Having problems with your home air conditioning system can be frustrating, especially during the hot summer months. Before calling in professional service technicians, there are several troubleshooting tips you can try yourself to diagnose issues and potentially fix simple problems. This guide will cover the most common home air conditioner issues homeowners face, do-it-yourself troubleshooting techniques when professional AC repair is needed, what questions to ask companies, average repair costs, and preventative steps you can take.
Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair
The first signs your central air conditioning system needs some TLC may be obvious issues like lack of cooling, increased energy bills, or odd sounds. But even more subtle changes like inconsistent temperature regulation can indicate repairs are required.
Here are the most common indicators that there could be a bigger underlying problem:
Reduced Airflow and Cooling
If your AC doesn’t blow cold air as strongly or effectively as it once did, several issues could be to blame. Clogged filters are one of the most common – inspect and replace them if they appear excessively dirty. Debris blocking the condenser unit outside can also prevent proper airflow. Clean away any leaves, grass clippings, or other buildup. Failing condenser fan motors or broken fan blades will impact performance, too.
Other possible causes include low refrigerant levels if leaks sprung up in the coils or lines, buildup on the evaporator coil inside leading to insufficient heat transfer, closed vents around the home blocking airflow, or a failing AC compressor indicating replacement is required. Reduced cooling coupled with higher electricity bills points to an efficiency problem.
Unusual Noises
Strange sounds emanating from your outdoor AC unit, like squealing, grinding, or buzzing, indicate a mechanical issue. If fan blades are striking debris or becoming out of balance, they produce unpleasant rubbing noises. Worn-out bearings, motors, or belts cause high-pitched squealing. And grinding noises hint at serious internal wear and tear.
Knocking or banging noises suggest parts shaking loose inside the cabinet. Compressors making rattling sounds could mean lowered Freon levels are causing issues. Oil flowing backward through the system can produce churning noises, too, from lack of lubrication. Pay attention to any unusual sounds – they typically signify repairs are needed before further damage happens.
Spikes in Energy Bills
If your summer electricity bills keep creeping up year after year without explanation, something may be amiss with your AC equipment. Units low on refrigerant or with buildup slowing heat transfer have to work harder producing the cold air, using excess energy in the process.
Leaky ductwork results in cooled air escaping before reaching living spaces, again causing inefficiency. Outdated AC systems just aren’t designed to today’s higher energy standards. Getting a professional energy assessment can determine where equipment inefficiencies lie. Energy bill spikes warrant a deeper look into your system.
Uneven Cooling or Temperature Regulation
Do some rooms in your home feel significantly warmer than others? Are temperatures fluctuating by wide margins throughout the day regardless of thermostat settings? Faulty ductwork with closed vents, restricted airflow, or leaks may be the issue. But these symptoms can also result from failing system components.
If the AC coils freeze over due to low refrigerant, dirty filters, or improper airflow, they can’t transfer heat properly. Compressor failure will prevent steady cold air production. Inaccurate thermostat readings give false feedback. Have an air conditioner repair professional examine the system to locate weak points causing uneven cooling capabilities.
DIY Air Conditioning Troubleshooting Tips
While most AC repair scenarios require hiring an air conditioner repair professional, there are many basic troubleshooting steps and fixes you can try yourself first. Here are handy do-it-yourself techniques for diagnosing and addressing common central air issues:
Check Air Filters
Clogged, dirty air filters are the most prevalent cause of reduced AC performance and higher energy bills. Simply replacing them can solve cooling problems, improve efficiency, and prevent further device strain. Check filters at least monthly during peak AC season and swap them out immediately if they are excessively dirty.
Consider upgrading to pleated media filters, which capture more air particulates using corrugated layered fabric rather than traditional flat panel designs. Though more expensive, they maintain airflow longer between changes. Electrostatic filters use static electricity to grab additional small particles.
Clear Debris Outside
Take a walk around your external AC components. If the condenser unit or heat pump has grass clippings, leaves, mulch, or debris piled against it, remove it immediately so airflow can pass unimpeded. Clean off dirt or buildup on fan blades with a soft brush. Straighten bent fins on condenser coils carefully with a fin comb tool.
Verify Power Supply
Use a multimeter to check the voltage of your AC unit. If components lack proper electrical power, they can’t operate as designed. Fuses or breakers may have blown and need replacement. For packaged units, ensure the disconnect switch doesn’t get turned off. Contact your utility provider if voltage levels for your entire property seem off.
Examine All Vents
Walk around your home confirming floor and ceiling air supply vents are fully open and unblocked by furniture, rugs, or other objects that restrict flow. Return air vents also can’t pull air inefficiently if obscured. Opening closed interior doors helps air circulate better between rooms, too.
Clean Evaporator Coils
Dust and particulate buildup on evaporator coils blocks critical heat transfer. Carefully clean off accumulated layers with an evaporator coil brush vacuum attachment. But avoid touching bare copper lines, which can easily bend or break when manipulating the brush. Wear protective eyewear to keep coil cleaner chemicals out if spray applications are necessary for stubborn residue.
These DIY troubleshooting tips resolve many basic AC issues without waiting for appointments or paying hourly service rates. But for continuing performance problems or complex repairs, bringing in a professional often becomes the necessary move.
When To Call An Air Conditioner Repair Professional
While the do-it-yourself steps above can solve straightforward air conditioning problems, certain issues require hiring a licensed HVAC technician, regardless of your hand-person skills. Not addressing these critical points risks causing cascading equipment failure or harmful refrigerant releases. Know when to call the pros:
Refrigerant Leaks
If your AC unit isn’t cooling properly and recharging the refrigerant yearly becomes necessary, leaks will likely spring up in the evaporator coils, lines, or connections. Refrigerant is harmful to the environment if vented, and replacing lost gas too frequently causes strain. Technicians have electronic detectors to locate tiny leaks for sealant repairs before total failure happens. The pressures and chemicals involved make DIY leak fixing dangerous.
Electrical Malfunctions
Any symptoms of electrical issues like burnt compressor motor windings, short cycling on overload protectors, units not powering on, or blown capacitors require calling professional repair services immediately. Safely accessing, diagnosing, and fixing electrical problems requires specialized training. Plus, local codes prohibit unlicensed people from working with high-voltage AC components. Avoid the risks and hire experts.
Compressor Failure
The AC compressor contains moving parts, capacitors, windings, and sealed systems under high pressure. If mechanical sounds signal worn bearings or cylinders, electrical issues cause failure to turn on, or refrigerant leaks due to broken gaskets or seals show up, replacement is the only option. Attempting compressor repairs yourself voids warranties and can be extremely dangerous if mishandled.
Structural Damage
External damage from falling debris, weather events, unsafe DIY installations, or reconfigurations that dent, crack, or misalign critical components will necessitate professional fixes. Leaky drain pans letting condensation overflow indoors means replacement is required. Attempting to patch up structural damage risks interfering with airflow or refrigerant flow. Leave major repairs to qualified technicians.
Knowing when to avoid DIY solutions and hire professional HVAC contractors instead keeps your system running safely and efficiently while protecting warranties. Don’t take chances with refrigerant gases, high voltages, or complex components.
Questions To Ask An Air Conditioner Repair Company
If your DIY troubleshooting and maintenance efforts still leave your air conditioner needing professional repair services, take time vetting local HVAC companies before hiring one. Here are key questions to ask:
Are You Licensed & Insured?
Only consider HVAC repair companies holding valid state-level licensing proving their technicians completed accredited training programs and passed exams. Ask for license numbers you can verify through online databases. Require at least $1 million in general liability insurance and workers’ compensation, too, in case of property damage or onsite injuries.
What is Your Repair Pricing Guide?
Many AC service companies charge hourly rates for repair work averaging $50-$100 per hour, depending on regional norms and technician skill levels. Plus, parts/materials costs get billed on top. Get quotes associated with common repairs like refrigerant top-offs, electrical component swaps, motor replacements, etc. Upfront pricing transparency is vital.
Do You Offer Any Warranties?
Whether fixing single components or replacing entire AC systems, repairs should carry generous labor & parts warranties, giving 1+ years coverage against defects appearing. Better HVAC companies stand behind workmanship with longer warranty periods. Be wary of any refusing to guarantee labor above 90 days.
How Quickly Can You Schedule Estimates & Repairs?
During peak summer cooling seasons, AC issues become urgent pains needing rapid response. Ask companies how soon both repair estimates/quotes and actual repair appointments get scheduled currently. Some low-volume companies have several days lead time while larger outfits offer same or next-day expedited visits.
Taking time to vet prospective HVAC repair companies protects against shoddy workmanship and billing scams. Align estimates from multiple licensed, insured providers before approving any expensive compressor replacements too.
Preventative HVAC Maintenance
The best way to avoid emergency AC repairs is by following preventative maintenance steps to keep your cooling system operating efficiently. Here are the top proactive tasks homeowners can adopt:
- Change Filters Often: Swap central filters quarterly or monthly in peak summer. Electrostatic and pleated filters maintain airflow longer between changes.
- Clear Outdoor Unit Debris: Keep condenser and heat pumps clear of leaves, grass, and mulch that obstruct airflow. Straighten bent fins.
- Clean AC Coils Yearly: Use brush tools to remove dust buildup from indoor evaporator coils when replacing filters. Prevent blockages slowing airflow.
- Have Professional Check-Ups: Technicians can optimize refrigerant levels, check for leaks, ensure drain lines are clear, and inspect air ducts for tight seals and leaks.
Staying diligent on preventative HVAC maintenance saves homeowners money by avoiding major component failures. But partner with licensed pros when DIY troubleshooting reaches limits, protecting comfort and safety.
The Logan Difference
Family-owned since 1969, Logan A/C & Heat is your local air conditioner repair company that sets itself apart through superior customer service. Our rigorously trained technicians install equipment properly the first time. We maintain constant communication throughout jobs and ensure homeowners understand new systems before considering work complete.
Experienced managers inspect all installations. We stand behind industry-leading workmanship warranties and take extra care that manufacturer warranties remain valid. Community matters to us, too – we donate, help neighbors, and treat customers like family. Our customer dedication from start to finish is what makes Logan a cut above.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Low Refrigerant Cause Freezing Air Conditioners?
Yes, low refrigerant levels can lead to internal AC coil freezing issues. Refrigerant transfers heat from indoor coils to outdoor systems. When low, coil temperatures drop too cold and freeze moisture in the surrounding air. Frozen coils can’t keep the home cool. Topping off refrigerant may help, but leaks causing the loss need repair first.
Why Does My AC Make Loud Noises?
Loud clanking, buzzing, or grinding noises from air conditioners indicate serious internal mechanical issues. As components like fan blades, bearings, belts, or compressors wear out, they vibrate and knock around inside cabinet walls. Left unfixed, damaged parts shed debris that can impede airflow or seize up entirely. Call an air conditioner repair professional immediately about unfamiliar loud AC noises before catastrophic failure happens.
