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Common Air Conditioner Problems and Solutions

Man seated at desk holding fan above his head

Summers in North Carolina can be brutally hot, and you don’t want to be without a working air conditioner. The professionals at A+ Heating & Cooling –Electrical have a list of common air conditioning problems and solutions that are easy to follow. Many of these solutions don’t even require a technician, but some do. When you’ve tried everything and you still don’t have relief from the heat, call A+ Heating & Cooling – Electrical right away to get your air conditioner working again.

Common air conditioning system problems

If your air conditioning unit isn’t working, there are a number of things that could be the cause. If you want to inspect the inside of your air conditioner, always make sure it is turned off first, even if it’s not running. You can turn it off at the thermostat or circuit breaker.

Air conditioner isn’t turning on

If your air conditioner isn’t kicking on as it should, the first place to check is your thermostat. It might seem silly, but make sure that it is set to “cool.” Sometimes people accidentally turn the air conditioner’s fan on without setting the air conditioner to cool. You also want to check the batteries in your thermostat. Try turning your thermostat on and off again to see if that gets things started. If all else fails, check the circuit breaker to make sure the breaker isn’t tripped.

Air conditioner is not blowing cold air

If your unit isn’t blowing cold air, make sure your air conditioner is clean and unblocked. Replace your air filter regularly to prevent it from clogging. Dirty air filters and air conditioning systems can prevent the flow of air in your unit, so you won’t feel cold air in your house. This problem can also be caused by refrigerant leaks, air duct leaks or dirty evaporator coils.

Frozen air conditioner

If you look inside your air conditioner and you find a big block of ice, then your air conditioner is frozen. First, make sure your air conditioner is turned off and let the ice melt. You can speed the process along by using a hairdryer or turning on only the AC’s fan to get airflow to the ice. Once the ice is melted, try running your air conditioner again.

Refrigerant leaks

If you notice refrigerant leaking from your air conditioner, then your unit will not perform correctly. Call an HVAC technician right away to solve this problem.

Electric control failure

Sometimes motors, fans, compressors, and other electrical components of your air conditioner don’t work. There could be a problem with the components themselves or a disconnect between the motor and the compressor. It’s best to have a technician inspect your air conditioner to solve the problem.

Air Conditioner is Leaking Water

If you notice your air conditioner leaking water, a number of issues could be at play, including a cracked drain pan, a clogged drain line or a frozen evaporator coil.

Some rooms are colder than others

Air ducts can get clogged or damaged over time. If air isn’t blowing out of some of your registers, it might be a problem with the ductwork. Having your ducts inspected and cleaned can help keep the air moving unobstructed from your AC unit through the rest of your home. This issue can also be caused by a clogged air filter or closed or blocked supply air vents.

Drainage problems

An air conditioner that cannot drain properly is susceptible to mold, mildew, and other bacteria growth, causing allergens, toxins, and bad odors to blow into your home. Clean the drain pan in the air conditioner to allow your air conditioner to drain properly. 

Sensor problems

Air conditioners contain a thermostat sensor that is commonly located near the evaporator coil. If the sensor is forced out of position, it can cause the air conditioner to cycle constantly. You can move the sensor back into place by bending the wire that holds it into position.

Keep cool this summer with air conditioning services from a+ heating and cooling – electrical

The best way to keep your home cool this summer is to have regular air conditioner tune-ups performed by the professionals at A+ Heating & Cooling – Electrical. We can clean and inspect your air conditioner, as well as identify potential problems with your unit. Schedule your service with A+ Heating & Cooling – Electrical today.