Common A/C Problems

October 04, 2023

---

Problems with your air conditioning can affect your comfort and increase your utility bills. This article explains how to recognize and repair some of the most common A/C problems, as well as how to know that it’s time to call a professional for help.

Air conditioning problems can range in severity from drops in efficiency to complete breakdowns, raising the cost of cooling and affecting your comfort at home. Learning to identify and troubleshoot some of the most common air conditioning problems can help you recognize when you can step in to address a problem, and when you need to call in an A/C professional for help. Regardless of their severity, taking care of A/C issues quickly will ensure you enjoy trouble-free and low-cost cooling every day of the year.

Drainage Problems

Your air conditioner creates water runoff as it cools your home. This excess water is due to the moisture-extracting properties of air conditioning, which helps to keep your Jacksonville home both cool and dry when the temperature and humidity levels outside are high. When your air conditioner’s drain line becomes clogged or damaged, it could cause leaks, flooding, and interruptions in the unit’s function. If you’re having trouble getting your air conditioner to turn on and stay on, check the drain line on the indoor evaporator unit, which is located near the bottom of the appliance. Also look for signs of standing water or leaks around your air conditioner. If you suspect a clog, turn off your A/C and try cleaning out the drain hole with a piece of wire or a pipe cleaner. Additionally, check any plumbing line that runs away from your air conditioner for cracks or leaks; have the damage repaired immediately by a professional if you spot it. If the appliance is still leaking or your A/C won’t turn on, call in an HVAC expert for help.

Refrigerant Leaks

Air conditioners use refrigerant to transport heat from indoor air to the outside. Under normal conditions, your air conditioner’s refrigerant levels should remain stable. However, a leak in the refrigerant line could cause your system to lose refrigerant and suffer from poor performance over time. Check the refrigerant lines both inside and outside your home for damage; if you spot a leak, don’t try to handle it yourself. Always call in an HVAC professional to help you with refrigerant issues, as a refrigerant can be hazardous to handle and must be disposed of properly.

Electrical Problems

Modern air conditioners and digital thermostats incorporate a number of sensors and other electrical components. When these components become worn, damaged, or are knocked out of place, it can affect your air conditioner’s performance. Electrical problems may cause the air conditioner’s fan to fail, resulting in a complete loss of cooling. Sensor problems can read the temperature inside your home incorrectly, causing your air conditioner to turn on too frequently or not as often to compensate. If you suspect your air conditioner may have an electrical problem, it’s best to call your HVAC service for a professional inspection. Cleaning your system regularly and scheduling biannual tune-ups can also help to prevent electrical problems by keeping the interior of your air conditioner and its electrical components free of dirt, dust, and moisture, which can cause electrical parts to fail or corrode.

Whether you need to schedule a regular maintenance visit or are experiencing A/C problems that affect your home comfort, a qualified air conditioning professional can provide the service and advice you need to achieve efficient home cooling. Please visit our website to find out more about air conditioning maintenance, repair, and replacement in Florida, or check out our new blog for up-to-date HVAC information and tips.