especially may need to change the air filter often.
3. THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM ISN’T COOLING YOUR HOME ENOUGH
If your air conditioner is on and cooling your home, but it never gets as cool as you’d like, there could be several reasons. One possible issue is that your unit is simply underpowered for the size of your home, in which case the only solution may be to replace it with a more powerful unit or add a second to divide the workload between different sections of your home.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the average system should be able to maintain a 20–25-degree difference between the outdoor and indoor temperatures. On an extremely hot day, even a properly working AC unit may not be able to cool your home to a comfortable temperature.
If it’s just a normal summer day and your air conditioner still can't keep up, you may have a problem with the charge or a frozen evaporator coil. In that case, be sure to give A.J. Perri a call at 732-733-2541 so we can find out what the issue is before it gets worse.
4. YOUR AC IS BLOWING HOT AIR
What if the unit is actually blowing hot air?
To troubleshoot the problem, start with the obvious and check the thermostat to make sure it’s set to “cool,” with the fan set to “auto.” Then check the filter to be sure it isn’t blocked, and clean the unit outside.
Hot air blowing from the AC might be due to a refrigerant leak. In extreme cases, you may discover ice forming on the evaporator coil or the indoor casing of your unit. It’s vital you don’t keep running your AC, hoping it will improve.
Contact A.J. Perri so we can come out and keep your energy bills from shooting sky-high.
5. ICE IS BUILDING UP ON YOUR INDOOR COIL
Sometimes, when your AC unit isn’t properly cooling the air, ice builds up inside the unit, usually on the evaporator coil.
You don’t want to keep running your AC if you find ice forming. You can turn the unit off and check for a clogged filter, but if this doesn’t fix the problem, give us a call. You may have a refrigerant leak or another problem that requires professional help.
6. YOUR AC STARTS MAKING UNUSUAL NOISES
Strange new sounds coming from an AC unit are enough to alarm any homeowner. Depending on what kind of sound you hear and where it comes from, it could be a sign that a part is starting to fail. It could be a fan, the unit’s compressor, or any moving part in the system.
If you hear any grinding, screeching, or clanging sounds from your AC, turn the unit off and give us a call at 732-733-2541 right away.
7. WATER IS POOLING AROUND THE UNIT BASE
Ice forming on your evaporator coil isn’t the only form of condensation that can become a problem. Not everyone is aware that condensation has to be drained away from a working air conditioner on a regular basis. If the condensate drain lines become clogged, the pump may not have enough power to drain the water building up, causing water to pool at the base of your indoor unit.
There is typically a tray to collect a small amount of water if this happens, but it doesn’t take long for water to start spilling over. Leaking water can cause damage to floors or mold problems for carpeting if you don’t notice it right away.
Be sure to contact one of our AC experts if you need help with leaking water.
8. YOUR AC IS SHORT-CYCLING
Homeowners are usually perplexed by this problem. Your AC is running fine but then turns off, comes back on, and turns off again. These short cycles can be a sign that there is an issue with your thermostat, AC compressor, or refrigerant levels, among other possibilities, which may require professional help.
9. YOUR HOME IS GETTING HUMID
You probably wouldn’t automatically associate humid air with a problem with your AC, but a properly functioning system helps regulate the humidity in your home. When warm, humid air is drawn into your unit, cold evaporator coils cause condensation to form as they cool the air, and that moisture is drained.
If your air is getting too humid, there’s a chance your AC isn’t performing correctly. You may need more refrigerant, or a clog somewhere in the system might prevent it from functioning properly.
10. YOUR ROOMS ARE COOLING UNEVENLY
Uneven cooling from one room to the next is a relatively common problem with AC units. There could be an easy fix if someone has closed the dampers on a vent or an object is blocking the vent. But if the problem persists, you could have an issue like a duct leak, and it’s best to have a professional take a look.
11. THERE’S A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE AC UNIT
Several AC components could be the source of serious electrical concerns. A burning smell coming from the unit could be the first sign of a failing part or overheating—and it could mean a real threat to your safety.
Don’t take any risks if you smell something burning: Turn the unit off and contact us immediately.
AIR CONDITIONER TROUBLESHOOTING FAQ
HOW LONG DO AIR CONDITIONERS LAST?
Full-home central air units can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years—15 years on average. The lifespan of your unit depends heavily on whether you have regular maintenance by a professional keeping it in good operating condition.
WHAT ARE SOME PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE TIPS?
The most important thing you can do as a homeowner to keep your AC working at its peak performance and help it last a long time is to regularly clean or replace the air filter and keep an eye out for any debris, dirt, or blockage. A professional maintenance plan is your best weapon against unexpected expensive repairs.
TALK TO THE EXPERTS AT A.J. PERRI RIGHT AWAY
A.J. Perri is on call when you need the best AC expert to help you with any air conditioner troubleshooting issues that might arise. Give us a call at 732-733-2541 at the first sign of trouble, or schedule your service through our online portal.