10 Common Air Conditioning Problems and How to Troubleshoot Them

Trying to get to the bottom of why your air conditioning has randomly stopped working? Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Like any appliance, air conditioners are prone to various issues that can impact their performance and efficiency. Understanding the most common air conditioning problems will help you identify issues early, prevent costly repairs, and ensure their systems operate smoothly. Read on to discover what these issues are, signs you have them, and solutions for each.

1. Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant is a crucial substance in your air conditioning system that absorbs heat from the environment and provides cool air when it is compressed and evaporated. Leaks occur when there are holes or cracks in the refrigerant lines or coils, leading to the loss of refrigerant. If not addressed promptly, this can reduce the efficiency of your system and cause damage to the compressor.

Signs of a Refrigerant Leak:

• AC is not cooling efficiently
• Hissing or bubbling noise
• Ice buildup on the refrigerant line or evaporator coil
• Higher than normal electric bills

Solution

To address refrigerant leaks, it’s essential to contact a professional technician who can locate and repair the leak. After the leak is fixed, the technician will recharge the refrigerant to the appropriate levels to ensure your system operates efficiently.

2. Dirty Filters

Air filters are designed to trap dust, dirt, and other airborne particles, preventing them from entering the AC system and the air you breathe. Over time, these filters can become clogged with debris, restricting airflow and reducing the system’s efficiency. Dirty filters can also cause the evaporator coil to freeze and may result in increased energy consumption.

Signs of a Dirty Filter

• Reduced airflow from the vents
• AC is struggling to cool the room
• Increased dust around your home
• Higher energy consumption

Solution

Regular maintenance of your air filters is crucial. Depending on usage and the type of filter, you should clean or replace the filters every 1-3 months. This simple step can significantly improve airflow and efficiency, ensuring your AC system runs smoothly.

3. Thermostat Issues

The thermostat is the control center of your air conditioning system, allowing you to set the desired temperature. If the thermostat is not calibrated correctly or is malfunctioning, it can lead to incorrect temperature readings, causing the AC to run improperly. This can result in the system cycling on and off frequently or not turning on at all.

Signs of Thermostat Issues:

• AC does not turn on or off as expected.
• The room temperature does not match the thermostat setting.
• Frequent cycling of the AC system.
• Unusually high energy bills

Solution

To resolve thermostat issues, start by recalibrating the thermostat if possible. If recalibration does not solve the problem, you may need to replace the thermostat. Ensure that the thermostat is installed in a location free from direct sunlight or other heat sources to avoid false readings.

4. Drainage Problems

Air conditioning systems remove moisture from the air, which is collected and drained away through the condensate drain line. If this drain becomes clogged with dirt, algae, or other debris, it can cause water to back up into the system. This can lead to water damage, mold growth, and reduced efficiency of the AC unit.

Signs of Drainage Problems:

• Water leakage around the indoor unit.
• Musty or moldy odors.
• Increased humidity levels indoors.
• AC system shutting down unexpectedly.

Solution

Regularly check and clean the condensate drain line to prevent blockages. Using a wet/dry vacuum can help clear any clogs. Additionally, consider installing a float switch that shuts off the system if water backs up, preventing potential water damage.

5. Sensor Problems in Your AC

Air conditioners have a thermostat sensor located near the evaporator coil to measure the air temperature as it enters the coil. If this sensor is out of position or malfunctioning, it can cause the AC system to cycle erratically, leading to inefficient cooling and increased wear and tear on the system.

Signs Your AC Has a Sensor Problem:

• It runs intermittently or does not turn off.
• Inconsistent cooling
• AC unit short cycling (frequent on and off cycles)

Solution

Adjusting the position of the sensor should resolve these issues. Ensure the sensor is near the evaporator coil but not touching it. If the sensor is damaged or faulty, replacing it may be necessary to restore proper operation.

6. Electric Control Failure

The electrical components of an air conditioning system, including the compressor, fan, and other controls, can wear out over time, especially if the system is frequently turned on and off. Corrosion of wires and terminals can also lead to electrical control failure, causing the system to malfunction or not operate at all.

Signs of Electrical Control Failure:

• AC does not turn on.
• The system turns on and off frequently.
• A burning smell or sparks near the electrical components.
• Unusual noises from the AC unit.

Solution

Regular inspection and maintenance of electrical components are essential. Replace any corroded or damaged wires and terminals to prevent malfunctions. A professional technician should check the electrical connections and controls to ensure everything is in working order.

7. Frozen Evaporator Coils

The evaporator coil is responsible for absorbing heat from the air. If the coil does not get enough warm air to operate properly, it can become too cold and cause moisture in the air to freeze on the coil. This ice buildup restricts airflow and reduces the cooling efficiency of the system.

Signs of a Frozen Evaporator Coil:

• Ice buildup on the evaporator coil or refrigerant lines.
• Warm air coming from the vents.
• Reduced airflow.
• Water leakage around the indoor unit.

Solution

To resolve frozen evaporator coils, turn off the AC and let the ice melt. Check and replace the air filter to ensure proper airflow. Make sure there are no obstructions to airflow, and have a professional inspect the refrigerant levels and system operation to prevent future freezing.

8. Dirty Condenser Coils

The condenser coil is part of the outdoor unit and releases the heat absorbed from your home. Over time, dirt, grime, and debris can accumulate on the condenser coil, reducing its ability to dissipate heat. This forces the system to work harder, leading to increased energy consumption and potential overheating.

Signs of a Dirty Condenser Coil:

• Reduced cooling efficiency.
• AC system running longer than usual.
• Increased energy bills.
• Overheating of the outdoor unit.

Solution

Regularly clean the condenser coils with a garden hose to remove dirt and debris. Ensure there are no obstructions around the outdoor unit that could impede airflow. Scheduling annual maintenance with a professional technician can also help keep the coils clean and the system running efficiently.

9. Fan Problems

There are two fans in an air conditioning system: one that blows indoor air over the evaporator coil and another that blows air over the condenser coil in the outdoor unit. If either fan is not working properly due to a faulty motor, lack of lubrication, or debris, it can lead to poor airflow and reduced efficiency of the AC system.

Signs of a Problem with the Fan:

• AC unit not cooling properly.
• Unusual noises from the indoor or outdoor unit.
• Reduced airflow from the vents.
• System overheating.

Solution

Inspect and clean the fan blades and motor regularly. Lubricate the fan motor if needed to ensure smooth operation. If the fan motor is faulty, replacing it can help restore proper airflow and cooling efficiency.

10. Ductwork Issues

Ductwork is a system of ducts that distributes cooled air throughout your home. If there are holes, leaks, or poor connections in the ductwork, it can cause air to escape before it reaches the intended rooms. This leads to reduced cooling efficiency, uneven cooling, and higher energy bills.

Signs of Ductwork Issues:

• Inconsistent temperatures in different rooms.
• Higher than normal energy bills.
• Reduced airflow from the vents.
• Visible damage or disconnections in the ductwork.

Solution

Inspect the ductwork for leaks or holes and seal any gaps with appropriate materials. Ensure all duct connections are secure to prevent air loss. Having a professional perform a duct inspection and sealing can further improve the efficiency and performance of your AC system.

Solve Your Air Conditioning Issues Today

If you’re experiencing any of these common issues or need professional Air Conditioning Services in Needham, MA, Kerivan-Lane can help. Our expert HVAC technicians can provide comprehensive diagnostics, repairs, and maintenance to keep your system in optimal condition.

Contact us to learn more about our services and schedule AC repair or maintenance today!