A hot summer day is one of the worst times an air conditioning unit can fail. But if Murphy’s Law has anything to say, your A/C will end up failing on one of the hottest days of the year, leaving you scrambling to find a resolution as you overheat.
Thankfully, some air conditioner problems don’t necessarily require extensive work on your end, so if you’re having an A/C issue, you may be able to fix it on your own. But which issues don’t typically require the help of a pro? Read on to learn about the most common A/C problems you’re likely to encounter and how you should handle them.
While you’re here, check out our eight-step checklist for getting your air conditioner ready to handle the summer heat.
Faulty or Improperly Programmed Thermostat
Quite possibly the easiest fix for a problematic air conditioner is checking the thermostat settings. If your air conditioning unit won't turn on or if there is hot or warm air coming out of your vents, your thermostat could be the culprit.
To solve this issue, make sure your thermostat is set to COOL, not HEAT. If the device is already on the appropriate setting and your A/C is still having issues cooling your home, there’s a chance your thermostat is damaged or has failed. Call an a/c repair specialist to verify whether that’s the case, and if it is, you’ll need to have the device replaced.
Blocked Vents
If your thermostat doesn’t appear to be the problem, start checking the a/c vents themselves. Make sure there are no pieces of furniture or decor in front of the vent openings as even a rug or relatively small chair can easily prevent cool air from exiting the vents and circulating throughout your home.
Potential problems with your blower motor, damage to your compressor, water coming from your air conditioner, ice on your refrigerant lines, or frozen coils can also be caused by blocked vents. Before you call in a heating and cooling pro to inspect any of these a/c components for issues, double-check that every vent in your home is at least halfway open. If any are more than 50% closed, open them up to see if that solves the problem.
Filthy Filters
A dirty filter can easily cause air conditioner problems, but luckily, this is an incredibly easy fix. If your filter looks clogged or downright filthy, replace it as soon as possible. A dirty filter essentially suffocates your HVAC system, which makes it more difficult for your air conditioner and heating unit to pump cold or warm air into your home.
While a dirty filter might not seem that pressing of a problem, it can actually lead to complete system failure if you let it sit long enough. If you're seeing higher-than-expected energy bills, inadequate cooling, water leaking from the air conditioning unit, frozen evaporator coils, ice on your refrigerant lines, or low airflow coming from vents, your filter may be the culprit.
Flipped Circuit
Checking your circuit breaker could be another solution to your problem. Go to your home's electrical panel and check for any circuit breakers that could be flipped to the OFF position. If the air conditioning unit was tripped, try turning it on again.
If the circuit immediately flips when you try to try to get your a/c unit back up and running, call in a heating and cooling professional because there could be a larger electrical issue going on.
Frozen A/C Coil
A frozen coil is one of the most common reasons air conditioning units stop blowing cold air. And while this might sound like a complicated problem, it’s actually fairly simple to remedy, and there’s a chance you can handle the job on your own, depending on what caused the freeze.
Typically, a frozen coil develops when one or more of the following issues are present:
● Outdoor temperatures dropped significantly overnight and condensation the coil solidified.
● The a/c unit has damaged or broken parts.
● The a/c unit is leaking refrigerant.
● Blocked, closed, or leaky vents are restricting airflow through the HVAC system.
If you know it was super cold out the night before your a/c started having problems, try setting your thermostat to AUTO to melt the ice that’s likely on the coil. If that doesn’t work, look for debris around or inside the a/c unit that could be interfering with proper airflow. If you find anything, clean it up. Ensure your vents are open far enough to allow for adequate airflow, and if that still doesn’t work, you’ll likely need to call in a pro.
Refrigerant leaks and leaky ductwork can cause your a/c unit to work much harder than necessary, which can result in a frozen coil. Both of these problems require a professional diagnosis and more extensive repairs, so you shouldn’t attempt either of these fixes on your own.
If your air conditioner has problems more than frequently than you think is normal, there’s a good chance it needs to be replaced. Check out Air Conditioner Repair vs. Replacement: Which Is More Cost-Effective for an Aging Unit? to learn more.
Need a Reliable Air Conditioner Repair Specialist Near Wisconsin Rapids?
If your a/c unit starts acting up this summer, don’t hesitate to call our team at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating for help! We specialize in full-service air conditioner repair and replacement and serve Wisconsin Rapids, Wausau, Stevens Point, Marshfield, and the surrounding areas.
To learn more about our services or schedule an appointment, feel free to give us a call today at 715-421-1800. You can also request a service estimate online, and we’ll be in touch with additional information.