5 Most Common Air Conditioner Problems and How to Fix Them

June 26, 2020

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    Air conditioners are wonderful devices that make our lives infinitely more comfortable and even protect us during allergy seasons. However, like all mechanical devices, they suffer from normal wear and tear which eventually causes them to break down.

    While most of these problems can be avoided by regularly maintaining your air conditioning system, the reality is that many Americans are inconsistent when it comes to AC maintenance. As a result, sooner or later their AC systems suffer malfunctions that require the attention of professional Chandler, AZ AC repair technicians.

    In the following article, we’ll look at some of the most common issues an AC system might have, and tell you how to deal with them in the most effective manner possible. Read on.

    What are common problems with air conditioners?

    At the end of the day, air conditioners are machines like any other: even top quality ACs will eventually start acting up in some way.

    Here are 5 of the most frequently encountered AC problems:

    1. The outside unit is freezing up

    This can be caused by a variety of different factors. Some are easy to identify, but others can only be diagnosed by an expert.

    They include:

    • Faulty blower motor
    • Low outside temperatures
    • Not enough airflow
    • Stuck contactor
    • Low coolant levels

    2. It won’t turn on

    If your air conditioner refuses to power up or doesn’t work properly, take a moment to check the thermostat batteries. If the batteries are dead, replace them. If they’re good, make sure the cooling mode is turned on. If none of that helps, check if the circuit breaker has tripped.

    3. It’s not blowing cold air

    Clogged air filters are the most common cause behind ACs that just refuse to blow cold air. Open the front panel and check the filters. If they have a lot of dust on them, it’s probably time to change them or have them cleaned by a professional.

    4. It’s making strange sounds

    Air conditioner malfunctions can often be identified based on the strange noises your AC produces.

    Listen for the following:

    • A screeching sound may be a sign of a problematic fan motor or compressor.
    • Clicking noises when turning your AC off and on may indicate a problem with the relay.
    • Buzzing sounds occur when the electrical components are malfunctioning.
    • Banging, rattling, and thumping sounds are often produced by a faulty motor or blower assembly.
    • A hissing noise usually indicates a refrigerant leak.

    5. The refrigerant is leaking

    Refrigerant leaks will not only make your air conditioner less dependable and cause it to consume more power than it should, but they can also pose a serious health risk for you and your family. If this happens, call an AC repair service immediately.

    Why do air conditioners stop working?

    The single most common problem homeowners have with their air conditioners has to do with the age of the unit. The reality is that ACs have a limited lifespan (10-15 years) and will eventually need to be replaced no matter how carefully you maintain them.

    The good news is, modern air conditioners are designed to be far more efficient than their older counterparts. In addition to all the great new features that cutting-edge ACs have, you’ll also be saving money in the long term by getting reduced electric bills.

    Where can I find the most reliable Chandler, AZ AC repair technicians?

    Why do air conditioners stop working?

    With the summer heat fast approaching, and the COVID-19 outbreak preventing us from spending the hot afternoons at the Folley Pool, we are now more dependent than ever on our ACs to keep us cool during the summer.

    At Hughes Air, we can’t do much about the pandemic, but we can make sure your air conditioner works like a charm all summer long. Get in touch with us today and have your AC serviced by the finest technicians in Chandler.