Identifying AC Problems and How Homeowners May Be Able to Solve Them

Nobody wants to deal with air conditioner issues during the summer when air conditioning is needed most. Therefore, it’s essential for homeowners to recognize the signs of AC problems so that professionals can be contacted for air conditioner repair. This post will share signs that indicate air conditioning repair is needed, common AC problems, and steps homeowners can take before calling for repair to see if that solves the issue.

Signs Air Conditioner Repair Is Needed

Several signs can signal to homeowners that their air conditioning system needs professional repair. These warning signs can include:

• Unusual sounds like rattling, grinding, squealing, buzzing, and more
• Higher energy bills without an increase in usage
• Warm air is coming from the vents instead of cool air
• Poor airflow from vents
• Uneven or insufficient cooling
• Water is pooling around the indoor unit
• Frequent cycling on and off, called short cycling

Many issues in an air conditioning system can cause similar signs, making a professional inspection important, as technicians can determine the underlying cause and the best solution to fix it.

Common AC Problems

While many potential problems can occur with air conditioning systems, there are a few common ones to be aware of. Dirty air filters are a common problem with a simple solution: air filter replacement. However, they are a common cause of air conditioning issues. Dirty and clogged filters restrict airflow, which can result in inadequate cooling throughout the home and reduced airflow from vents. They also cause inefficiency, forcing the system to work harder and consume more energy, leading to higher energy bills. Dirty air filters can also cause the air conditioner to overheat.

Similarly, dirty evaporator and condenser coils reduce heat transfer efficiency, causing the system to operate inefficiently and leading to higher cooling costs. It can also lead to struggles with temperature control and warm air coming from the vents instead. These AC maintenance issues often trigger more serious problems if left unaddressed.

Refrigerant leaks are another common issue for air conditioning systems, which can lead to higher energy bills, warm air coming from the vents, and insufficient cooling. Low refrigerant levels prevent proper cooling and can damage the compressor over time.

Thermostat malfunctions are another common issue that can masquerade as major system failures when the actual fix may be relatively simple. Incorrect calibration, dead batteries, faulty wiring, or other thermostat issues can lead to inefficiency, higher operating costs, and temperature inconsistencies throughout the home. One thing to note is that many of these common issues have similar effects, including higher cooling costs and temperature problems, which makes a professional assessment important for getting the correct solution.

Things Homeowners Can Try Before Calling for Repair

While homeowners shouldn’t attempt air conditioning repair on their own, there are a few steps they can take before calling a professional for repair, including:

• Checking air filters and replacing them if they are dirty
• Inspecting the thermostat to ensure it's on the right setting and that the thermostat batteries don’t need to be replaced
• Checking the electrical panel to ensure the circuit breaker for the air conditioning system hasn’t been tripped
• Making sure all air vents remain open and unblocked by furniture or other items

However, if one of these simple fixes doesn’t solve the problem, and signs that repair is needed continue, calling for professional AC repair is essential. The underlying problem may be a mechanical failure, refrigerant leak, electrical issue, or another issue requiring professional service and specialized diagnostic equipment.

About Postma Heating & Cooling

Postma Heating & Cooling is a local, family-owned electric, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning company serving the Chatham-Kent area. They offer same-day service, flat-rate pricing, and the latest technology. Call them for AC repair services in Chatham-Kent, ON.

Contact Information:

Postma Heating & Cooling

22132 Charing Cross Rd
Chatham-Kent, ON N7M 5J3
Canada

Caleb Postma
+1 519-354-9491
https://www.postma.ca/