You wake up, check the weather report and notice it's going to be a hot one. Without giving it a second thought, you turn on the air conditioner and wait for the cool air to kick in. But a few hours pass, and you start sweating. That’s when you realize the unit isn't working. What do you do next? Let’s examine the four most common AC problems and how to solve them with AC repairs.
When cool air isn’t pumping through the vents, it’s time to check the filter. Air easily passes through a clean filter, but when temperatures are high, more air gets pushed through the system. This increased airflow can cause a dirty, clogged filter, which is one of the most common air conditioner problems homeowners face.
Get in front of the issue by regularly checking and changing the filter. Look over the manufacturer's guide to find out how often the filter should be changed. The answer could be once a month or every three months, depending on your HVAC usage and the type of filter you use. You can also find some reusable filters that just need to be cleaned. Regardless of your filter type, regular HVAC maintenance can also ensure your filters are being replaced on schedule.
If the air conditioner is running and the thermostat is working, but the air blowing through just isn't cold, you probably have a bad capacitor. Capacitors are the part of the motor that makes it start and run. As time passes, they weaken and eventually stop working if they aren't replaced. This wear on your capacitor can cause more problems within the system.
To determine whether the capacitor has blown, head outside to the condenser and listen for both sounds produced by the compressor and fan motor. When you hold your hand over the fan, you should feel air slightly warmer than the air outside. If you hear a buzzing or humming sound in the outside unit, but the fan isn't blowing, it's probably the capacitor that needs to be repaired or replaced by a qualified HVAC professional.
The blower motor moves air around inside the home. They are typically reliable, but because they're in hot or humid areas, they don't receive the attention they deserve. And, if you have a damaged capacitor, it places extra stress on the motor when it's starting up. A sign that you have a failed blower motor is the distinct aroma of electrical burning or an annoying grinding sound in the ductwork.
Instead of letting this common AC problem happen to your unit, you can practice a little preventative care by scheduling regular HVAC maintenance visits where the technician keeps the bearings lubricated and free from dirt and debris. If it's too late, and you already see signs that the blower motor has failed, simply turn the system off so that the problem doesn't become worse. Next, call an HVAC professional for AC repairs.
Heat is transferred to cool the air conditioning system, and refrigerant is the source behind that transfer. Under normal conditions, you’ll never need to replace your refrigerant. However, when it's running low due to a leak or another problem, the air conditioner will have a hard time keeping up and may stop cooling the house altogether. These issues could be caused by a slow leak, so it's important to pay attention to how the air conditioner is running.
If the air conditioner has been running for hours, but you cannot achieve the temperature you've set, the refrigerant is probably low. An HVAC technician will need to find out why the refrigerant is low and solve it before refilling your system with refrigerant to fix the cooling issues. However, if the refrigerant is being drained due to a bad leak a technician can’t fix, it's best to replace the entire unit.
If you need air conditioning repair services near you in Concord, Big Air can help. Our team is prepared to solve your most complex or common air conditioner problems with our AC repair and replacement services. We also offer Big Air Beyond, an annual maintenance program designed to prevent common AC issues from occurring in the first place. Before you receive any of our services, you can also check out our coupons and financing opportunities to find a deal that fits your budget.
Learn more about our air conditioning services today. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please contact us online or call us at 925.687.7942.
