Your central air conditioner should run efficiently without any issue during the hot and humid summer months. But even the best HVAC system can run into trouble over time. Is your air conditioner not working or cooling your home correctly? Don’t worry. You have come to the right place.
The HVAC experts at Furnace Repair Vaughan can diagnose the problem with your air conditioner and get it running smoothly in no time. Our AC troubleshooting list will help you identify common air conditioner issues and solutions to get your AC running smoothly.
AC Not Cooling Properly
The air conditioner won’t blow cold air.
If your HVAC system doesn’t blow out cold air, here are some things that you can do immediately:
- Correct the thermostat setting.
- Check if all the vents are open.
- Check the air filter: The airflow becomes restricted when the air filter is clogged with debris. The clog will lead to freezing the system’s evaporator coils, and ice and frost will obstruct the airflow even more as a result. Clean the filter with mild soap, water, and a soft brush.
- Check the fan and the fan motor – If the fan doesn’t start, electrical power may not be coming to the motor, or a leak in the refrigerant line. A qualified HVAC technician should handle this type of problem.
The air conditioner unit is not cooling enough.
First, check the vents to see if all are open. Even when one vent is closed, the unit may find it harder to cool your entire home. The warm air in the room will mix with the cool air coming out of the other vents and make the AC work harder to provide the necessary comfort levels.
If there is a leak in the refrigerant line, the system may be improperly installed or too old. On the other hand, the unit might be wearing out, or you have installed the wrong size for your home. A too-small system for your home will have to work harder to cool the entire house, leading to premature breakdown. A unit too large for your home will cycle on and off too quickly, thereby reducing AC efficiency.
Air Conditioner Leaking Water
AC leaking water inside
If your AC leaks water inside the house, the first thing you should do is turn off the unit to prevent costly water damage issues. Check the condensate drain line to see if it’s clogged. Water will back up into the house if the drain line is clogged. You can use a wet/dry vacuum to unclog the condensate drain line. If that doesn’t work, check if there’s rust in the drain pan. If not, the condensate pump might have broken down. Call a qualified technician to diagnose and solve the problem.
AC leaking water outside
Suppose you may notice a little puddle of water under the condenser unit on a hot and humid day. It isn’t a problem. On the other hand, when the weather is cool – 15 degrees or less – an AC can freeze and leak water when the ice melts. It is also normal, and you don’t have to worry. But if the AC is leaking water outside in other circumstances, you should try to clean or replace the air filter. If it doesn’t fix the problem, schedule a service call since there may be other issues such as blockages in the drainpipe, low levels of refrigerant, and a broken condensate pan.
AC leaking water when turned off
If your AC has a dirty air filter or is low on refrigerant, the unit could freeze up while working. When you turn the unit off, the ice will melt and cause it to leak water. It would be best to be cautious of water damage from AC leaking water on the ceiling or the floor. If cleaning or replacing the air filter doesn’t help, shut off the unit until you identify the problem and fix it. A blocked or broken condensate pan can also cause AC to leak water when turned off.
The Air Conditioner Isn’t Turning Off
AC won’t stop running.
A dirty filter can cause the unit to stay on for much longer than it should. Clean or replace the air filter and see if it solves the problem. The system will work harder if it is old or improperly sized for your home. Such a system will cycle too often and have difficulty shutting off. The other issues that may make your AC run continuously are:
- A short in the thermostat cable
- A stuck fan relay
- A bad thermostat
The central AC isn’t turning on.
Adjusting the thermostat is the most straightforward remedy to solve the problem of central AC not turning on. If that doesn’t work, you may have to call a professional to inspect the AC. Your HVAC system may have to be repaired or replaced.
Air conditioner window unit not kicking on
Check the temperature setting and ensure the unit is getting electrical current. If these remedies don’t solve the problem, you should call a qualified HVAC technician to repair the AC window unit.
Air Conditioner Fan Not Working
AC fan not working inside
Suppose the indoor fan of the unit isn’t functioning as it should check the breaker to see if it has tripped. If the breaker hasn’t tripped, check the air filter to see if it’s dirty. If dirty, clean or replace the filter. Check the refrigerant lines and evaporator coil for ice buildup.
If there is ice, allow it to melt, and check if the fan is working. If the fan isn’t still working, it might be due to a frozen coil. A frozen coil needs a service call because the professional may need to replace some components inside the fan relay, the fan belt, or the motor itself.
AC fan not working outside
Check the outdoor unit if your AC isn’t cooling correctly. First, check the breaker or fuse box if the outdoor fan isn’t spinning. If it doesn’t solve the problem, there may be other causes for the issue, including:
- Start capacitor not working: If the compressor is fine and the outdoor fan doesn’t work, the fan’s motor or start capacitor may be the problem. Push the fan with a wooden stick and see if it starts. Don’t push it by hand since you could injure your fingers. If the fan doesn’t begin to spin, you should call a local HVAC professional. Turn the AC off until the professional arrives, or you risk burning out the compressor – which is a significant repair.
- Outdoor fan motor stuck – Rust and dirt can cause the fan motor to get stuck. You may need to repair or replace the outdoor fan motor.
Once the unit is repaired, you should schedule a preventive maintenance call from the HVAC experts at Furnace Repair Vaughan at least once a year. Your system will work efficiently and last longer with regular maintenance. You will also save on energy bills over time as a result.
If you think it’s time to replace your HVAC system, the experts at Furnace Repair Vaughan are here to help you!
