When this upcoming summer season starts, it’s likely that your family will be relying on your cooling system to stay nice and comfortable. While cooling systems can be great, they do break down from time to time. In fact, homeowners experience many common problems with their air conditioning systems throughout the summertime months.
Constantly Running AC Unit
One issue that may have you worried about how expensive your next energy bill is going to be is that your air conditioning system is constantly running. It’s expected that your system will run more than usual on sweltering summer days, but it shouldn’t be consistently running all of the time. Long cooling cycle issues can be caused by a thermostat issue, a faulty compressor, an airflow restriction, or even a malfunctioning control board.
Thermostat Screen Not Turning On
Another frustrating issue you may experience with the air conditioning system is that it won’t turn on due to a thermostat problem. If your thermostat screen is blank, try changing the batteries or resetting the circuit breaker. If these solutions do not work, you will have to contact a professional to replace your thermostat or diagnose and fix an issue with the wiring that provides electricity to your device.
AC System Not Turning On
It can be extremely frustrating if your thermostat seems to be working, but your cooling system isn’t kicking on as it should. You’ll want to listen to see if you hear a clicking noise. If you hear a clicking noise but your system still won’t fire up, then you likely have a faulty starting capacitor. Your system’s capacitor is responsible for giving your AC motor a high jolt of energy to get it started. You’ll need to have a professional examine your capacitor and replace it with a new one.
No Cold Air
If your home feels warmer than usual, you might instinctively check the air vent to see if cold air is coming out. It’s essential to understand that each room typically has two types of vents: one that supplies cold air and another that returns warm air to the HVAC system.
If you notice no air coming from the supply vent after checking both vents, the issue could be with your blower. The blower is responsible for circulating air through your HVAC system, and if it’s not functioning, it will not push conditioned air into your living spaces. The issue could be a burned-out motor or faulty fan belt that will have to be replaced by a professional.
Alternatively, if air is coming out of the vent but isn’t cold, several issues could be the culprit. First, check that your thermostat is set to cooling mode and at your desired temperature. You should also ensure that your air conditioner’s filter is not clogged because a lack of airflow can interfere with your cooling system’s ability to supply conditioned air. If these quick fixes do not work, it is time to call a professional to address issues like a refrigerant leak.
Pooling Water
While cooling your home your air conditioner also removes excess moisture. On humid days, your system can remove up to 20 gallons of moisture from your house. This moisture drips into the drain pan under your cooling unit. It then drains outside of your home through a condensate line. Unfortunately, this line can become clogged causing water to backup in the drain pan and eventually flow over onto your floor. A professional can usually solve this issue by disassembling your cooling system’s drainage system, clearing the line, and then reassembling it.
Turning On and Off Repeatedly
One frustrating issue homeowners may encounter with their AC unit is short cycling, where the system turns on and off frequently. This can leave your home feeling hot and uncomfortable, as the cooling system isn’t running long enough to complete its cycle to cool your home and remove excess humidity. A clogged air filter could be causing the system to overheat and shut down prematurely. Electrical problems can also cause an AC unit to behave erratically.
Frozen Coils
Low refrigerant levels, dirty filters, or dirty evaporator coils can cause your cooling system to freeze up. The main symptom of a frozen air conditioner is warm air coming from your vents. When you see that your coils are frozen up, heat from the air inside your home can’t be absorbed and transported outdoors. Your cooling system won’t be able to cool your home until the evaporator coil is unfrozen.
For a short-term solution, you can switch the thermostat to fan mode so that warm air from your home blows over the evaporator coil to melt the ice. If you’re in a rush, you can use a hair dryer to help speed up the thawing process. However, it is essential to contact a professional to determine the root cause of the problem and prevent damage to your system.
Frequently Tripping Circuit Breaker
If your air conditioner is not running, it may be due to a tripped circuit breaker. Resetting it will get your cooling system running again. However, continually resetting the breaker is never a good idea. The issue could be faulty wiring that could cause an electrical fire. It’s best to let a professional evaluate the situation and determine the cause of your frequent tripping issue.
Strange Odors
Odors coming from your air conditioning system can indicate that something is awry. If you’re getting a whiff of electrical burn, then you likely have an issue somewhere in your system’s electrical wiring. Alternatively, a mildew smell could indicate that your AC system isn’t draining correctly and mold or algae is growing in its drainage system. If you smell exhaust-like fumes, it could be that something is leaking on the motor or other hot components in your system. Stange odors are a warning sign that it is time to seek the help of an HVAC technician.
Sudden Weird Noises
While your air conditioning system will have some regular operating noises, you should be alarmed if your system starts to make noises that are out of the norm. These can include squealing, grinding, buzzing, and even rattling. If you’re hearing a squealing noise, it’s likely that the blower fan belt is worn and in need of replacement. If you hear a grinding noise, then there could be an issue with your AC motor’s bearings. A rattling noise could indicate that there’s something stuck in the fan housing that is causing damage to the fan blades. A buzzing issue typically means something is wrong with your unit’s electrical connections. Like unusual smells, loud noises indicate that your cooling system needs professional attention.
Expert AC Service
At High 5 Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we have been serving the residents of Golden, CO, and the surrounding areas since 2012. We install, repair, and maintain cooling systems. In addition, we are expert plumbers who provide drain cleaning services and can help you repipe your home or remodel bathrooms and kitchens. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.
