3 Common AC Problems

More than 75% of U.S. households have air conditioning at home. Not only are they great at keeping us cool, but they can also improve air quality by removing pollutants such as pollen and mold.

Like all machines, however, they can break down. To prevent that, it’s highly recommended that you get your AC serviced at least once a year.

Are you having issues with your air conditioning unit? Want to know what some of the most common AC problems are?

If so, you’re at the right place. We’ll be sharing some of the most common scenarios below. Keep reading to learn more!

Your AC Is Blowing Warm or Hot Air

Several things can cause your AC to blow hot air. For example, it may be due to a refrigerant leak; this is often caused by cracks or holes in the coils that circulate the refrigerant. Depending on the damage, you may be able to fix the leaky AC unit by replacing the individual components.

Clogged air filters can also contribute to the problem. More specifically, they can restrict airflow and prevent cool air from circulating throughout your home. That’s why it’s so important to clean or replace the system’s filter once every two months.

Your AC Is Loud

There shouldn’t be any loud noises coming from your air conditioner. If it sounds like it’s struggling, it probably is. For example, an issue with the motor assembly or blower can cause rattling or thumping sounds.

Certain electrical problems such as loose wiring, broken capacitors, and arcing can also cause buzzing noises. The same goes for the fan belt—it can cause squealing and screeching if the bearings give out.

When in doubt, hire an AC technician; they’ll be able to identify and fix the air conditioning problems quickly and efficiently.

Your AC Isn’t Turning On

A tripped circuit breaker can prevent your AC unit from turning on. The good news is that you can easily fix it by restarting the breaker. Once you’ve turned it off, wait a couple of minutes before turning it back on.

If that doesn’t fix the problem, check the thermostat. Make sure that it’s turned on and set to your desired temperature settings. Replace the batteries if necessary.

If your AC still doesn’t turn on, it may be a capacitor issue, in which case, you may need to get it replaced.

Identifying and Fixing AC Problems

Air conditioners aren’t foolproof; they can wear out or break down like any other machine. Fortunately, most of these AC problems have easy fixes so you don’t always have to replace the whole unit.

Did you find this article helpful? For more posts like this, be sure to browse through the rest of our home and garden section!