How to Deal with 3 of the Most Common Air Conditioner Problems

For the most part, we don't worry about hot days because we have our air conditioners to give us that sweet, comfy feeling at home. But there are times when an AC begins to act up and fail to perform its task. There are several reasons for a cooling system to show signs of inefficiencies, including old age, lack of proper maintenance, too much usage, among many.

Dealing with an inefficient air conditioner involves having a fair amount of patience. It helps to have a basic understanding of the most common AC problems as well as possible fixes. Of course, we're talking about minor issues only. It's best to call a qualified technician for help for the more complex ones like a refrigerant leak or electrical issues.

Four Seasons Air Specialists is your friendly, trusted HVAC company in Lino Lakes MN. We have teams of HVAC professionals who have been helping homeowners like you effectively restore the comfort in their homes by applying the right solutions to misbehaving air conditioners.

Here are three of the most common AC problems you may come across.

The AC won't turn on.

If your air conditioner shuts down unexpectedly, you need to confirm there is power in your area. Then, check the thermostat's batteries. They may be no longer working, and you need a fresh pair. Dead batteries can cause your air conditioner to shut down without notice. If the batteries are dead, replace them with new ones. If they are still in working condition, make sure the thermostat is in the "cooling" mode or set it to a lower temperature than the outside temperature. 

If you determine that the thermostat isn't the problem, inspect your AC's circuit breaker and set it to the "ON" position. It could be a tripped breaker, and all you have to do is put it back to the right setting. If these fixes don't work out, call an HVAC professional.

The AC releases warm air.

Sometimes, an AC acts up and discharges heated air instead of cold. There can be several reasons for your air conditioner not to release cool air even when running. 

First, check your filter. If you haven't cleaned or replaced your filter in quite a while, there should be a massive collection of dust and debris, causing it to run inefficiently.

After making sure your AC is equipped with a clean filter, set the AC to "COOL" and program the thermostat to your desired temperature. If the problem remains, there may be a refrigerant leak somewhere in the system. Running an air conditioner with low or no refrigerant is dangerous. It can damage other significant parts like the compressor or condenser — not to mention it contributes to the degradation of the environment. To confirm that the refrigerant levels are low, check the larger of the two copper lines that go into the condenser. If the line doesn't sweat and feels cold to touch, it indicates that the AC has an insufficient refrigerant level. Call an HVAC professional to seal any leaks and recharge your AC with the right amount of refrigerant.

Also, check your home's insulation, especially if you have older windows and an attic. These can cause heat to get into your home, so be sure to insulate these areas adequately. If you have any, use blackout curtains to help reduce heat gains. 

Additionally, your ductwork leaks can also make a home feel warm and humid even while the air conditioner is running. This is where you'd want to call a qualified technician because dealing with leaky ducts requires exclusive sets of tools and training.

The AC is too noisy.

An air conditioner is supposed to run quietly and efficiently, especially if you're doing a good job maintaining it. However, when the sounds become too loud for an AC, it means there's a problem. 

So, check the unit and remove anything that blocks its airflow. But if there is no blockage to the system and it's still too loud, there may be loose parts or other unit problems. If your AC is still under warranty, do not attempt to fix it on your own. For your safety, call an authorized AC expert to fix the problem. 

Need Help? Call the AC Maestros

If DIY-ing doesn't work out, call Four Seasons Air Specialists, your reliable Centerville AC repair company. We'd love to help you restore your comfort.