5 Common AC Problems and Solutions

Not all air conditioning problems require an expensive repair or replacement.

Depending on the complexity of the problem, some of the most common problems can be solved in minutes by an HVAC technician or the homeowner.

Below we’ve listed the five most common AC problems faced by homeowners and their possible solutions:

1. Your Air Conditioner Shuts Off Too Quickly – In order to stay cool, you shouldn’t have to crank your air conditioner well below the threshold of your average household. For example, if you like to keep your home at 70 degrees Fahrenheit, then you shouldn’t have to set it to 67 or 66 in order to help your home actually feel cool.
   1. Solution: Make sure your thermostat is properly positioned in your home and has new batteries. If your thermostat is located below a vent or evaporator coil, it will not be able to tell the true temperature inside your home.

That’s why you need to place your thermostat in a central location away from sources that could affect its temperature reading. If the thermostat’s placement nor battery life are the cause, then you could be facing a frozen evaporator coil or malfunctioning system. Both of these issues should be addressed by an HVAC professional.

2. There Is Warm Or Nonexistent Air Flow While Your System Is On – Nothing is worse than hot air blowing on a balmy summer day. While this can be alarming to most homeowners, there are a couple of ways you could quickly fix this problem.
   1. Solution: Your cooling system might need more freon added to it. Adding more of this chemical solution to your air conditioner will help it produce cool air around your home. A professional HVAC technician should replenish this solution to your system for you.

Your system’s dirty filter could also be restricting cool air flow. If it’s been more than 6 months since you replaced your system’s air filter, then you should change that as soon as possible. If you feel cold air blowing from your vents again, then there will be no need to call a heating and cooling expert for help.

3. Water Is Leaking From Your System’s Drain Line – This leak is likely due to a clogged pipe, which can happen if mold, algae, or other allergens form inside the drain pipe. If this isn’t addressed sooner rather than later, this problem can create foul odors that linger throughout your home.
   1. Solution: Routinely clean and maintain your AC’s drain pipe. If you’re unable to clean it, then you should ask an HVAC professional to do so for you.
4. The Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On – To keep you and your family safe, an air conditioner has a few different parts and energy sources that help it operate. This includes your thermostat, electrical panel, and the cooling system itself. If one of those sources is disrupted then the entire system will shut down.
   1. Solution: Check your thermostat’s batteries and the circuit breaker. If your thermostat is still on, then it’s possible that your circuit breaker has tripped. Resetting the breaker can possibly turn your AC back on. If it hasn’t tripped nor turned back on after a potential reset, then you should contact a local HVAC company.
5. Loud Noises Or Banging Can Be Heard While Your System Is Running – More often than not, this means there is a broken or lost part within your cooling system. You can inspect the outside of your air conditioning system when this happens, but any internal checks should be done by a professional.
   1. Solution: Contact a trusted HVAC professional as soon as possible.

Professional Heating and Cooling in Redmond, Oregon

If your air conditioner is failing to keep your home cool, turn to the experts at Ponderosa Heating & Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical. For over 30 years, our team has provided reliable AC repairs, replacements and maintenance to Central Oregon’s residents.

Call us today at 541-549-1605 to schedule an appointment.