8 AC Problems Many Homeowners Experience

Are you dealing with AC problems in your home? It’s the worst feeling. During the summertime months, Arizonans rely on air conditioners to keep their homes livable. Unfortunately, small issues with your AC often turn into big problems if they aren’t addressed in a timely fashion. That’s why we composed this list of common homeowners AC problems and tips for fixing them!

If you’re not sure whether or not you need an AC repair, take a look at this list of common AC issues.

1. AC Making Noises

AC making noises is one of the most common problems that homeowners experience with their air conditioning units. Whether it’s a light hum, a grinding sound, a loud boom, or squealing noise coming through the vents, no one likes loud noises in their home. The most common causes of AC making noises are the fan motor wearing out, the fan blades hitting something, or the compressor failing. The compressor, however, usually requires replacement and, since it’s a major part of the system, can be quite expensive.

2. Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

One of the most common AC problems for homeowners is when a circuit breaker keeps tripping. This usually happens when the circuit breaker is overloaded from running too many appliances or when there is a fault with a specific appliance. This can be a serious issue as it significantly affects the functionality of the AC unit. There are several steps one can take to troubleshoot the issue and possibly prevent further tripping. If it has been wired correctly, you should try unplugging any appliances that are connected to the breaker.

3. AC Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant is a critical component in any AC system as it circulates through your home, cooling the air. When your system develops a leak, your AC will not be able to reach its full cooling capacity. Symptoms of a refrigerant leak include a weak airflow from the air ducts, warm air coming out of the registers, Ice buildup, and a strange smell coming from the unit. To confirm a leak, a professional air conditioning technician should check the coolant pressure and use a special tool to detect the presence of refrigerant. If the technician detects a leak, the broken air conditioner components must be replaced, and the system must be recharged with new refrigerant.

4. Dirty AC Filter

A dirty filter can reduce the efficiency of their AC unit, causing the unit to work harder and increasing their energy bills. This dirty filter can also block the airflow, causing the system to work longer to attain the desired temperature. Poor air quality can be another issue as it clogs up the filter and can release dust particles, which could lead to respiratory issues. Furthermore, if the filter becomes too clogged over time, it can lead to other severe issues, such as damage to the evaporator coil, the blower motor, and other components of the AC system. It is essential to routinely replace a dirty AC filter to avoid these potential problems.

5. Damaged Compressor

A compressor is responsible for cycling refrigerant through the AC unit and regulating the temperature inside the house. When the compressor is damaged, the AC unit will fail to provide the necessary cooling power, leading to the house feeling hot and unusable. Additionally, improper functioning of the compressor can cause the unit to draw more energy than normal, leading to higher power bills for the homeowner. To identify a damaged compressor, homeowners should examine their AC unit for any signs of corrosion, leakage, or unusual noises coming from the unit.

6.  Frozen Evaporator Coil

This happens when the refrigerant level in the system is low, the air filter is too dirty, or the airflow to the evaporator coil is restricted. When the coil becomes frozen, the AC repairs will struggle to cool the home. Symptoms of this issue include warm air coming from the vents, unusually loud noises from the blower fan, and a build-up of frost or ice on the evaporator coil itself. While it may be tempting to attempt a DIY fix, it’s best to hire a trained HVAC technician to check the entire system and identify the true source of the problem.

7. Capacitor Failure

Capacitor failure is one of the most common AC problems experienced by homeowners. A capacitor is an electrical component used to store energy and help regulate an AC system’s operations. When the capacitor fails, it can cause the AC to stop running and require repairs or a full replacement. Other signs of capacitor failure include a lack of airflow, loud starting and stopping noises, AC cycling on and off frequently, and the timer on the AC not functioning properly. A qualified technician should be consulted to determine if the problem is caused by a failing capacitor or something more serious.

8.  Thermostat Malfunctioning

When the thermostat malfunctions, the AC will either not turn on at all or it will not cool the room to the user’s desired temperature. In addition, thermostat malfunctioning can result in higher utility bills due to the AC system running more often or longer than necessary. Other AC problems that are related to thermostat malfunctioning include the AC cycling on and off rapidly, not cooling the room evenly, or not cooling the room at all. To prevent thermostat from malfunctioning in air conditioning units, homeowners should have their thermostat serviced and AC system inspected by a professional like those from Got Air Pro to make sure it is in good working condition.

Read More About Fixing AC Problems

AC issues can be a real headache for homeowners, but with the right knowledge and resources, it is possible to diagnose and fix the issue. Beware that you need to install the right type of AC unit for your home to avoid most problems in the first place. If you’re looking for more information on AC problems, you can talk to an HVAC expert for more advice and guidance. Did you find this article informative? Check out the rest of our blog for more!