5 Common Air Conditioner Problems

Utah’s hot, dry summer isn’t over yet. If your air conditioner is acting up, the problem could be due to improper installation, poor service procedures, lack of maintenance, or old age. A qualified HVAC technician can surely fix your air conditioner, but try these troubleshooting tips first.

AC Runs But Doesn’t Cool

Do you hear the AC running, but no air flows from the vents? Does the air blowing into your home feel lukewarm? In either case, several problems could be to blame. Your best bet is to clean the unit to improve airflow.

• Turn off the air conditioner at the circuit breaker.
• Rake away debris from around the outdoor unit and trim back encroaching vegetation.
• Gently hose down dirt and debris from the metal fins.
• Return inside and replace the air filter.
• Restore power and run the AC to see if your efforts helped.

If the AC still fails to deliver cold air, the refrigerant may need to be recharged. Only a qualified technician can perform this task.

AC Won’t Turn On

Before you panic, troubleshoot the problem with these tips:

• Double-check that your thermostat is set to “cool,” and turn down the temperature a few degrees.
• Check the electrical panel for any tripped circuit breakers.

If these steps don’t fix the air conditioning problem, your thermostat may be faulty, or the wiring may be loose. It’s best to call a technician to repair your AC.

AC Turns On & Off Repeatedly

This problem, known as short-cycling, can damage the compressor, so don’t ignore it. The system may be overheating, so try replacing the air filter to improve airflow. If this doesn’t work, the thermostat may be calibrated incorrectly, or the air conditioner may be too large for your home. The only fix is to call an HVAC technician to check your thermostat and potentially replace your AC with a properly sized unit.

AC is Making too Much Noise

Squealing sounds may come from a worn-out or poorly aligned belt, while grinding could signal a problem with the motor bearings. If you’re worried about a new noise, turn off your air conditioner and call a technician.

Water is Pooling by the AC

As the AC cools, condensate collects on the evaporator coil, drips into the condensate pan below, and is pumped away. If water is instead pooling around the indoor AC unit, follow these steps:

• Make sure the condensate pump is plugged in and check it for leaks.
• Look for obstructions in the condensate drain line, such as ice or algae.
• Check the evaporator coil for ice buildup. This could indicate a low refrigerant charge requiring a professional’s attention.

If you’re having air conditioning problems, call Parley’s PPM Plumbing, Heating & Cooling without delay! We have over 40 years of experience performing air conditioner repair and providing unparalleled customer service. To schedule a visit, please call 801-877-2184 if you live in Utah County, or reach us at 801-877-2536 if you’re a Salt Lake County resident. You can also contact us online with any questions you have.