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Troubleshooting Air Conditioning: 9 Most Common Problems & Solutions

Troubleshooting Air Conditioning: 9 Most Common Problems & Solutions

Table of Contents

  1. Here are 9 Common AC Problems and Their Solutions
    1. Is your AC not Cooling Enough?
    2. Is your AC Making Strange Noises?
    3. Is your AC Leaking Water?
    4. Is your AC not Blowing Cold Air?
    5. Is your AC Freezing Up?
    6. Is your AC not Dehumidifying?
    7. Is your AC Keeps Tripping Off Abruptly?
    8. Is your AC not Working At All?
    9. Does your AC Smell Bad?

Air conditioners are essential for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment, particularly during hot summer months. However, like any complex system, air conditioners can sometimes encounter issues that hinder their performance. Understanding the basics of troubleshooting common air conditioning problems can help you identify and resolve issues efficiently, ensuring that your cooling system operates effectively and efficiently. In this guide, we will explore some common troubleshooting steps to help you diagnose and address potential problems with your air conditioner, allowing you to enjoy optimal comfort in your home or office space.

Here are 9 Common AC Problems and Their Solutions

1. Is your AC not Cooling Enough?

Picture this: it’s a scorching summer day, and despite your AC running, you’re still sweating. In such a scenario, the first step is to check whether your air filter is clean and tidy. If the filter is dirty, the airflow will be blocked and the AC won’t be able to effectively chill the space. Also, look for any signs of low refrigerant levels because they will make it difficult for the AC to deliver sufficient cooling. You need an HVAC air conditioning technician to refill and maintain refrigerant levels in case of low refrigerant levels.

2. Is your AC Making Strange Noises?

Imagine this scenario: It’s a hot summer evening, and you’re enjoying the cool comfort of your home with the AC running. Suddenly, you start to notice peculiar noises coming from the AC unit. This situation can be unsettling but don’t panic. The first step is to locate the source of the noise. Some noises that your AC indicate a problem include:

  • Squealing: Indicates the problem with the compressor. In this case, look for loose screws and tighten them
  • Rattling: Indicates the problem with the fan. In this case, clean the fan, and remove any debris.
  • Humming: Indicates the problem with the motor. Try lubricating motor bearings

If still hear any strange noises coming from your AC, it is best to have it checked by a qualified HVAC technician from your air conditioning maintenance company.

3. Is your AC Leaking Water?

Imagine yourself in your office, trying to remain productive despite rising temps. Water suddenly drips from the ceiling or pools around the air conditioning vents. This circumstance can be upsetting and dangerous on the job. You can, however, take efforts to solve the problem and create a comfortable and functional workstation. It could indicate an issue. The following are some common reasons for AC water leaks:

  • Dirty air filter: A dirty filter restricts airflow and reduces AC efficiency. It is cleanable with a brush and water.
  • Blocked drain line: A blocked drain line might prevent condensed water from draining correctly, causing it to flow out of the unit. Clean or replace the drain line to get rid of it. Check for an ice-forming evaporation coil and ensure proper drainage.
  • Defective compressor: A faulty compressor might cause refrigerant to seep out of the unit. To resolve this typical AC issue, contact a local AC service. If the condition is severe, replacing the compressor is preferable to repairing it.

If your AC still leaks water or bright-coloured liquid, it is essential to get it checked by an HVAC technician as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

4. Is your AC not Blowing Cold Air?

You turn on your air conditioner after a long day to escape the heat. However, the air coming out of the vents is not as cool as it should be. This might be frustrating, especially if you rely on the AC for much-needed cooling. But don’t worry; there are steps you can do to resolve the problem. You can look into a few things. To begin, ensure sure the thermostat is adjusted to a comfortable temperature. Make sure the air conditioning is on. If the air conditioner is turned on and the thermostat is set to a cool temperature, but the air is not cold, this could indicate a problem with the refrigerant levels. One possibility of a low refrigeration level is incorrect installation. Call for air conditioning installation service to recheck if there is a chance of installation error, causing a leak of refrigerant liquid. 

5. Is your AC Freezing Up?

You recently moved into a new apartment and noticed that the AC is running, but it’s not cooling the room in fact you are observing freezing on different parts of the AC. If you decide to troubleshoot the issue yourself there are a few things you can check. First, make sure the Fan mode is on and let it thaw until the ice melts. and then check whether the air filter is clean or not. If the filter is dirty, it will restrict airflow and eventually AC Freeze up again.  After this DIY,  if still AC is not working perfectly, it could be a sign of a serious problem with the unit. Get immediate professional help from an HVAC technician expert from your air conditioning service company for immediate solutions.

6. Is your AC not Dehumidifying?

You are about to sleep and suddenly notice that her AC is not effectively dehumidifying the home. The indoor air feels sticky and there is excess moisture in the air, causing discomfort. If your AC is not dehumidifying, it could indicate a problem with the refrigerant levels. Low refrigerant levels can prevent the AC from removing moisture from the air. If left unresolved it could further damage another part of the AC and might affect the compressor. This could be an expensive and tricky situation if mishandled. Always remember, any problem related to refrigeration levels needs attention from an HVAC technical expert from your air conditioning repair company.

7. Is your AC Keeps Tripping Off Abruptly?

You have a guest in your home and your AC keeps tripping off abruptly every time you try switching on, causing intermittent cooling and discomfort to guests in your home. It can be because of a variety of issues including power surges, dirty filters or coils, low refrigerant, compressor failure, issues with circuit breaker and capacitor failure. Once you notice the problem, turn off the AC. Don’t try to reset the breaker it can cause fire outrage. It is better to call a professional from an air conditioning service company and get it solves doing this on time will increase the lifespan of the AC.

8. Is your AC not Working At All?

You arrive home after a long day to find that your AC is not working at all. You notice that there is no airflow, and the Air Conditioning unit does not respond to any commands from the thermostat, it could be a sign of a serious problem. Some common causes of ACs not working at all include:

  • Power outage: If there is a power outage, the AC will not work.
  • Thermostat problem: If the thermostat is not working properly, it will not send a signal to the AC to turn on.
  • Compressor problem: A faulty compressor will stop the AC from working.

If your AC is not working at all, it is important to have it checked by a qualified HVAC technician from an air conditioning maintenance company as soon as possible.

9. Does your AC Smell Bad?

Imagine: you own a famous restaurant and suddenly customers begin to complain about an unpleasant odour coming from the AC system, it could be a sign of a problem. Some common causes of ACs smelling bad include:

  • Dirty air filter: A dirty air filter can trap bacteria and mould, which can cause a foul odour.In such cases, clean or replace air filters.
  • Obstructed drain line: A obstructed drain line can cause a water trap inside the unit, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and mould. It is advisable to clear and disinfect the drain line.
  • Bad compressor: Bad compressors can release harmful chemicals into the air, which can cause a foul odour. Use an anti-bacterial solution to clear ducts and consider installing an air purifier and UV light system.

If your AC smells terrible, it is important to have it cleaned and disinfected by a qualified technician.

Following these tips, you can troubleshoot common air conditioning problems and keep your AC running smoothly. Remember, if you’re unsure or uncomfortable performing any troubleshooting steps, it’s best to contact a professional HVAC technician from Hamilton Air Conditioning, an Air conditioning service company for assistance. They have the expertise to diagnose and resolve air conditioning issues effectively.

Matthew Connery
By: Matthew Connery

Matthew Connery is the Director of Hamilton Air Conditioning in London. He is a skilled Business Strategist who delivers energy-efficient and cost-saving solutions to commercial and domestic clients from leading air conditioning brands. 

Jun 14 2023