Every home in Baltimore goes through its issues, whether they’re small leaks, frequent plumbing problems, or even structural damage. Many minor AC problems keep coming, but the large ones sometimes happen with little warning. If you want to reduce the stress and frustration of an emergency AC repair, it’s important to be familiar with these 13 common AC problems.
1. AC Not Turning On
When the temperature starts to shoot up, the last thing that you want is for your AC to go on the fritz. However, this is sometimes more common than you might expect. If your AC isn’t turning on, you may need a new thermostat or circuit board. If it only turns on for a few moments before shutting off, there may be something wrong with the circuit board that needs repairing. To resolve this issue, contact a trusted HVAC technician in Baltimore who can fix your problem.
2. Noisy AC
Noisy air conditioners can be very annoying, especially if you’re trying to relax or sleep. Fortunately, this is a simple problem that can be fixed in less than an hour, most of the time. The culprit behind an air conditioner being noisy is usually just a belt that needs replacing, which can be done easily by any skilled technician.
Other causes of noisy ACs include the compressor, which may need replacing or is vibrating excessively. If this is the case and it’s not a simple fix, having a technician come check the problem is even more important.
3. Loose or Leaky Refrigerant Lines
When your AC has leaks in its refrigerant lines, then it can cause damage to your system and could lead to other problems as well. This must get taken care of right away, especially if you experience a drop in your energy efficiency or if your air doesn’t seem as cool as it should be. A skilled technician can easily find the leak and repair it; sometimes, the leaks stem from holes in the lines, but other times, the fix is as simple as making sure the lines are attached firmly to your AC.
4. Ductwork Problems
If your AC is blowing hot air, then a problem with your ducts might be the culprit. Ducts can come loose, which might result in increased noise and potentially further damage to your ductwork. Leaky ducts can force your AC to work harder to cool your home, too, resulting in increased wear and tear and higher energy bills.
5. Air Conditioner Leaking Water
Leaks are one of the most common issues that homeowners deal with when they have AC problems, but they’re also some of the easiest to fix. If your air conditioner is leaking water, the fix probably consists of your technician finding where the leak is coming from and repairing it. Unfortunately, if the leak is bad enough, there’s a chance that some of your home’s valuable insulation could get wet, and you’ll have to redo it, so it’s always best to catch it as early as possible.
6. AC Not Producing Enough Air
The problem of your AC not producing enough conditioned air is often an indication of something wrong with your unit. The most common issue with cooling systems is a dirty air filter, which restricts the amount of air that the system can utilize. If the issue persists, you may want to get a pro to look at your AC and determine if any other issues need to be addressed.
7. Circuit Breaker Tripping
If your system keeps tripping the circuit breaker, it’s probably worth calling a pro to look at the problem. Minor issues with this can be easily resolved by a technician in about 15 minutes, assuming you can get your AC working again. However, if your AC produces constant noise and is unrepairable, the fix might be more extensive, or there could even be an issue with your home’s wiring.
8. Frozen Evaporator Coils
If your AC isn’t blowing any air, it could be that its evaporator coils are frozen. Sometimes this is due to a buildup of grime or moisture that freezes; other times, there’s a problem with the AC’s airflow, and the coils freeze over because they can’t cool down air for your home. Either way, if you notice ice on your evaporator coils, you’ll want to call a professional.
9. AC Compressor Failing
One of the most serious AC problems you’ll ever deal with is your compressor failing. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including a lack of refrigerant forcing the compressor to work harder, dirty coils resulting in overwork, or even debris making its way into your system. Make sure to clear the area around your AC regularly, as well as invest in routine maintenance to help head off this issue before it can occur.
10. Malfunctioning Thermostat
If your system doesn’t get cold air when you turn it on, the thermostat could be the problem. The wiring may have come loose or broken, or your thermostat might simply be reaching the end of its lifespan. Of course, what might seem to be a thermostat problem can actually be the result of an issue with your AC itself, so if basic troubleshooting from your thermostat’s manual doesn’t help, contact a professional.
11. AC Produces Bad Smell
If your AC produces a bad smell, it could be because of your HVAC filters. There’s no reason to worry if your air is getting filtered and the system’s running fine. However, if you notice that your AC smells bad at all times, the filters might not be the issue; from pests getting into your system to mildew growth or gas leakage, there are a variety of potential causes.
12. Air Conditioner Fan Failure
AC fan failures are most often caused by a bad motor, which a pro can easily repair. Other causes include frozen evaporator coils or broken fan blades. Though they may sound major, fan issues aren’t as drastic as other common problems you might face with your air conditioner.
13. Old AC System
If your AC system has been around for more than 12 years and you continually have problems with it, it’s probably time for a replacement. Air conditioners can last for up to 30 years at times, but they need to be properly maintained to reach their maximum lifespan. In addition, sometimes, despite your best efforts, an air conditioner can simply give out. Though replacing an AC can be expensive, it might be more worth it than repeatedly paying for repairs.
Reach Out to Us Today
Many issues can occur with an AC, and you must get your unit looked at by a professional as soon as you notice something wrong. If you notice any of these signs, it’s probably time to call our professionals to help resolve your AC problem. Our professionals at At Your Service Heating & Cooling LLC are available 24/7 to help you with your air conditioning and heating needs. We also offer plumbing and backup generator services! If you’re a Baltimore resident looking for quality heating and cooling services, call us at At Your Service Heating & Cooling LLC today for a free quote!
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