5 Most Common Air Conditioner Problems—And How to Repair Them

Having your air conditioner break down in the middle of the summer can be frustrating—especially because most repair companies are extremely busy during these times. Now that the hot climate is slowly shifting away, it may be the perfect time to get the air conditioning repair that you need. 

Maybe you noticed that your air conditioning system started making strange noises or blowing an occasionally warm current, but as long as it kept working, you put it under the rug. However, if you want to keep it in top shape for the next season, now it’s time to get up-to-date with those repairs. 

To help you with that, here are some common AC issues and what you can do to resolve them.

5 Common Air Conditioner Problems  

1. Unit Is Blowing Warm Air  

You don’t need an expert repair company to tell you that your AC unit blowing warm air is a bad sign—If you’re looking to refresh yourself after a tiring day, you can see for yourself how this may be worrying. 

There are a few reasons why an air conditioner might blow warm air: perhaps the air filter is clogged, which prevents airflow, or the thermostat is misaligned. Low refrigerant levels can also be a common cause, as they can hinder the system’s ability to cool down efficiently.  

Check the settings to make sure the fan is set to “auto” rather than “on” and that the thermostat is set to “cool.” Then, inspect the air filter: The system may blow warm air if the air filter is blocked or unclean. 

As a rule of thumb, you should be replacing your filters every 2-3 months. 

2. Weak Airflow from Vents 

Weak airflow from your air vents can stress your air conditioner by making it work harder than necessary, which could result in more internal parts wearing out. If airflow is restricted for an extended period of time, the system may overheat, and the compressor may sustain damage. 

So, once again, check the filter and make sure that it’s not dirty or clogged, restricting the flow of air. You should also inspect the ductwork for any blockages, be it debris or damaged areas, and ensure all the connections are well-sealed. 

3. Strange Noises 

Your air conditioning system making strange noises is not only bothersome, but it’s also an indicator that something isn’t right. Some common sounds are: 

• Buzzing or humming noises are typically indicators of electrical problems, such as loose wiring or a failing capacitor. 

• Sounds coming from the system, like rattling and banging, could indicate that a fan blade or motor mount is loose.  

• An issue with the fan belt or blower motor is frequently indicated by a high-pitched squeal.  

To prevent additional damage in these situations, turn off the unit and get in touch with a professional. With the AC unit turned off, you can also inspect the condenser fan blades for any signs of obstruction. 

4. Leaking Water 

It is never a good idea to have water collecting around your air conditioner. Water leaks from air conditioners can seriously harm your house’s HVAC system, including the insulation and electrical system, necessitating costly repairs. 

Start by inspecting the condensate drain line. If it is clogged, try using a wet/dry vacuum to clear it, as water may back up and leak out of the unit. 

Examine the drain pan as well. It gathers water that falls from the indoor unit’s evaporator coil. A clog can occur when debris and algae accumulate in the drain pan over time. 

5. System Won’t Turn On  

An air conditioner that won’t turn on can often be fixed by checking the thermostat and power settings. Before panicking, check if your remote control’s batteries are still alive. They might be dead, so try replacing them.

Need Air Conditioning Repair? 

If the system still doesn’t work, it may be time to call an expert. Trying home repairs may be risky and lead to even more costly repairs. Besides checking all the things we’ve mentioned, here at Summers and Zim’s, we’ll perform system maintenance and ensure everything is working as it should, so reach out!