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Especially during those hot, summer months, having a well-functioning air conditioner is vital for maintaining a comfortable living space. But the minute something goes wrong with your AC unit, it can send you into a sweaty panic. Chill out! Together, we’re going to look at some of the most common AC issues homeowners face so that we can troubleshoot — and potentially fix — these minor problems ourselves, no sweat.

Inadequate Cooling

Is your air conditioner running but not cooling the house effectively? Perhaps you’ve noticed inconsistent temperatures from room to room.

Some of the possible causes might include:

•        Dirty air filters
•        Incorrect thermostat settings
•        Refrigerant leak
•        Blocked or closed vents

Solutions

The best way to fix an AC system that’s not providing enough cool air is to perform routine maintenance. First, ensure that the thermostat is set to the correct mode and temperature. If it is, you should regularly be replacing or cleaning air filters. Inspect and unblock any vents.

If none of these solutions work, call an HVAC specialist to check for and fix potential refrigerant leaks.

Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On

If your air conditioner won’t even turn on in the first place, there may be a problem with the thermostat or circuit breaker. 

Some of the possible symptoms might be:

•        Tripped circuit breaker
•        Faulty thermostat
•        Power issues
•        Internal problems like a blown fuse or broken capacitor

Solutions

Depending on the air conditioner problem, you might be able to fix it with a simple flip of the switch. First, ensure the unit is plugged in and that there are no power outages. Next, try resetting the circuit breaker and replacing the thermostat batteries. You’ll also want to check thermostat settings to confirm that the mode is set to “cool.”

When all else fails, contact an HVAC professional to inspect the unit’s internal components. 

Strange Noises

Those strange noises coming from your air conditioner aren’t just irritating; they could be your AC telling you that something is broken and needs fixing.

If you hear unusual sounds coming from your system — things like banging, squealing, grinding, or hissing — it might signal one of the following AC issues:

•         Loose parts
•         Debris in the unit
•         Worn-out motor bearings
•         Fan blade issues

Solutions

Try turning off the unit and checking for loose or foreign objects. If you can’t identify any visual abnormalities, schedule a professional maintenance check to locate and fix internal AC issues.

Water Leaks

Have you noticed any water pooling around your unit? That puddle might be a result of any of the following:

•         Clogged condensate drain line
•         Improper installation
•         Low refrigerant levels

Solutions

First, ensure proper installation and leveling of the unit itself. If your inspection comes back satisfactory, try cleaning the condensate drain line using a wet/dry vacuum.

Still can’t figure out what’s causing the air conditioner issues? Contact a specialist to check refrigerant levels and resolve the problem professionally.

High Energy Bills

Our energy bills can fluctuate depending on the season, but if you’re experiencing a noticeable increase in energy consumption and costs then it may be a sign that something is wrong with your air conditioner.

Those high energy bills might be a result of:

•         Inefficient operation due to lack of maintenance
•         Old or outdated unit
•         Leaky ducts

Solutions

Once again, the best remedy is prevention. Schedule regular maintenance checks to avoid common AC issues in the first place. You might also inspect for and seal any leaky ducts yourself if you have the means.

Last, with advancing HVAC technology, you should consider upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient model. T. Webber can help you choose the best AC unit for your living space and perform a professional installation.

Bad Odors

Your air conditioner shouldn’t smell like sulfur, smoke, or car exhaust. If you notice musty, unpleasant odors coming from the unit, that might be a sign that it has any of the following issues:

•         Mold or mildew buildup
•         Accumulated dirt and debris
•         Burned-out wire insulation

Solutions

First and foremost, make sure that you clean or replace air filters regularly. If you still notice a persistent, burning smell, you might also consider hiring an electrician to inspect and replace any faulty wiring.

If the smell just won’t go away, schedule a professional cleaning and repair of the unit.

Recap

As we’ve learned, regular maintenance is the best way to fix common air conditioner problems by preventing them before they even occur. Make sure you’re routinely cleaning and replacing air filters and inspecting the unit and its parts for dust/debris build-up. 

If, despite your best preventative efforts, you’re still experiencing any of these AC issues, address them promptly and seek professional assistance from T. Webber. We make air conditioning maintenance and installation a breeze with limited-time coupons and special offers.

Don’t wait for air conditioner issues to get worse. Contact us today to schedule your AC service.