Common AC Problems Homeowners Face

As with other types of home appliances, an air conditioner is subject to failure, and sometimes suddenly. Finding out why can be a challenge. At Comfort By Design, we are your source for an array of HVAC and plumbing services, including installation and repair, to maintain and enhance your indoor comfort.

Let’s look at some of the most common air conditioning issues that affect homeowners:

1. Clogged Filter

One of the most common reasons for AC failure is a clogged filter. As a filter gradually becomes dirtier, it accumulates material that inhibits air from flowing through the air conditioner, which in turn hinders the AC unit from functioning efficiently to cool the home. A clogged air filter can also prevent the coils from effectively absorbing heat.

2. Low or Leaking Refrigerant

Freon, or refrigerant, cools the air in the AC system. When this substance is low or leaks, the AC cannot cool the home effectively. Causes for low levels of refrigerant can include an undercharged AC during installation or a leak in the refrigerant system.

3. Dirty Registers

Failing to clean the registers regularly can cause them to accumulate with excessive dirt and dust that prevents the air from the AC making its way into the room of your home efficiently.

4. Exterior Fan Not Working

The outside fan of an air conditioner removes hot air and sends it to the outside. If the fan of an air conditioner stops working, the AC compressor may overheat.

5. Frozen or Dirty Coils

Coils can accumulate dirt over time, inhibiting their efficient operation. Maintaining a clean AC filter can help keep the coils clean, but they can still have problems on their own. Coils can also freeze over if your AC system has an excessive amount of refrigerant.

6. Thermostat Problems

The air conditioner may not turn on if the thermostat is not working properly, either due to dead batteries or another issue. An experienced AC professional can make sure any new thermostat installed is compatible for your HVAC system. Otherwise it could result in circuit board failure.

7. Tripped Circuit Breaker

An air conditioner may trip the circuit breaker for a number of different reasons. These include:

• Lack of refrigerant overheating the AC unit
• Clogged air filter blocking airflow
• Dirty condenser coils hindering airflow
• Loose or worn out electrical connections
• Broken condenser fan motor causing coils to overheat
• Faulty wiring
• Compressor pulling too much power
• Malfunctioning blower motor
• Failed capacitor will not start the compressor

For information about our HVAC and plumbing services, or to request a AC repair and maintenance service appointment, give us a call today at 719.374.1776 or complete our contact form.