Keeping Your Cool: Expert Solutions for Common Air Conditioning Repair Issues
The last thing you need on a hot summer day is a malfunctioning air conditioner. Air conditioners contain many complex components that can easily fail when not properly maintained. Let our at-home AC repair guide help you fix some common cooling issues.
At Chilly Ben’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we want to help you keep your home comfortable all year.
Understanding Common Air Conditioning Problems
Air conditioners can cause you a lot of trouble. Beyond quitting on you entirely, many other annoyances could make your home an uncomfortable space to live in. The following are some of the most common air conditioning problems indicating the need for repairs:
- Inadequate cooling
- Poor airflow from vents
- Strange noises
- Foul odors
- Frequent on-off cycling
- Water leaks or condensation
- High humidity
- Sudden energy bill spikes
If you notice any of these concerns, you must address them promptly to prevent further damage. With prompt repairs, you can ensure optimal AC performance while maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your unit.
DIY Troubleshooting Tips
Many common air conditioner problems can be easily resolved with a quick air filter replacement or refrigerant refill. Before calling your local technician, try fixing the AC with the following DIY troubleshooting tips:
Check the Air Filter
The air filter plays a key role in system airflow and efficiency. Dirty filters may increase energy usage, reduce cooling abilities, cause compressor failure, create evaporator coil issues, and more. While routinely cleaning or changing your air filters is one of the simplest and least expensive ways to maintain system efficiency and longevity, many homeowners overlook this key step.
To check your air filter health, open the unit to see if the filter is clogged or dirty. Frozen coil issues may also indicate the need to clean your air filter.
Check your system’s manual to see whether you should clean or replace the filter, as all units have different requirements. If you must replace the filter, be sure to check the sizing requirements before heading to the store.
Remove Debris
Anything that restricts the unit’s airflow can cause big problems. If you have an outdoor AC unit, debris can get caught in various mechanisms, restricting the system’s airflow.
We recommend inspecting your outdoor unit regularly to remove any debris you find before issues worsen. You might also want to consider installing an AC cover or hail guard to prevent similar issues from occurring.
Clean the Condenser Coils
The condenser system monitors the air conditioner’s heat transfer processes, ultimately absorbing the heat the evaporator coil releases. Dirty or clogged condenser coils can cause issues like short cycling, which drives up your energy bills. You may need to conduct some condenser coil maintenance if you notice poor cooling, loud operating sounds, leaks from the coils, electrical malfunctions, or frequent cycling.
To fix these issues, you can clean the condenser coils by brushing them off and vacuuming up any debris. In completing this AC repair, you should be able to improve the heat transfer process, which ultimately boosts the unit’s cooling efficiency.
Top Off the Refrigerant
Refrigerant transforms warm air into cool air as it cycles through the air conditioner and back into your home. When refrigerant levels run low, your AC will begin blowing warm or hot air instead of cool air. Refrigerant leaks can also lead to improper cooling; your AC will not be able to properly cool air as the agent seeps out of pinholes within the system.
We recommend checking the refrigerant levels and looking for leaks. You can top off the refrigerant, but if the levels continue draining, you will need a professional to examine the unit for less noticeable leaks.
Test the Thermostat
Sometimes, seemingly big obstacles have the easiest fixes. If your AC won’t click on at all or randomly shuts off, you may have an issue with your thermostat.
To fix a faulty thermostat, try testing the thermostat first by changing the settings to see whether your AC reacts. If the AC doesn’t respond, replace the batteries. In some cases, you may also need to re-level the thermostat and clean it to improve its functioning.
Lubricate Any Moving Parts
When the AC makes loud operating sounds, some of the components are likely grinding together more than they should, leading to more serious issues down the line. Try lubricating moving parts to reduce friction and noise.
Clear the Condensate Drains
Clearing condensate drain lines can help prevent water leaks, drainage problems, and moisture buildup so you don’t face issues like frozen coils. To do so, pour a cleaning solution, such as vinegar, down the line to flush trapped water out of the system.
When To Call a Professional Technician
While you may be able to fix some minor AC issues on your own, calling a professional HVAC technician for more complex problems is imperative. Whether the repair requires specialized tools or you’ve simply tried everything above to no effect, it’s best to seek an expert. Our technicians can help you handle the following:
- Faulty wiring
- Complex electrical repairs
- Refrigerant leaks
- Part replacements
- Broken capacitors
- And more
When you choose a licensed and experienced technician, you will also enjoy repairs covered by a warranty. Skip the guesswork and leave the diagnosis and repairs to someone who can quickly and effectively handle the job.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
If you want to avoid the costs and stress of frequent AC repairs, scheduling routine maintenance to keep your system running is the smart thing to do. A qualified HVAC technician can clean all coils, lubricate moving parts, top off refrigerant levels, clean filters, and resolve minor issues so you don’t have to worry about these tasks moving forward.
Need Help Repairing Your AC?
If you still need help fixing your unit, you’ve come to the right place. Call Chilly Ben’s Heating & Air Conditioning today at (270) 776-3691 to schedule your AC repair.
