6 Most Common Air Conditioner Problems
As HVAC experts, the Mattioni team gets a lot of questions about air conditioners. We know that it’s difficult to diagnose issues with such a complex system, so we have come up with a list of the 6 most common air conditioner problems you might encounter.
If you are concerned about properly maintaining or identifying an issue with your HVAC unit, this blog is for you.
Air Isn’t Coming Out of the Vents
If air isn’t coming out of the vents in your home, don’t panic. You might think the issue is the sign you need to replace your whole AC unit. This is not the case. When air no longer comes out of your vents, it is typically the sign of a tripped breaker. HVAC units overheat easily, especially in the summer. Overheating will trip the breaker and shut the unit off. To fix this, all you need to do is find the tripped breaker, flip it to ‘off,’ then back to ‘on.’
Air Conditioner Isn’t Cooling
On the other hand, if your air conditioner is running, but isn’t cooling, you could have one of several problems. The first and most common cause is low refrigerant level. The refrigerant is what cools and dehumidifies indoor air. So, if your unit isn’t cooling, the first place to check is the refrigerant reservoir. Other causes of a unit that won’t cool include a clogged air filter and a blocked drain line. Buildup in these areas will prevent your air conditioner from cooling properly.
Unit is Leaking
Over time, algae grows in the drain line of your AC unit, creating a clog. Then, the water that normally drips out of the drain line will collect behind the algae plug, and overflow. If your unit is leaking, it is likely caused by a blockage in the drain line. To clear the blockage, simply purchase a cleaning solution and use it to remove the algae.
There’s an Unusual Odor Coming from the Unit
When HVAC filters are clogged, they become a home for bacteria and mold spores. When air is blown through a dirty filter, it picks up a musty smell. If you find that your HVAC filter is clogged, simply replace it.
The Thermostat is Never Correct
Are you cranking your thermostat down, but not feeling any cooler? If your thermostat setting isn’t in sync with the actual temperature of your home, there are a few things you can do to fix it. First, try recalibrating your thermostat. This process varies depending on the type of thermostat you have, so check the manual.
Secondly, check that your thermostat is in a place that represents the overall ambient temperature of your home. If it isn’t, you need to move it.
Air Conditioner Running Constantly
Another issue many homeowners face is an air conditioner that runs constantly. This is caused by an inappropriately sized unit. When your air conditioner is too small, it has to run constantly to cool your home.
To solve this problem, call in an HVAC professional. They will be able to conduct a load calculation and tell you what size HVAC unit you need to purchase.
Have one of these common air conditioner problems? Call Mattioni!
If you are experiencing any of these common air conditioner problems, or simply want to know how best to maintain your AC, call Mattioni. We are a family owned and operated HVAC company that serves the Chester County, Pennsylvania area. Our experienced and licensed technicians are proud to provide HVAC solutions for our community. Call us at 610-400-8510 or schedule your service online.
