Common A/C Problems (And How To Fix Them!)

You need to identify and remedy the problem immediately, either by yourself or with the help of a certified technician.

There are a variety of things that can affect the performance of an A/C system. In this article, we will cover some of the common problems that affect A/C systems along with potential solutions to keep them running at peak performance.

What if the A/C freezes up?

One of the more common A/C problems that people face is the freezing of their system, especially around the coils. There are a few signs that indicate your air conditioner has ice buildup within it, the first being it will stop reaching the desired thermostat temperature. You can simply place your hand over an output vent to determine that the air being pushed out is not nearly as cold as it should be. Additionally, there may be some moisture or even pooling of water near the inside unit. This is caused by a steady drip from a condensation buildup around the coils that froze over due to the system overworking itself trying to keep up. 

Whenever you notice that you’re A/C unit is frozen, turn it off immediately because the added load on the system is putting excess pressure on the compressor which can lead to damage or total failure. 

Here are some DIY solutions for a frozen system,

1. First, find the electrical breakers and turn them off, the repair process can take up to 24 hours.
2. Don’t try to clear the ice using your hands because that could destroy the components.
3. When the condenser and its coils have completely thawed remove all the standing water which may have pooled around the equipment of the A/C unit.
4. When the system is completely thawed, you need to gently dry the coils of the unit.
5. Restore the power to the breakers and turn on the blower and fan only. This will allow the air to circulate through the system and the coils of the AC.
6. You can speed up the whole process using a hairdryer set on low heat. Careful not to place it too close as it can crack the coils.
7. If the problem is still not solved, you will need to call a technician to help diagnose the problem further.

How to keep your system safe from freezing?

Aside from the thawing process of a frozen A/C system, keeping the maintenance up is your best course of action to ensure the system runs optimally. Here are some steps you can take to properly care for an A/C unit:

1. Replace air filters every 20-90 days depending on the occupants in the house. For example, if there are pets in the home this will reduce the lifespan of the filter and require replacement sooner than say a single occupant.
2. The A/C drip line that runs to the exterior of the home should be cleaned monthly with a Wet/Dry vacuum and the same pipe that runs from the inside unit to the exterior should also be flushed with a proper cleaning solution.
3. Finally, keeping the A/C coils themselves clean (inside-and-out) is very important and you will want to enlist the help of a certified HVAC professional

If you do call a professional, rates will vary depending on the amount of work you’re A/C requires. So be sure to get a quote from a few competing companies.

What if the outside fan is not working?

Cause: Typically, the outside fan on the unit will have stopped working due to the motor or the capacitor ceasing up or electrical components burning out. 

Solution: There are several components that contribute to the fan’s operation and replacing one or more parts may be required. For a temporary solution, you can try to manually start the operation of the blades by giving it a needed push (please do not use your hands as injury can occur). Aside from locating replacement parts and installing yourself, a service call to a technician is typically required to fully diagnose the situation.

Signs that you need to replace the A/C unit

Aside from obvious mechanical failure, some other signs that may indicate that the A/C system needs to be replaced are:

Increased Electric Bills: If you notice your electric bill continually creeping up month over month, it’s a clear sign your A/C is working overtime to keep your house cool. The longer it runs to maintain the thermostat’s temperature the higher your bill will be.

Age of the A/C System: The average lifespan of the average central air conditioning system is about 15-20 years. If you’re having continued problems that require service calls and your utility bills are increasing every month, you will want to proactively replace the A/C system. Complete replacement can be costly depending on the size of your home so be sure to receive a number of quotes and inquire about payment plans if needed.