Common AC Problems You Could Face. Air conditioner problems are one of every homeowners’ biggest nightmares, and that’s especially true here in Arizona. Temperatures regularly rise over 100°F, which means that things can get uncomfortable in a hurry whenever there are AC problems. Even the best HVAC systems will eventually have some issues, so it’s important to recognize them quickly, diagnose them accurately, and correct them as soon as possible. Our experienced HVAC contractors have worked on countless different air conditioners over the years, and we find that the following 10 concerns are the most common ones you’re likely to experience.
1 – Clogged Drains
When your air conditioner treats the air, it removes excess moisture. Additionally, some moisture occurs because of the processes that cool the air inside your HVAC unit. All of this moisture needs a place to go, which is why your AC unit diverts it through a drain line, into a pan, and eventually down a drain and out of your home. If there’s a clog anywhere in this system, water will start to back up. Such an event can damage your system or leak out into your wall, floors, and ceilings. Watch out for excess moisture and contact an HVAC contractor before you get a mold problem.
2 – Frozen Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil in your air conditioner is filled with refrigerant so it can absorb heat from the air, cooling it down before blowing it into your home. One common AC problem is that the airflow gets disrupted, and there’s no more warm air for your evaporator coil to treat. When this happens, it’s not unusual for the evaporator coil to get too cold and form a buildup of ice. With ice on the evaporator coil, it won’t be able to do its job correctly. Your home will either get warm air or no air at all.
3 – Low Refrigerant
Refrigerant is the critical thing your air conditioner uses to remove heat and excessive humidity from the air. If the refrigerant level gets too low, your home won’t be able to cool the air as effectively as it once could. It’s not especially difficult for an HVAC contractor to add more refrigerant, but unfortunately, the issue normally goes beyond that. Low refrigerant levels normally happen because of other AC problems. For example, it may have dropped because there are leaks or holes in the refrigerant lines or somewhere else in your air conditioner. You’ll have to get those repaired to ensure that your new refrigerant doesn’t simply leak out again.
4 – Dirty Condenser Coils
The condenser coils are found in the outside part of your AC unit, which means they’re at higher risk of getting exposed to dirt, dust, and other contaminants. This is a common concern in large cities where there is a lot of soot and pollution in the air, and it also leads to air conditioner issues here in the desert where there’s lots of dust. When the condenser coils are covered in grime, they can’t transfer heat out of the building very efficiently. Your unit will have to work extra hard to do its job, which puts wear and tear on other parts, eventually leading to a complete AC failure.
5 – Faulty Sensor
Your air conditioner uses a sensor to determine when it needs to increase or decrease the temperature. If the sensor is malfunctioning or is in the wrong place, it won’t be able to gauge the temperature accurately. You might start to notice that your air conditioner is going on and off at unusual times or with unusual regularity. An HVAC contractor will be able to troubleshoot this situation by testing the sensor itself and making sure it’s positioned properly.
6 – AC Capacitor Problems
Your capacitor is the component that keeps everything else in your air conditioner running. It’s hard work keeping the motors going, so air conditioning capacitors occasionally get worn out and need to be replaced.
Regular cleaning and condenser filter replacements can help your capacitor last longer by reducing how hard it has to work to get the job done. You’ll definitely notice when you have a broken capacitor because it creates obvious air conditioner problems. For example, your system will make unusual noises, turn itself off, or simply fail to turn on at all.
7 – Circuit Board Problems
The control board in your air conditioner is what translates your settings so the AC can function. If it starts to seem that your air conditioner has developed a mind of its own, this likely points to a control board issue. This is the first place an HVAC contractor is likely to check if your AC seems to ignore your temperature settings.
8 – Air Conditioner Trips Circuit Breaker
If your breaker trips every time the AC turns on, it means there’s a serious electrical issue. Contact an HVAC professional as soon as possible whenever this happens. For one thing, your home won’t be able to cool down until the issue is resolved, Worse still, it can lead to dangerous electrical overloads.
9 – Compressor Problems
This is one of the common AC problems that might lead to difficulty cooling your home. Essentially, your compressor will start to wear out over time, which prevents it from pressurizing the refrigerant as efficiently as it should. If the refrigerant level in your air conditioner is good, but your home still isn’t cooling, it could be because the compressor’s output has been compromised.
10 – Wear and Tear in Outside AC Unit
The outside part of your unit is prone to AC difficulties since it’s exposed to the elements. Common issues include things like damaged connections, normal wear and tear, and even pest damage. Regular AC maintenance can help you prevent these concerns, or at least correct them as early as possible.
Need Air Conditioner Repair Near Apache Junction? Contact Superstition Cooling Today!
When if you notice any AC issues, including those mentioned above, give us a call here at Superstition Cooling. We’ve proudly served Apache Junction, Scottsdale, Tempe, Gilbert, and all the surrounding areas for 15 years. You can count on our experience when you need to make your home comfortable again, and our large community of satisfied customers can attest to that. Our customers contact us with complete confidence because everything we do is backed by warranties. Contact us today to get fast, effective service that will put your mind at ease and keep your home comfortable for many years to come.