Air conditioning systems are vital in helping homeowners cope with the scorching summer months. They also help to eliminate indoor pollutants, thus maintaining good indoor air quality. Unfortunately, over time, these systems can experience problems. It can be frustrating trying to figure out the root cause of AC issues, especially when you don’t know what to look for. To help you prevent expensive repairs, we’ve rounded up the most common problems AC systems can experience so that you know the warning signs to watch out for.
1. Air Conditioning Unit Running Constantly
If you’ve noticed that your air conditioning unit is constantly running, there is likely an issue with the thermostat, air filters, or compressor. The thermostat may read the room’s temperature incorrectly, which makes the fan run more frequently. Or, the air filters might be clogged, restricting the airflow. Also, the problem could be with the compressor, which is responsible for circulating the refrigerant inside the AC system.
If you encounter this issue, it is best to contact an HVAC technician to diagnose and address the problem correctly and perform an AC repair if necessary. This helps prevent the issue from recurring in the future.
2. Refrigerant or Water Leaks
A water or refrigerant leak is caused by a faulty seal, blocked drainage pipes, damaged refrigerant lines, or defective condensate pumps. The chances of a refrigerant leak are extremely high in homes with older AC systems. Refrigerant leaks are also common in homes with AC units that are not sealed properly.
To effectively mitigate this issue and prevent it from recurring in the future, you should schedule regular checkups with an HVAC technician. Regular HVAC checkups help you to save money in the long run since they prevent the need for complex AC repairs and replacements.
3. Unpleasant Odours Coming From the AC Unit
Unpleasant smells coming from the air conditioning unit are often a cause for concern. Understanding the different odours that emanate from AC units can help you know the root cause of the issue. A musty smell can be due to poor filtration, condensation buildup, or buildup of bacteria and mould.
A burning smell indicates an electrical fault or overheating parts, while a rotten egg odour indicates a gas leak. If these smells persist, you should have an HVAC expert inspect your unit, since burning smells can lead to health concerns or fire outbreaks.
4. Air Conditioner Blowing Warm Air
Canadian summers can get quite hot, so it is essential for your air conditioning system to run at optimum capacity. However, if the unit does not cool the air sufficiently, it could be experiencing low refrigerant levels, or there could be an issue with the thermostat, compressor, or filters.
For starters, the thermostat settings could be incorrect, causing the unit to run at a higher temperature than required. In addition, if the compressor is faulty, it will not be able to effectively pump the refrigerant, causing the unit to blow warm air. On the other hand, clogged air filters restrict airflow. This impedes the cooling process. Additionally, low refrigerant levels might cause the unit to run at a lower capacity, causing it to blow warm air.
If you encounter this problem, it is best to seek the services of an HVAC technician. An HVAC technician will clean your unit’s filters and change the batteries in the thermostat. This ensures your AC unit accurately regulates the temperature in your home.
5. Noises From the AC Unit
Sometimes you might hear rattling, squeaking, clicking, high-pitched hissing, or bubbling sounds coming from your air conditioner. Irregular rattling noises may come from loose parts inside the unit, including the fan, compressor, and blower motor.
High-pitched hisses could result from gas buildups in the compressor, while clicking noises may indicate that fans are obstructed and can’t function properly. On the other hand, bubbling or gurgling sounds may occur due to refrigerant leaks and congested condensate drain lines.
6. Air Conditioning Unit Freezing Up
When the temperatures are extremely high, you might observe ice formations all over the AC coil and the copper piping. The problem may be due to a blocked air intake filter, leaking ducts, refrigerant leaks, or blocked condenser coils. These defects cause the AC unit to overwork to keep up with the excessive summer heat, leading to the formation of ice on the condenser coil.
7. AC Unit Not Starting
If you’ve repeatedly tried to start your AC system, and it fails to respond, there is likely a problem. A tripped circuit breaker may be causing the system to fail to start. Additionally, faulty AC components, such as the thermostat, compressor, blower motor, or fan, could cause the AC unit to break down completely.
Blocked filters and issues with the wiring are also major factors that could prevent the AC unit from turning on. When your AC unit has broken down completely, you are advised to hire an HVAC technician immediately. An HVAC technician will scan your unit’s circuit board and resolve the wiring issues in your system. An HVAC technician will also replace defunct parts and clean your filters to ensure the optimal functioning of your AC unit.
8. Insufficient Flow of Cold Air
You might notice your AC unit is not emitting sufficient cold air even though it is on. This could be a problem with the unit’s thermostat, which regulates temperature and cooling. The air filters may also be clogged, restricting proper airflow.
In addition, your unit’s blower belt might be loose or broken, which impedes the functioning of the blower motor. In other cases, the compressor could be broken, resulting in low refrigerant levels.
9. Air Conditioner Tripping the Circuit Breaker
If the AC trips the circuit breaker, it could be due to several reasons. These include faulty wiring, a damaged capacitor, or a refrigerant leak. In addition, some components in the air conditioner, such as the compressor or blower fan, might be damaged, resulting in a power outage. If your unit has been tripping your circuit breaker frequently, you should hire an HVAC professional to assess the unit to avoid system breakdowns and fire outbreaks.
10. AC Unit’s Fans Are Not Operating
The fans in your air conditioning system play an important role in maintaining appropriate temperatures. When the fans in your system abruptly stop working, it might be due to several reasons, including faulty wiring, a defective blower motor, or folded/crimped blades.
Depending on your AC unit, the fans might be either belt-driven or direct drive. A loose belt can prevent the fan from operating, while a broken belt can crack and lead to vibrations that damage the unit.
Count on the Specialists
Here at Comfort Zone Heating & Air Conditioning, we recognize the importance of air conditioning for your home or business. We have in-depth knowledge, expertise, and state-of-the-art equipment, allowing us to provide our clients with high-quality services for all kinds of AC issues. We have been providing top-notch HVAC and plumbing services to the residents of Cobourg and Northumberland County for over 15 years. Our business is founded on the principles of integrity and reliability. We strive to meet our customers’ expectations with our 24/7 emergency services. We also provide financing options on approved credit. For more information on our services, contact Comfort Zone Heating & Air Conditioning today!
