Air conditioner breakdowns can be a nightmare, especially when you’re sweating bullets in the middle of a heatwave. So, what’s the most common air conditioning repair? Grove Heating & Cooling details some of the most common problems we see with air conditioners each summer.
Faulty Capacitors
Your air conditioner’s capacitors play a vital role in starting the compressor and fan motors. Over time, these components can wear out or fail, resulting in a malfunctioning AC unit. Symptoms of faulty capacitors include difficulty starting the system, frequent tripping of circuit breakers, or warm air blowing from the vents.
Capacitor replacement is a relatively simple and inexpensive air conditioning repair, but it’s essential to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage to your air conditioner.
Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your air conditioning system. It’s responsible for absorbing heat from your indoor air and keeping things cool. However, if there’s a leak in the refrigerant lines, you could be in for some trouble. Low refrigerant levels can cause your AC to blow warm air or fail to deliver enough cool air to keep your home at the desired temperature setting.
If you suspect a refrigerant leak, it’s crucial to call in a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and repair the issue promptly.
Clogged Condensate Drain Line
As your air conditioner operates, it produces condensation that needs to be drained away from the unit. However, if the condensate drain line becomes clogged with dirt, algae, or debris, it can cause water to back up and overflow into your home. Not only can this lead to water damage, but it can also create the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Regularly inspecting and cleaning the condensate drain line can help prevent clogs and keep your air conditioner functioning correctly.
Broken Thermostat
Sometimes, the problem isn’t with your air conditioner itself but with the thermostat that controls it. A malfunctioning thermostat sensor can cause your AC to cycle on and off erratically or fail to blow cold air and maintain the desired temperature. Before assuming the worst, check to see if your thermostat is set correctly and replace the batteries if necessary.
If the issue persists, you may need to replace the thermostat altogether to restore proper functionality to your air conditioner.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
If your air conditioner is blowing warm air or struggling to cool your space effectively, a frozen evaporator coil could be to blame. This typically occurs when there’s restricted airflow due to a dirty air filter, blocked vents, or a malfunctioning blower motor. When the evaporator coils freeze over, your AC won’t be able to absorb heat from the hot air inside your home, resulting in poor cooling performance.
To thaw frozen coils, turn off your air conditioner and let them defrost naturally, then address the underlying issue to prevent it from happening again. Replace the dirty filter and open all vents. If the evaporator coil in your AC system keeps freezing, call our HVAC professionals to find and fix the issue.
Worn Contactor
The contactor is a crucial component that controls the flow of electricity to the compressor and condenser fan motor. Over time, the contact points can become pitted or worn, preventing the unit from turning on properly. Symptoms of a worn contactor include clicking or buzzing sounds coming from the outdoor unit or the system failing to start altogether.
Replacing a worn contactor is a relatively straightforward repair that can restore your air conditioner’s functionality.
Faulty Wiring
Faulty wiring poses a significant risk to the performance and safety of your air conditioning system. Wiring issues can manifest in various ways, such as frayed or exposed wires, a loose electrical connection, or overloaded circuits. When wiring is faulty, it can cause your AC unit to malfunction, fail to start due to electric control failure, or a tripped circuit breaker.
Address any signs of faulty wiring promptly by consulting with a qualified HVAC technician who can inspect, diagnose, and repair the issue to ensure the safe and efficient operation of your air conditioner.
Grove Fixes All Air Conditioner Problems
While common air conditioner repair issues can vary depending on the make and model of your unit, these are some of the most common issues you’re likely to encounter. If your air conditioner fails to keep your home supplied with cold air this summer, contact Grove Heating & Cooling for fast, reliable air conditioning repair services.
