5 Most Common Air Conditioner Problems

As spring weather arrives  in Spokane, Washington, there’s nothing more refreshing than walking into a home cooled by a properly functioning air conditioning system. However, when your air conditioner breaks down, it can quickly turn your relaxing abode into an unbearable oven. At Cougar Heating and Air Conditioning, we understand the importance of keeping your home comfortable, and we’re here to help you identify and address some of the most common air conditioner problems in Spokane.

What’s Going on With My Air Conditioner?

1. Refrigerant Leaks: One of the most frequent issues plaguing air conditioning units is a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your AC system, responsible for absorbing heat from inside your home and releasing it outside. If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, it will struggle to cool your living spaces effectively.

Signs of a refrigerant leak include:

• Warm air blowing from vents despite the system running
• Ice buildup on refrigerant lines
• Hissing or bubbling noises from the unit
• Increased energy bills due to decreased efficiency

If you suspect a refrigerant leak, it’s crucial to have a professional HVAC technician inspect and repair the issue promptly. Attempting to add refrigerant yourself can be dangerous and may violate environmental regulations.

2. Dirty Air Filters: Air filters play a vital role in maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your air conditioning system. Their primary function is to trap airborne particles, such as dust, pollen, and pet dander, preventing them from circulating throughout your home or clogging the system’s components.

When air filters become excessively dirty or clogged, they restrict airflow, forcing your air conditioner to work harder to cool your living spaces. This added strain can lead to higher energy bills, decreased efficiency, and potentially premature system failure.

Regularly changing or cleaning your air filters is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to keep your air conditioner running smoothly. Most manufacturers recommend replacing disposable filters every 1-3 months, or more frequently if you have pets or live in a particularly dusty area.

3. Frozen Evaporator Coils: The evaporator coil is a crucial component of your air conditioning system, responsible for absorbing heat from the air inside your home. However, if the evaporator coil becomes frozen, it can significantly impair your air conditioner’s ability to cool effectively.

Several factors can contribute to a frozen evaporator coil, including:

• Dirty air filters (see above)
• Refrigerant leaks (also mentioned earlier)
• Blocked airflow due to obstructions or closed vents
• Faulty blower motor or fan

If you notice ice buildup on your evaporator coil or the refrigerant lines leading to it, it’s essential to turn off your air conditioner immediately to prevent further damage. Attempting to operate the system with a frozen coil can cause serious problems and may even require a complete replacement of the unit.

4. Electrical Issues: Like any complex appliance, your air conditioning system relies on a series of electrical components to function correctly. From the thermostat to the compressor, a single electrical issue can bring your entire cooling system to a halt.

Common electrical problems affecting air conditioners include:

• Tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses
• Faulty thermostats or wiring
• Malfunctioning capacitors or contactors
• Compressor failure due to electrical shorts or overheating

If you suspect an electrical issue with your air conditioner, it’s essential to have a qualified HVAC technician inspect and repair the problem. Attempting to diagnose or repair electrical components yourself can be extremely dangerous and may result in further damage or personal injury.

5. Drainage Problems: Air conditioning systems produce condensation as part of the cooling process, and this moisture must be properly drained away from the unit. If the drainage system becomes clogged or obstructed, it can lead to water buildup and potential leaks or flooding.

Signs of drainage problems include:

• Water pooling around the indoor or outdoor unit
• Musty odors emanating from the system
• Visible moisture or mold growth near the unit

In addition to causing water damage, drainage issues can also lead to decreased efficiency and potential system failure if left unaddressed.

To prevent drainage problems, it’s important to keep the area around your air conditioning unit clear of debris, such as leaves or dirt, which can clog the drainage pipes. Additionally, regular maintenance and cleaning by a professional HVAC technician can help ensure that your drainage system remains clear and functional.

Preventative Maintenance is Key While these five common air conditioner problems can be frustrating, many of them can be avoided or minimized through regular preventative maintenance. At Cougar Heating and Air Conditioning, we strongly recommend scheduling annual tune-ups for your air conditioning system.

During a tune-up, our certified technicians will:

• Clean or replace air filters
• Check for refrigerant leaks
• Inspect electrical components and connections
• Clean evaporator and condenser coils
• Inspect and clear drainage systems
• Lubricate moving parts
• Test system performance and make necessary adjustments

By staying ahead of potential issues, preventative maintenance can extend the lifespan of your air conditioning system, improve energy efficiency, and minimize the risk of costly breakdowns or repairs.

Trust the Experts at Cougar Heating and Air Conditioning When it comes to keeping your home cool and comfortable in Spokane, you can rely on the experienced team at Cougar Heating and Air Conditioning. Our NATE-certified technicians are trained to diagnose and repair a wide range of air conditioning problems, ensuring that your system is operating at peak efficiency.

If you’re experiencing any of the issues described in this article, or if you simply want to schedule a preventative maintenance visit, don’t hesitate to contact us at (509) 484-6420 or schedule online. We’re proud to serve the Spokane community and surrounding areas, providing reliable and affordable HVAC services to keep you cool all season long.

FAQs

Q: How often should I change my air conditioner’s air filter? A: Most manufacturers recommend changing disposable air filters every 1-3 months, or more frequently if you have pets or live in a particularly dusty area. Reusable filters should be cleaned on a similar schedule.

Q: Can I add refrigerant to my air conditioner myself? A: No, it’s not recommended to add refrigerant to your air conditioning system yourself. Doing so improperly can be dangerous and may violate environmental regulations. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, it’s best to have a professional HVAC technician inspect and repair the issue.

Q: Why is my air conditioner freezing up? A: Several factors can contribute to a frozen evaporator coil, including dirty air filters, refrigerant leaks, blocked airflow, or a faulty blower motor or fan. If you notice ice buildup on your evaporator coil or refrigerant lines, turn off your air conditioner immediately and contact a professional for repairs.

Q: How do I know if my air conditioner has an electrical issue? A: Common signs of electrical problems include tripped circuit breakers, faulty thermostats or wiring, malfunctioning capacitors or contactors, or a compressor that doesn’t turn on or overheats. If you suspect an electrical issue, it’s essential to have a qualified HVAC technician inspect and repair the problem.

Q: Why is preventative maintenance important for my air conditioning system? A: Regular preventative maintenance can extend the lifespan of your air conditioner, improve energy efficiency, and minimize the risk of costly breakdowns or repairs. During a tune-up, a technician will clean and inspect various components, check for leaks, and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance.