Air Conditioning Troubleshooting: Common A/C Problems

5/25/2015

Air conditioners seem to fail at the worst times. Usually, the reasons for failure are relatively easy to repair or can be prevented with regular maintenance. Don’t panic just yet. Read our air conditioning troubleshooting list to see if any of the following apply to you.

We’ve compiled a list of 3 of the most common A/C problems people experience and what you can do about them.

1. A/C Unit Won’t Turn On

There are several reasons why your air conditioning unit won’t turn on. The first thing to check is your thermostat to make sure it is working properly. A broken thermostat can easily disable an entire A/C system. Click here to read our thermostat troubleshooting guide.

After determining that your thermostat is functioning properly, check your breaker box to see if your air conditioner is receiving power. Flip the switch and try to turn the unit on. If the breaker continues to trip, call in a professional.

If it still won’t turn on, check your filter to see if it is clean and has been installed properly.

Next, check for encroaching vegetation growing around your unit; it could also be a reason your air conditioner has quit. Grass, leaves, and debris can be easily sucked into the vents of your unit and cause damage to the capacitor.

If you suspect this might have happened, you will need to call for service. Even if that is not the cause of your problem, it is a good idea to maintain a minimum 3-foot clearance around your outdoor heat pump for proper air movement.

2. Air Conditioning Unit Noises 

Normal operating noises are normal, but if you are hearing any rattling, shaking, squealing, or rumbling, you should call your professional HVAC technician as soon as possible.

If you hear a squealing sound, it may be coming from a slipped belt in your air handler. The important thing is to turn off your air conditioner and get a professional out to diagnose the situation immediately. You could risk a costly repair if you continue to run a malfunctioning air conditioner.

3. A/C Air is Not Cold

The fan blower comes on, but the air isn’t cold. This could be due to a lack of refrigerant (Freon), in which case you will have to call in a professional.

If you see frost on your evaporator fan, that is an indication that you have a refrigerant problem.

Another cause could be an overflowing or blocked drain pan. Underneath your A/C coils, there is a drain pan that collects condensate from the system. If there is debris of blockage, your system’s performance is affected.

If the lack of cool air you are noticing has been gradual or appears to be fairly minimal, your air conditioner may not be to blame. You could have leaks in your ductwork that are allowing conditioned air to escape. If your ducts are older or tightly constructed you might be a good idea to have your air ducts inspected and sealed.

Anytime your air conditioner fails or you suspect something is mechanically wrong, contact a professional to help you diagnose the problem.

Service Legends offers A/C service and repair to Des Moines and the surrounding area to help prevent costly repairs and unexpected system failure.

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Heating and Cooling Des Moines Since 1997

At Service Legends, we take pride in heating and cooling Des Moines and the surrounding areas. Our HVAC services include furnace and air conditioner installation, repairs, maintenance, and tune-ups. Our lineup of Indoor Air Quality solutions includes whole-home humidifiers, air purifiers, and air filtration systems. We can even help with HVAC financing.

Call 515-657-6634 to contact our Home Comfort Heroes today. We’re standing by 24/7.

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