You have an Unexpected Air Conditioner Repair. Now What?
06/19/23
An unexpected AC system repair is the last thing anyone wants during the summer months. But it does happen more than you’d think!
Even though this can be a big annoyance to you and your family there are ways to fix common air conditioner problems on your own. Here are some steps on what to do next if your AC unit is malfunctioning.
Common AC Problems And Possible Solutions To Fix Them
More complicated AC issues will need an HVAC professional to fix them but there are some problems you can fix yourself.
Blowing Hot Air
An AC unit that blows hot air can be a headache when you’re trying to cool down after a hot day. However, there may be an easy solution to the problem.
Check your thermostat batteries and settings and ensure they are good. Replace low or dead batteries and reset the thermostat settings if necessary. If your AC continues to blow hot air, make sure your circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. If it has, reset it by turning it on and then off.
Strange Smells Or Sounds
You may smell a strange smell coming from your air conditioning system. If the smell dissipates quickly, it’s most likely been caused due to your unit not being run for a long period of time.To avoid the odd smell from a dormant AC starting up again, make sure that it has been cleaned prior to being turned on.
Important: If you are smelling a burning or gas smell coming from your AC unit, contact an HVAC professional right away and do not use your unit until it has been inspected.
Weird sounds coming from your AC may be due to larger problems such as electrical issues. You should never ignore these sounds as they indicate a much larger problem. Contacting a professional for an inspection is highly recommended.
A Leak Around Your Ac System
Your air conditioning system not only cools down your home or space but also removes moisture in the air. If you’re noticing leaks on the inside or outside of your unit, maintenance is likely required to fix the problem. However, a common cause of AC leaks is clogged drains.
If you suspect that this could be the culprit to the leaks, examine your AC unit. Check that the internal components are functioning properly. The condensate drain line should not be blocked or clogged, and water should be removed by the condensate pump.
AC Unit Isn’t Turning On
If your AC is not kicking on, follow the same steps we laid out for when a unit is blowing hot air. If you complete all of these steps and it is still not turning on, contact an HVAC professional for an inspection.
Coils are Frozen
Warm air needs to be able to reach the coil for the AC to function properly. But sometimes debris and dirt will build up causing your coil to freeze and not receive enough air.
To fix a frozen coil, unplug your AC unit and allow the coil to thaw. Then inspect the inside of your AC and look for signs of dirt and debris buildup. Clean all areas where this is necessary. This method should allow the warm air to reach the coil again.
Unit Cycles On and Off
Turning your AC unit off and on many times over a short length of time may cause damage to the fan and compressor. This stresses the components and requires them to work hard each time the unit is turned back on.
It is recommended to contact a professional for a tune-up because acid can accumulate and cause harm.
Weak Airflow
Weak airflow is usually caused by vent blockages, dirty air filters, low refrigerant, and leaking ducts. This will result in hot and cold drafts happening throughout your home.
Recalibrate your thermostat if it appears to be faulty. If weak airflow is still an issue, change dirty air filters and remove any furniture or appliances that are blocking vents.
Do You Need A Replacement Or Repair?
It can be difficult to decide if you need an AC repair or replacement. Here are a few things to keep in mind if your air conditioning unit is having problems.
Unit Lifespan Has Been Reached
Just like with any appliance, ACs have a max service life. Most older models will last 10-12 years and modern models will last 15-20 years. It may be time to have your AC replaced if it is older than the service life.
Cost of Energy Bills
A higher-than-normal energy bill can indicate that your AC is working too hard to cool down your home and it’s resulting in using more energy. You’ll want to contact an HVAC professional for an inspection to learn if a repair or replacement is necessary.
AC Repair vs. AC Replacement: What’s the Cost?
The cost of an unexpected AC repair or replacement can be stressful. Repairs for central AC systems are between $100-$650 and mini-split repairs range between $750-$900. The average cost for a new AC system is $2,500-$15,000.
The HELP HVAC professionals are experienced in diagnosing any air conditioner problem. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment
Posted in: Air Conditioning
