If you’re wondering whether you should hire an air conditioning contractor, there are a few tell-tale signs to watch for. Repairs on your air conditioner can be expensive if they are left unchecked. Regularly serving your unit can save you a lot of money in the long run.
From leaks to the unit blowing hot air, this guide has everything you need to know about common air conditioner problems. Here’s a round-up of the 10 main reasons you should call your local HVAC contractors.
- Air Conditioning Isn’t Blowing Cold Air
If your air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air, it’s probably due to a dirty air filter. Switching out your filter with a clean one from filterbuy.com will help get the cold air flowing again. When a filter is too dirty, it blocks the airflow.
Dirty filters can cause your condenser to freeze up. This limits the power of your air conditioner. To help keep the cold air blowing properly, change your air filter each month.
- Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On
If your air conditioner won’t turn on, you may be able to fix this yourself. Start by checking the batteries in your thermostat. If they are dead, a fresh set of batteries could solve the problem.
Next, make sure your thermostat is on the cooling setting. If it’s in cool mode, adjust the temperature, and see if it kicks on. If neither of these solutions works, check your circuit breaker. If you’re still having issues, it could be time to call an HVAC contractor.
- Unit is Freezing Up Outside
An air conditioner can freeze for a number of reasons. Insufficient airflow, cold temperatures outside, low levels of coolant, and problems with the blower motor are just a few.
If you see ice building up, frost developing, or condensation, these are all signs of a problem. Heating and air conditioning contractors can easily detect where the trouble is and remedy it.
- Refrigerant Leak
If you notice your unit isn’t performing well, an AC refrigerant leak could be to blame. When the coolant is leaking, you’ll notice a few easy to spot problems.
A few signs to watch for include poor efficiency, more power being used, a frozen coil, compressor damage, and uneven cooling. You can easily inspect your AC unit for leaks if you suspect a problem. Regular inspections and maintenance can usually spot a leak before it gets too bad.
- Running Loudly
While an air conditioning unit makes sounds for different reasons, there are a few specific ones that can signal a problem. If you have a refrigerant leak, you’ll notice a hissing sound. A relay problem is signaled by clicking each time you turn your air conditioner on and off.
Rattling, banging, and thumping will usually mean you have a motor assembly or blower problem. A screeching noise will produce a fan motor or compressor. If you hear a buzzing sound, this could mean you have a faulty electrical component.
- Evaporator Coil is Frozen
When your evaporator coil freezes, it won’t receive sufficient airflow. It won’t be able to function and cool. When you have a frozen coil, your air conditioner will also freeze and stop working.
A dirty air filter or blocked duct and vent could cause insufficient airflow. A frozen coil could also impact your indoor air quality. You need your air filter to be working correctly to have clean air.
- Electrical Control Failure
When you are constantly turning your air conditioner on, the compressor fan can wear out. The compressor fan, condenser fan, and the blower motor all have an electrical connection to start the air conditioning unit. When you have a problem with your connection, it could stop the compressor and the motor from turning on.
To make sure your electrical connections are in working order, have them checked through regular service and maintenance. Check these connections to determine the electrical issues you’re having.
- Air Conditioner Leaks Water Outside
On a humid day, you may see water leaking from the outside. This is normal in the heat. On a cool day, you could also see water leaking outside.
This could be from the temperature dropping below 60 degrees. The unit may have frozen and then thawed.
Once your unit has thawed, you’ll see water melt as the air conditioner continues to leak. Other reasons for your air conditioner leaking include a dirty air filter, a blocked drainpipe, poor installation, low levels of coolant, and a broken condensate pan. These are all checked during a routine maintenance inspection.
- Drain Problem
A drainpipe can be clogged easily. Dust, dirt, and algae can all clog a drainpipe.
When the water doesn’t drain, mildew, mold, and fungus, can develop. This can lead to gas and bad odors filtering inside of your home.
To keep your drainpipe clean, inspect it regularly. You should also double-check that your unit is mounted correctly. If your air conditioner isn’t level it might not drain well.
- Sensor Problem
There is a thermostat sensor on the evaporator coil of your air conditioner. To adjust the temperature and the amount of cooling, your thermostat will measure the temperature of the air in your evaporating coil. This will adjust the temperature of the room.
The air conditioner may turn off or on throughout a cycle if the sensor is knocked out of place. An HVAC professional can see if the sensor is out of place or out of order.
The sensor should always be near the evaporator coil but not touching it. Bend the wire to adjust the sensor yourself.
Why Hire an Air Conditioning Contractor?
There are some things that should always be left to the professionals. When it comes to cooling your home, hiring an air conditioning contractor is always the safest bet. Whether your unit has a dirty filter or a leak, even the smallest problems can cost you in the long run.
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