What Is the Most Common Problem in AC Unit?

When your AC isn’t blowing cold air, the right air conditioning repair can help you find and fix the underlying problem. With air conditioners, there are a few common issues that happen frequently. Fortunately, good AC maintenance can help prevent breakdowns so that your family can stay cool and comfortable in the summertime. 

What Is the Most Common AC Problem? 

The most common issue homeowners face is an AC that runs but blows warm air. However, this is really a symptom of many possible AC problems. If an AC is running and blowing warm air, it could mean that there’s an issue with the evaporator coil, air filter, breaker panel, or other components. 

To get a better understanding of your air conditioner, check out the following list of common AC problems. If you’re unable to figure out what is causing your AC to malfunction, our AC repair professionals can help you determine the root cause. 

Inadequate Maintenance

A major cause of air conditioner malfunctions is inadequate maintenance. For example, not replacing the air filter can reduce airflow and cause your evaporator coil to become dirty. Both of these issues can lead to a frozen AC. 

To prevent breakdowns, it is important to schedule AC maintenance each year. Ideally, the AC tune-up should be completed in the spring before the weather warms up. 

After the AC tune-up, there are specific AC maintenance tasks you can do to keep your air conditioner functioning properly. First, change or clean your filter every 30 to 90 days, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, remove debris and plants within 2 to 3 feet of the outdoor unit. 

Bad Capacitor 

If you have a bad capacitor, you may need 24-hour air conditioner repair in the case of an emergency. You can check for this problem by going to your outdoor unit and listening for any unusual sounds. If nothing is blowing in your home and there’s a buzzing noise coming from the unit, your capacitor may be bad. 

The capacitor is responsible for helping the AC motor run, providing a burst of energy to start. As your AC ages, the capacitor can weaken.

You need to arrange for AC repair in Grants Pass if your capacitor is bad. A capacitor will not get fixed on its own. Eventually, a weakened capacitor will blow, and your AC will stop working completely. It’s important to never inspect or touch the capacitor because the high voltage inside of it can be incredibly dangerous.

Clogged Condensate Drain Line 

Cleaning the condensate drain line should be part of your routine AC maintenance. This drain line plays an integral role in your AC. As the air conditioner dehumidifies the air, it transfers the moisture outside your home through the condensate drain line.  

Sometimes, the condensate drain line can become clogged by mold, dirt, and mildew. When this occurs, the water backs up into the drain pan. If the water gets high enough in the drain pan, a fail-safe mechanism will shut off power and stop your air conditioner from running. 

Depending on how the AC is designed, two different things can occur. With some air conditioners, shutting off the power will cause the thermostat to go blank. In other ACs, the fail-safe mechanism allows the thermostat and blower to remain on. However, the condensing unit will switch off.

Fortunately, you can use a wet or dry vacuum to clean out the condensate drain line. If this isn’t enough, our HVAC technicians have specialized equipment to remove the clog.

Low Refrigerant 

As your AC gets older, the refrigerant levels may decline naturally. They can also drop because of a refrigerant leak. If there is a leak, you may hear a hissing noise or smell a sweet scent. 

Breathing refrigerant fumes is hazardous to your health. Always turn off the AC and call for 24 hour air conditioning service if you think there is a leak. 

Whether the refrigerant is leaking or just low, you’ll need to get it recharged by an HVAC professional. Otherwise, your AC will have to work harder to keep your home cool. Over time, this can increase the wear and tear on the components if it isn’t fixed. 

Faulty Compressor 

A faulty compressor is another common reason why an air conditioner may break down. Normally, the compressor is responsible for pressurizing and circulating the refrigerant. If the compressor is faulty, you may notice the following symptoms. 

• Lower airflow 
• Tripped circuit breakers
• Grinding, rumbling, or chattering noises
• Vibrating 

If the compressor has broken down, it typically needs to be replaced before your AC can work properly again. Until it is replaced, you’ll have higher energy bills due to the air conditioner’s reduced efficiency, and the unit may run but only blow warm air.

Malfunctioning Blower Motor 

The blower motor is responsible for blowing air through the ducts. If it isn’t working, you may hear a banging noise or smell a burning scent.

To keep blower motors functioning properly, they need to be properly lubricated. They may also need to be cleaned because dirt and debris can build up over time. 

Blower maintenance should always be left to the experts. During your annual AC tune up, we can inspect, lubricate, and clean your blower motor. 

Additionally, you need to call one of our HVAC technicians for an air conditioning repair if your blower motor stops working. If the blower motor is faulty, you need to turn off your AC to prevent any more damage. Faulty blower motors can sometimes cause fires, so it’s important to get them repaired right away. 

Get Help for Your AC Issues 

If you’re looking for AC repair in Grants Pass, we can help. Rogue Valley Cooling has years of experience serving Oregon homeowners. To learn more about our services and get help with your next air conditioning repair, contact our HVAC professionals today.