How to Troubleshoot Common Air Conditioner Problems

An air conditioner breakdown is always aggravating and, sometimes, expensive to fix. Knowing how to troubleshoot certain problems yourself can save a lot of money, but some issues will require an expert fix. Let’s look at some of the most common AC problems in Addison, IL and how to fix them.

Weak Airflow From Vents

If the air coming from your vents feels weak or uneven, there might be a blockage in the ductwork or a clogged filter. You can start by swapping out the dirty filter with a clean one to see whether it fixes the airflow problem. If it doesn’t, an HVAC technician can inspect your ductwork for blockages caused by dust buildup or collapsed sections.

They may need to perform duct cleaning or make repairs to restore full airflow. You should also walk through the house to make sure all vents are open and unblocked. Closed or blocked vents cause airflow imbalances that can lead to hot and cold spots and reduced system efficiency.

Warm Air Coming From AC

Warm air blowing from the vents typically signals a cooling problem. The AC might have low refrigerant or a dirty condenser coil. Or it could be that you have the thermostat set wrong. Maybe you forgot to switch it from heat to cool mode when the seasons changed. If everything looks good, an HVAC tech can do an inspection to pinpoint the exact cause of the warm air.

AC Not Turning On

If your AC won’t turn on at all, go to the breaker box to check for a tripped breaker. This can happen during power surges or when the system draws too much current due to a malfunction. Simply flip the tripped breaker back on to see whether it restores power to the AC. If it doesn’t, check the thermostat batteries and then call a technician. They can look for loose wiring and other electrical issues that would cause this type of problem.

Strange Noises During Operation

Banging and rattling noises mean the AC has a loose part, like a broken fan motor or worn-out compressor. Strange noises may also point to debris like twigs or small rocks stuck inside the system. Turn the AC off right away anytime you hear these sounds. A technician can look at the fan assembly and condenser unit to check for broken or loose parts.

AC Constantly Running

Your cooling system should be able to cool your house without having to stay on around the clock. If it does continue running, it’s likely not sized properly. You may need to upgrade to a unit that has the correct capacity. A constantly running system can also be due to incorrect thermostat settings or low refrigerant levels. If you check the thermostat settings and it doesn’t fix the issue, call a technician.

Refrigerant Leaks

The refrigerant in your air conditioner should never get low. If it does, this means you have a leak somewhere. It’s most likely in the refrigerant line, but it could be inside the evaporator coil or condenser coil. Hissing sounds and ice buildup are clear warning signs of low refrigerant. You should never attempt to patch the leak or recharge the system yourself. Refrigerant is very dangerous to work with and requires certification to handle.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

If you notice a frozen evaporator coil, shut the AC off and let the ice thaw. While you’re waiting, check the air filter since a dirty filter is a leading cause of frozen coils. If swapping it out for a new one doesn’t restore normal airflow or stop the freezing, you’ll need a professional fix by a trained technician.

Clogged or Dirty Air Filters

Clogged filters are one of the most common problems our clients in Addison deal with. The local dust levels and pollen count are quite high in the spring and summer, which can clog filters faster than normal. We suggest checking yours once a month to see whether it needs cleaning or replacement. If you have pets in the house, you’ll need to check and change it more frequently to manage pet dander and hair buildup.

Tripped Breakers or Blown Fuses

If you keep having to reset the breaker to the AC, it’s probably pulling too much power. A technician can check the panel to see if it has room for a dedicated circuit. You may need to add a new breaker so that the AC doesn’t share its electrical load with other high-demand appliances.

Pros You Can Trust

Fire 'n' Ice Heating & Cooling Inc. understands how frustrating it can be when the air conditioning system doesn’t perform reliably. That’s why we offer expert repairs, installation support and tune-ups for systems of all types.

Addison homeowners trust Fire 'n' Ice Heating & Cooling Inc. for expert AC repairs, so call us today.