Common AC Problems
Your questions answered! Diagnose your AC unit below. Don’t forget to call us if you have any questions at 888-204-5554.
Even with temperatures being in the 90s it is possible for your AC to freeze up!
Before starting any troubleshooting steps, make sure that you have turned your ac unit off. Start by turning the “fan” switch to the on position. Let the unit thaw, and then turn the AC unit back on. If you are still having issues, some reasons why your air conditioner may keep freezing up are:
- Dirty air filter
- Faulty thermostat
- Low refrigerant
- Clogged coils
- Blower filled with dust
Your air conditioner humming can be a signifier that the fan is running without the unit producing cool air. Sometimes this is a sign of a unit that hasn’t been properly serviced and maintained. Yearly maintenance that consists of cleaning and inspecting your filters, condensers and electrical controls, amongst lubricating and checking other components is a great preventive measure.
A dirty or clogged filter is the cause of the most common air conditioner unit problems; one of which is your unit vibrating. If your filter is clogged, your unit will be working twice as hard to cool your indoor air. As a result, your unit will be exerting twice as much power causing stronger vibrations.
Compressors usually create a low-level of noise when they are in use. However, if your unit is abnormally vibrating, this may be indication that there is something mechanically wrong. If so, leave the servicing to a professional. They will help to identify any other contributing factors and you won’t be putting your safety at risk.
In South Florida, storms can cause debris and dirt to get inside of your outdoor unit. If your system is dirty, it can cause your unit to work harder or even cause the fan blades to be off balance. When this happens, the fan motor will continue to run which will result in your air conditioner vibrating. To avoid this annoyance, make it a habit to check your outdoor unit for any branches or debris.
There are many factors that could contribute to your air conditioner shutting off. If the thermostat isn’t working properly (perhaps the battery needs to be changed) it may be communicating the wrong temperature to your unit, causing it to turn off before your space has been completely cooled. Sometimes, however, the problem is more technical. The unit might have overheated, the coolant level could be too low, or the breaker could have been tripped. It’s even possible that foliage or other natural debris blocked the fan, keeping it from functioning properly.
If your ac compressor is malfunctioning, it can leads to several problems. The compressor is the engine of your air conditioners’ refrigerant cycle and if the compressor over heats, your unit could start short cycling. Another possible reason your ac unit could keep turning on and off may be low levels of refrigerant. If your unit has not been receiving regular annual maintenance, your level of refrigerant could fall below the necessarily level for standard cooling needs, which could also lead to short cycling. If your air filters are clogged, your evaporator coils are more likely to freeze up. This can also cause your air conditioner to keep turning on and off.
If your air conditioner is low on Freon, then it will not function properly. It will not absorb enough heat to cool down indoor air. Freon also helps to cool the ac compressor. With a low level, the compressor can overheat, possibly requiring a replacement.
Different noises imply different problems. For example, a banging noise usually means there is an issue with the compressor. If there is a refrigerant leak, this would sound like hissing or bubbling. A rattling noise could be a sign of a faulty fan. If your outdoor air conditioner is making a screeching noise, this could indicate high internal pressure inside the compressor. This specific situation is dangerous and would require the system to be shut off and be serviced by a technician immediately.
Mold can trigger allergies as well as more serious conditions like pneumonia. It’s in your family’s best interest to rid your air conditioner of mold. Mold grows in damp areas, so you should routinely check your air ducts for any dirt or debris, as well as any condensation. By having All Year Cooling perform routine preventative maintenance, you can prevent mold from growing. If your air conditioner already has mold, our technicians have the proper equipment to carefully eliminate it without exposing anyone to it.
Some additional tips for preventing mold is to keep vents dry when condensation forms, not letting your air conditioner go long periods of time without running, and proper insulation.
If your air conditioner is not blowing cold air, your condenser could be dirty, or the compressor could be broken. Sometimes, your ac unit may stop blowing cold air because the coils are frozen. Another potential reason your ac unit may not be generating cool air is if your unit is losing refrigerant through a leak. There isn’t a quick fix for this particular issue, so it’s best to call a professional ac repair company to help you safely diagnose any issues.
- Check that the condenser is plugged in.
- Check the circuit breakers and fuses; sometimes other appliances can cause the breakers to get overloaded.
- Ensure your thermostat is set to the right temperature, and set to “cool.”
- Check the fan blower belt for damage; sometimes this can lead to ice forming.
- Check that your coils aren’t frozen over or covered with debris of any kind.
Another reason your air conditioner may not be cooling your home is because your air filter is clogged. If you have a permanent air filter, it may need to be washed. Disposable filters can get clogged after 4 months of use, depending on pet dander or how dusty your home is.
Refrigerant leaks can also be the cause of many cooling problems. If you discover you have a leak, it’s important to get the leak fixed before adding more refrigerant.
Some of the most common causes of a non-functioning ac unit may be low refrigerant levels due to a leak in the system, faulty wiring, mechanical issues with the outside fan, a frozen coil, or maybe even something as simple as a faulty thermostat.
By ensuring your unit receives routine maintenance, we can help catch any issues before they escalate. We offer a comprehensive maintenance program and a written summary after each visit that includes any issues we have found, or recommendations for repair. By being proactive, you will end up saving money in the long run.
A quick way to prevent your condensate line from clogging is to pour some chlorine bleach down the line every six months. This will help kill any algae or bacteria that may build up and create blockage. This preventative step is especially important in temperate climates. Newer air conditioner units have a water-overflow cutoff switch which will cause the unit to turn off to help prevent any water damage to your home.
This problem most often occurs if your unit overheats. If you haven’t been maintaining your unit and the air filter or the condenser coils are dirty, it can lead to overheating. Air filters help circulate air flow and if they’re dirty, your unit has to work even harder to achieve the same results. The affect is similar for dirty air conditioning unit condenser coils. Coils are found on your outside unit and if they are covered with debris, they have to work harder to dissipate heat.
Your unit can also overheat without the proper level of refrigerant, making it work harder to cool indoor air. If there is a leak in your ac unit, it will be low on refrigerant. It’s important to get the leak fixed before adding more refrigerant.
If your unit has dirty condenser coils, its ability to cool your home will be impacted. It’s not uncommon for your outdoor unit to get dirty with dirt, branches, and other debris. The debris will interfere with your ac unit’s ability to cool properly and will cause it to remain on. If your thermostat is malfunctioning or the battery is dead, it won’t be communicating properly to your unit when to turn off.
If your thermostat continuously displays the same temperature, it may be broken or it may be time to replace the battery. Another quick solution to try if your ac unit won’t turn on is to replace your filter. A clean filter will keep your unit functioning properly, including your thermostat. It’s not uncommon in South Florida for your air conditioner to blow out if your outside unit is covered with dirt and debris. Storms can blow branches into your unit, obstructing the vents and circulation and making it impossible to function properly.
Another cause of bad odor being emitted from your unit is due to rodents getting caught in your ductwork. If a mouse or squirrel gets stuck, it has a small chance of survival. If this animal gets trapped, this smell will eventually seep out through your air vents. Smell from mold and debris can also lead to less than pleasant smells if your ductwork is in need of maintenance. Regular duct cleaning can help prevent these simple issues.
In South Florida, it’s common to run your ac unit for long periods of time. Sometimes the drainage system can get clogged with water, and the water sits in the condensate tray. With bacteria and mold potentially growing, the water may begin to emit a foul smell.
Monday to Sunday Service
All Year Cooling understands how inconvenient having a broken air conditioner is in South Florida, and how dangerous some situations can be. Because of this, we provide Monday to Sunday services so that you don’t have to wait for your air conditioner to function properly. We also stand on the principle that the job is not complete until you are satisfied.
If the problem is not with the thermostat, it may be a mechanical issue. All Year Cooling will troubleshoot to identify the cause of the problem. We encourage setting up routine maintenance in order to catch any problems before they escalate.