Maybe your air conditioner is giving you trouble, or you just want to be prepared the next time your cooling system breaks down. Whatever the case, we’ve got you covered with our handy guide to the most common AC problems. Having issues with your air conditioner? Call us for HVAC services in Poway, CA.
The Most Common AC Problems Poway Homeowners Struggle With
Air conditioners are complex machines, so they can struggle with a wide array of problems. Some are simple for homeowners to fix, while others will require assistance from an HVAC technician. Here’s how to know if it’s time to call us for air conditioner repair.
An Unresponsive Thermostat
You can think of your thermostat as the brain of your HVAC system because it tells your air conditioner when to turn on and off. If you’re having thermostat issues, your cooling unit might turn off randomly, or it may not turn on at all.
In many cases, low or dead batteries are the culprit behind a malfunctioning thermostat. If you have a hard-wired thermostat, the circuit breaker may have tripped. Try replacing the batteries or resetting the breaker. If that doesn’t work, you may need to have a technician calibrate the thermostat.
Dirty Air Filters
You may know that it’s best practice to replace your air filter every 30 days, but like many homeowners in Poway, you forget this chore all too often. Unfortunately, a dirty filter can lead to poor airflow, forcing your air conditioner to work much harder.
As a result, you’ll end up with sky-high energy bills. Ignore the problem for too long, and you’ll have to contend with a frozen evaporator coil. Your system will stop working and won’t run again until the coil thaws.
Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant leaks are among the most common AC problems here in Poway, and they can be incredibly frustrating. When refrigerant leaks out of your unit, you’ll notice a gradual decrease in cooling power. You might also hear a hissing noise coming from the air conditioner.
An HVAC pro can repair the refrigerant leak, but if your system is on the older side, you might want to consider a replacement. Older air conditioners generally use R22 refrigerant, which is being phased out in favor of more eco-friendly options.
A Noisy Air Conditioner
Banging, screeching, and rattling: If your air conditioner makes any of these sounds, it’s never a good sign. Weird noises can indicate that something is seriously wrong with the unit.
If you hear a banging sound, the cause could be loose parts rattling around inside the system. For example, the fan blades may have become unbalanced, or there could also be an issue with the blower motor.
Hear something buzzing? Your air conditioner might have an electrical problem, such as loose wiring. To be safe, shut the unit down and don’t use it again until you’ve had it repaired.
If the system is screeching, something is amiss with the fan motor or the compressor. Compressors are expensive to repair, so you may be better off replacing the unit.
Are You Dealing With Any of These Common AC Problems? Call Our HVAC Experts in Poway, California
If you’re facing any of these common AC problems, our crew at Thompson Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. Give us a call to schedule service in Poway, California, or read our guide to hiring the best HVAC company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to learn more? Find answers to some commonly asked questions here.
Should I Replace My Air Conditioner?
You should consider replacing your air conditioner if it’s more than 15 years old. Most air conditioners don’t make it past their 15th birthday without having major problems, so it’s better to replace yours now before it needs costly repairs.
Can I Repair an Air Conditioner Myself?
Although homeowners can handle small air conditioner maintenance tasks themselves, it’s best to hire an expert for any large repairs. Performing maintenance yourself can lead to damage and even void your warranty.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Smell Bad?
Your air conditioner might smell bad due to a leak, a clogged condensate drain line, an electrical issue, or a dead animal stuck in the outdoor unit. A sweet, chemical smell can indicate a refrigerant leak.
How Much Is Cooling Repair?
Cooling repair prices vary depending on the problem with your unit. Give us a call to get an estimate for repairing the most common AC problems today.