If you’re a DIYer, fixing things around your home gives you a sense of pride. But if your AC unit stops working, don’t try to fix it yourself!
A qualified professional knows what to look for and how to make the necessary repairs. Let’s take a look at some common AC repair problems and what you can do about them.
Getting Cold Air
If the AC starts out blowing cool air but then sputters or stops completely, it may have a refrigerant leak. A professional will check the system for this issue and repair or replace it as needed.
A dirty compressor can also cause an AC to stop working properly. The outdoor unit takes in hot air from your home to cool it, and dirt, leaves, and grass clippings can build up inside the evaporator coil and prevent it from cooling the air as it passes over it.
If your AC doesn’t produce cold air, try checking simple things like making sure it’s plugged in correctly and that the power cord can support its voltage needs. A tripped breaker can also cut power to your unit, so check the electrical panel and reset it as necessary.
Faulty Thermostat Settings
Over time, the electrical wires that send signals from your thermostat to your air conditioner, furnace and heat pump can shift or become loose. When this happens, the system may begin to misread temperature settings and cycle on and off at random. A professional should be consulted for a thorough inspection of the unit and the surrounding area. Thermostats should be located away from sunlight, drafty doorways or windows and large obstructions like furniture.
If your thermostat isn’t working, you should start by replacing the batteries. If it still doesn’t respond, a tripped circuit breaker might be to blame. Check the switch in your home’s electrical box and reset it if necessary. Then, if your AC won’t turn off, contact a technician for assistance.
Faulty Condenser Fan
The AC fan and compressor run on electrical power. If something goes wrong with these motors, the air conditioner will not cool. The fan motor is especially important, as it helps to shed heat from the condenser coils.
To check if the fan is working, listen for a humming sound or go outside and look for the fan blades to be moving. If the fan isn’t spinning, a faulty capacitor is likely to blame.
If you can, locate the capacitor and inspect it visually. If it’s swollen or leaking, you should get a new one immediately. You may also want to conduct an ohm test on the capacitor windings if you feel comfortable handling electricity. The windings should read 0 ohms when the capacitor is good.
Faulty Compressor
The compressor is like the heart of your AC system, circulating refrigerant gas throughout the system so it can remove heat and humidity. A failing compressor can cause many problems, and if ignored it will only continue to worsen.
One of the most common signs of a failing compressor is if the unit frequently trips the circuit breaker. This happens because the compressor is using too much power and drawing too much energy from the system. If the problem continues, contact a professional to inspect and repair the unit.
Another sign is if you hear a chattering sound when the unit turns on. This could mean the compressor relay switch is wearing out and needs to be replaced. This is advanced work and should only be done by a qualified HVAC professional.
Faulty Ductwork
Ducts are vital to a well-working HVAC system as they conduct air from the heating and cooling unit to various parts of the home. Over time ducts can get damaged causing poor air flow throughout the house. This causes a strain on the AC system that could lead to mechanical damage that requires expensive repair work.
Gaps and holes in ductwork allow heated or cooled air to leak into the walls, attic or crawlspace where it shouldn’t. This affects the efficiency of your HVAC system and leads to high energy bills.
Faulty ducts can also allow musty odors to enter your home. These odors are caused by mold and mildew growth inside ductwork. Duct replacement or sealing helps reduce these odors and improves indoor air quality.