10 Common AC Problems You Should Watch Out For

Are you familiar with the top ten most common AC problems your HVAC equipment can experience? If not, you need to know what to look for so your air conditioner can perform at its best.

Some central air unit issues can be almost invisible until the system nears the point when it will give out completely. This article shares a few tips on identifying the most and least common problems and when to call Washington’s reliable HVAC contractors for trustworthy repairs.

1. AC Not Turning On

At the beginning of the summer season, you head toward the thermostat to turn on the AC like any other year. Naturally, you expect to hear the AC unit gearing up to cool your home, but instead, the AC only returns silence.

The following issues might be contributing to this common problem:

• Circuit breaker tripped
• Thermostat failure
• Loose or damaged wiring

2. Loss of Air Flow

After turning your AC system to “ON,” you eagerly wait for cool air to begin flowing through your home. However, you notice that the airflow isn’t as strong or cool as before.

Air conditioners rely on air filters to catch dirt and debris before they get into the system. Dirty air filters can become so clogged that they completely prevent airflow into the AC. If changing the air filter doesn’t help, you might be experiencing:

• Low refrigerant levels
• Worn out blower motor belt
• Blower fan failure

3. Refrigerant Leak

A leaking air conditioner unit can be challenging to spot, but this remains one of the most common AC problems. The outdoor unit contains coolant lines that aren’t easy to access or view by homeowners. Instead, you might notice:

• Excessive condensation on the outside AC unit
• Puddles of fluid near the AC
• AC struggling to cool the air effectively

4. Frozen Condenser Coils

When you go outside to check your outdoor air conditioning unit, you notice the presence of ice on or inside the system. When this happens, the AC has trouble keeping up with the demand of cooling your home. Some potential causes can include:

• Blower motor failing
• Breaks or blocks in the duct system
• Condenser obstructions

5. Blower Motor Issues

The blower motor is responsible for pushing the cool air into the ducts within your home. Without this integral part of the system, your house won’t feel comfortable through the summer months. It is essential to check and maintain the blower motor in your AC annually.

When this part goes out, you might experience one or more of the following problems:

• Damage to electrical components in the outdoor unit
• Lack of cool air coming from vents
• Condenser coils freezing up

6. Strange Noises

You might expect your older air conditioner to make a few sounds as it starts up and begins working to keep your home comfortable, while newer ACs are almost silent as they run. However, if you start hearing unexpected noises during any part of the cycle, it’s time to call a professional.

While some noise during operation is typical, you need to take action if you hear any of the following noises:

• Clanging
• Clicking
• Rattling
• Thumping
• Screeching

7. Unexpected Smells

After turning your central air on for the season, expect the first run not to smell as fresh as it typically should smell. However, if the scent continues to occur, or if the air smells like mold, mildew, or burning, you’ll need professional assistance with your AC unit.

Some of the common causes of strange air conditioner smells can include:

• Problems in the drain for the AC unit which causes a moldy scent
• Dirty air filters cause the system to overheat and create a burnt smell
• Issues with electrical components which contribute to an electrical odor

8. AC Causing Circuit Breaker To Trip

If turning your central air on causes the circuits to trip, you need a professional to check out the entire air conditioning system. In this scenario, the most likely culprit stems from the AC system pulling too much power and causing the circuit to shut itself off to protect your home.

You’ll need to contact your local air conditioning experts to evaluate the system and recommend the best steps to correct the issue. When installing a new AC unit, always hire quality HVAC contractors to ensure that everything has the proper rating that won’t overload your electrical systems.

9. Failure To Cool the Air

When you turn on your AC, you expect to feel the cool rush of air coming out of the vents in your home. If you notice that the air feels warm or even hot, you know your AC is in trouble. In some cases, you can simply replace the air filter, but if that fails, it can indicate:

• Compressor overheating
• Thermostat failure
• Low refrigerant levels or a potential leak

10. Short and Rapid Cycling

The issue of rapid cycling between off and on can signal a serious problem within your air conditioning system. Some of the potential culprits for this issue can include:

• An overpowered air conditioning unit that exceeds the needs of your home
• Improper calibrations within the thermostat
• Lack of appropriate airflow into the AC system

Expert Air Conditioning Services

You can rely on professional and highly experienced HVAC contractors when your air conditioner isn’t working the way you expect it. Local AC experts will inspect the air conditioning system and quickly locate the source of your AC’s problems.

Gladiator Services is ready for your call and fully prepared to handle every issue you might experience with your HVAC system. At Gladiator Services, we provide:

• Installation and replacement
• Repair and maintenance
• Leak detection and repair
• Air duct cleaning services
• Indoor air quality services
• And many other valuable HVAC services

If you experience any of the above common AC problems, get in touch with the local air conditioning repair experts from Gladiator Services at 201-512-8972.