The 10 Most Common Problems We See from AC Units

This is a paid post contributed by a Patch Community Partner. The views expressed in this post are the author's own, and the information presented has not been verified by Patch.

In summer, the air conditioner is king. This is the time of year when a finely tuned AC unit is the difference between comfort and misery. In general, we don’t interact with our AC very often. It’s a background hero that keeps us cool and comfortable, basically on autopilot. However, there are several ways a homeowner can create problems that causes the AC to come to the forefront of our problems. We have made a list of the most common issues and mistakes we see to help you keep your AC system a background player.

1. Filter Problems

• This is hands down the number one problem we see with AC units. Despite its importance, it is an easy thing to overlook. If the filter is not changed the dirty air filter will reduce airflow and parts of the AC unit can freeze.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on when to switch out the air filter and this can be easily avoided.

2. AC Running Constantly

• While it is normal to run the AC a lot during the summer it should still be turned off periodically. This will protect vital components and prevent sky-high energy bills. Things like the thermostat, compressor, filter, and the electrical parts will benefit from a short break.
• Turn off the thermostat and check if the unit shuts down. If not, call a certified technician to pinpoint the problem.

3. AC Won’t Turn On

• A unit that won’t engage can be due to a tripped circuit breaker, a faulty thermostat, or loose wiring.
• It is not a good idea to attempt the wiring yourself, you might end up doing more harm than good. Call a professional, their specialized equipment can diagnose the problem easily and efficiently.

4. Clogged Drains

• Your unit removes moisture from the air and the water goes down a drain. It is possible for this to becomes clogged and cause water damage in the walls and ceiling, even mold growth can occur.
• If you suspect a clog, you can contact a technician to assess the situation, if you want to handle it yourself find the point of access to the AC drain line and flush the clog with vinegar solution and leave it for 30 minutes.

5. Coils Require Replacement

• Evaporator coils push cool air into the home and condenser coils operate outside with the compressor. Both coils can become dirty and corroded leading to bigger problems.
• Clean outside coils with a hose every so often. Also keep in mind the importance of routine tune-ups from a professional.

6. No Cool Air Flowing

• If you hear your AC running but do not feel cool air from your vents, there are a few options as to what could be wrong. It could be a tripped circuit breaker, the blower belt could be worn, or if could just be low on refrigerant.
• You’ll need a technician for this one, routine maintenance not only fixes problems but it prevents them from happening in the first place.

7. Hot Air Blowing Out

• This is a similar but separate issue. Hot air blowing out on a hot summer day is not a good situation. Again, it could be refrigerant of the filters, but it could also be an obstruction in the ducts which is causing the compressor to overheat.
• Replace those pesky filters and schedule a duct cleaning at least once a year. Also have a technician check for leaks in the unit before adding more refrigerant.

8. Leaking Refrigerant

• It is not easy to detect these sorts of leaks because they often occur in coolant lines. Check around the unit for excess condensation or brightly colored stains. The leak could be due to the lines simply degrading over time, a blocked drainage pipe or even a faulty condensate pump.
• If you notice a leak or low refrigerant levels call a professional right away. Low levels of refrigerant can severely damage your compressor and a damaged compressor is a very expensive fix. Keeping up with your routine maintenance will detect issues and prevent problems.

9. Unit Flipping On and Off

• They call this short cycling; the unit does not complete a full cycle but instead restarts over and over. It can be a serious problem as this can also damage the compressor. This is caused by either a clogged air filter, miscalibrated thermostats, or even that your AC is too powerful for your home.
• Call a professional on this one. It is important to choose the right AC and the right thermostat for your home.

10. Broken Thermostat

• Sometimes it’s not the system it’s the control panel. An incorrectly calibrated thermostat means erratic AC behavior.
• Simple: reconfigure the thermostat or call for a repair if necessary.

So, you’re not alone if you or a family member is guilty of one or more of these mistakes, and don’t fret, we at Jackson Comfort Services can help. We’ve seen every problem under the sun and are prepared to assess and assist. We’ve already had near 90-degree weather this season and it’s not even summer yet! Your AC has never been more important. Keep cool and keep that AC running smoothly in the background by avoiding these issues and scheduling routine tune-ups. Maintenance lengthens the life of your unit; long live the AC king!

This post is an advertorial piece contributed by a Patch Community Partner, a local brand partner. To learn more, click here.