Particularly with the summer heat, an air conditioner that isn’t working properly can be very unpleasant. This extensive guide is intended to assist homeowners in navigating the challenges associated with air conditioning maintenance. We’ll go over common issues, when to get in touch with an HVAC specialist, and how to pick the a top HVAC repair company for your needs.

Common AC Issues and Their Causes

Refrigerant leaks

If you feel like your AC isn’t blowing cold air; like it takes longer for your rooms to get colder; like your indoor air is more humid than it usually is; like there are hissing noises or water leaks, chances are your AC has a freon leak. Some common causes for a refrigerant leak are wear and tear or corrosion of the system’s metal components. The good news: this issue is pretty common and is generally repairable by an HVAC pro!

Circuit breaker trips

If you noticed that the breaker for your AC keeps flipping, it’s most likely caused by the fact that your unit is drawing more amps than your circuit breaker is rated for. The former may be caused by something as simple as dirty air filters, which you can replace yourself, but it might also be a sign that there are issues with your AC’s compressor or motor. While this problem is typically fixable, we recommend having an HVAC pro come out and fix your AC and circuit breaker.

Evaporator coil issues

An evaporator coil is the component in your air conditioner that is responsible for absorbing heat. If your AC’s evaporator coil has gone bad, you’ll most likely notice unusual noises like hissing or banging, higher energy bills, or your vents blowing warm air, causing it to take longer for your home to cool down when the AC is on. When this happens, there is unfortunately no other way to fix it other than replacing your evaporator coil. However, a rule of thumb in the HVAC industry is that if your AC unit is over 8 years old, you might be better off getting a new air conditioner because replacing the evaporator coil itself may lead to even more problems down the line.

Dirty filters

If you start experiencing bad allergies or noticing that you need to dust and vacuum your house more often, it may be a tell-tale sign that your AC filters are dirty. This is especially true if your air filters are old. But there’s no reason to worry because this problem has a relatively simple and cheap fix! All you need to do is replace your dirty air filters with new ones. If you want to make sure it’s done right, we recommend getting an AC tune-up done by an HVAC pro.

Electric control failure

Your AC’s control board, also called the control module, is the brain of the entire system. It’s responsible for receiving temperature data from the thermostat and regulating the mechanical and electrical components of the air conditioning system according to the temperature you set. So, when it fails, you will definitely notice it–your house will not cool down as fast as it usually does, your AC is much noisier than usual, there is uneven cooling distribution, or your AC keeps malfunctioning and restarting. An electric control failure may be caused by wear and tear, exposure to high temperatures or moisture, or electrical abnormalities like voltage spikes and short circuits. This is generally categorized as a more serious AC issue that requires immediate proper diagnosis and inspections. It is possible to replace your AC’s control board, but it may be expensive. If your AC system is old, it may be better to replace it with a new one.

Drainage line problems

Your AC’s control board, also called the control module, is the brain of the entire system. It’s responsible for receiving temperature data from The central AC drain line is usually one of the more overlooked aspects of the system, but when it is clogged, your AC may shut down randomly, your house might feel more humid, and you may even notice water damage around your house. Your AC system usually starts having drain line problems when there is a clog because of debris buildup or condensation that is typically caused by your evaporator coil staying wet after taking out moisture from incoming air. You can generally fix this problem by unclogging your AC drain line yourself, but maintenance done by an HVAC pro will make sure to also perform a thorough inspection to reduce the chance of future clogs.

Inadequate maintenance

You may have heard that ignoring AC maintenance may have serious consequences, and that is true! If you rarely maintain your AC system, you may start noticing some of the symptoms that we mentioned above. In severe cases, your AC not working properly may be a sign of a premature fail of your compressor or fans due to inadequate maintenance. Again, whether or not you should repair your AC or buy a new system depends on the age of your AC unit and how critical the issue you’re experiencing is. We always recommend getting your air conditioner inspected by an HVAC pro.

Most Common AC Issues, Symptoms, Causes, & Solutions.

To learn more about the most common Air Conditioning Issues and how to fix them yourself, click here.

Overview of Key Factors Influencing AC Cost

AC capacity: The size and output capability of the AC unit should be matched to the cooling demands of your home for efficient operation.

AC efficiency: The unit’s efficiency, often measured by the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating, directly impacts both the upfront cost and long-term expenses.

Size of your house: The larger your home is, means more powerful AC unit required to cool your home.

Installation labor costs: The expertise of professional installation services ensures optimal performance of your AC unit, with costs varying based on the project’s scope.

The Verdict

Understanding AC repair is essential for homeowners. While basic troubleshooting and maintenance can often be handled independently, more complex repairs should be left to professionals. Regular maintenance can prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensure your AC operates efficiently and safely.

For more detailed information on AC maintenance, troubleshooting tips, and finding the right repair services, visit our comprehensive Air Conditioning Repair Guide. Stay cool and comfortable!