Most Common AC Problems

20 September 2021
 Categories: , Blog

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You don't have to be an HVAC technician to tell when something is wrong with your AC unit. Most air conditioning problems are visible to the naked eye. Your air conditioning unit will always give you some warning signs if there is a problem. You just have to be alert, and you'll note these signs. Away from the signs, what are the most common AC problems? Read on to lean about common residential ac problems.

Refrigerant Leak

When the coolant in your refrigerant starts leaking, you'll have plenty of issues to deal with, including:

  • Uneven cooling
  • Coil freezing
  • High energy bills
  • Low efficiency
  • Damaged compressor

All these problems come as a result of Freon leaking from your AC. As such, you need an air conditioning repair service to have the leak sealed, and the Freon refilled to its original level. If you notice your refrigerant leaking, switch off the unit as low Freon levels can damage the compressor severely.

Weird Noises

Air conditioners are naturally quiet when running. Therefore, you should know your unit has a problem if it starts making unusual noises. AC units tend to make different sounds depending on the problem. 

For instance, it can produce a hissing sound if there is a refrigerant leak. If the blower and motor have problems, they'll produce banging, thumping, and rattling noises. Other noises you should know include buzzing, clicking, and screeching. As long as an unusual sound is coming from your AC, don't hesitate to call your air conditioner repair expert.

Water Leaks

Another common problem you might encounter is water leaking from your unit. In most cases, it will leak from the outside. Water leaks often happen because of the following issues:

  • Low coolant levels
  • Improper installation
  • Blocked drain pipe
  • Dirty or clogged air filters
  • Broken condensate pan

Spotting water leaks is pretty easy because you'll see a puddle of water around your unit.

Frozen Condenser Coils

Condenser coils are responsible for releasing heat absorbed from your home into the outdoor air. If these coils become frozen, they'll impede the process and fail to cool your space. As such, you need to turn off the AC and allow the coils to thaw. You can speed up the process by activating the "fan only" setting. You might have to call a professional if that method fails to work. In most cases, freezing is always linked to the following issues:

  • Dirty coils
  • Dirty air filters
  • Refrigerant leaks
  • Clogged drain line

Other problems that need to be checked by an air conditioning repair expert include:

  • Short cycling
  • Weird smells coming from the unit
  • AC running constantly
  • No cool air flowing
  • AC not turning on

For more information about common problems with residential AC units, contact an HVAC provider in your area.