Common AC Problems and How You Can Fix Them

A malfunctioning AC can be a major inconvenience, especially during Arlington’s hot and humid summer months. Fortunately, most AC problems can be easily prevented with annual air conditioner maintenance performed by a professional HVAC technician.

Depending on the type and severity of the HVAC issue affecting your home, you may be able to fix your unit using DIY methods. Alternatively, you can request AC repair service from a reputable HVAC company like Tom’s Mechanical, Inc.

Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant is the fluid that an air conditioner uses to transfer heat and ultimately cool the air the system circulates. When refrigerant leaks, it can cause a variety of issues, including decreased cooling output, higher energy costs and damage to the unit itself.

The most common cause of refrigerant leaks in AC units is improper installation, inadequate maintenance or natural wear and tear. If the unit was not installed correctly or if it hasn’t been serviced regularly, there is a greater chance of a leak occurring.

If you suspect that your air conditioner has a refrigerant leak, it is important to have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible. A certified and properly trained HVAC technician can identify the source of the leak and repair it before any further damage occurs.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

The evaporator coil is responsible for cooling the air that is circulated through the system. When the coil becomes frozen, it can cause a variety of problems.

The most common symptom of a frozen evaporator coil is reduced airflow from the system, which can lead to higher energy bills and uncomfortable temperatures in the home. Low refrigerant levels are one of the most common causes of evaporator coil freezing. When there isn’t enough refrigerant in the system, it can’t absorb and remove enough heat from the air passing over it, causing it to freeze up.

Other potential causes include dirty filters, blocked air vents or incorrect thermostat settings. To fix a frozen evaporator coil, you should first check for any blockages or other issues that could be causing the problem. If nothing seems obviously wrong, you should contact a technician. The average homeowner, even the ones who excel at DIY projects, don’t have the knowhow, equipment or refrigerant necessary to solve the issue on their own.

Worn-Out Fan Belt

The fan belt in an AC unit is responsible for driving the compressor, which is the heart of the air conditioner. Without a properly functioning fan belt, the compressor won’t be able to circulate refrigerant throughout the system. A worn-out fan belt can also cause excessive noise and vibration, as well as premature wear on other components, such as bearings and seals.

Replacing a worn-out fan belt in your AC can be a difficult task that requires specialized tools and knowledge. It’s generally best to contact an experienced HVAC technician who can safely and correctly replace the fan belt.

Clogged Condensate Drains

Condensate drains allows the moisture pulled from your indoor air by your AC system to drain outside. Clogs in the pipe can cause serious problems for AC units if they’re not promptly addressed. Blockages in the line may cause water to back up into the unit and cause damage.

Clogs can be caused by a variety of things, including dirt, debris, animal nests and even insects.

These drain lines are PVC pipes (usually white) that extend off your exterior AC unit. They can often be removed for cleaning and then plugged back in. You can take it upon yourself to clear out a clogged drain line by removing any debris and then pouring hot water with bleach down the pipe to flush out any remaining blockages.

If you’re having trouble removing the clog or reaching and removing the pipe safely, contact an HVAC professional who can clear out the drain line properly. In some cases, an acid-based cleaner may need to be used in order to dissolve stubborn debris.

Malfunctioning Thermostat

Sometimes problems with your AC aren’t caused by something internal in the unit itself, but is rather an issue with the thermostat.

Examples of thermostat malfunction symptoms include the AC failing to turn on at all or even running continuously, higher energy bills than normal or uncomfortably high indoor temperature and an incorrect reading on the thermostat.

The most common cause of a malfunctioning thermostat is a dirty or faulty sensor. The sensor is responsible for detecting the temperature of the room and enabling the thermostat to operate the HVAC system to increase or lower the temperature (depending on which mode it is set to). If it’s dirty or faulty, a thermostat may not be able to accurately detect the temperature and operate the system.

If you suspect your thermostat is malfunctioning, it’s a good idea to have it checked by a qualified HVAC technician who can get to the bottom of the issue and recommend an appropriate solution. If you still have a battery-powered thermostat the problem may just be a dead battery. Some homeowners who are comfortable with basic wiring may be able to replace their own thermostat, but for many homeowners trusting this job to an HVAC technician is often better.

24/7 Emergency AC Repair Service You Can Trust

At Tom’s Mechanical, Inc., we understand how important it is to have a reliable air conditioning system in your Arlington home.

Our experienced technicians are available around the clock to provide fast and reliable repairs for any make or model of air conditioner. We also offer preventative maintenance services to help keep your system running smoothly and efficiently all year long.

Call us today at 817.984.5779 to schedule your service.