Common Air Conditioner Problems and How to Fix Them

Due to climate change and global warming, the heat waves in Sacramento are getting worse every year. In this hot weather, not having a fully functional Air Conditioner to cool down your home can be a sweaty mess. Although you cannot control the weather, at least you can keep your air conditioner in proper working condition with the help of regular maintenance and emergency AC repair sacramento if required. 

To keep your Air conditioner in top shape, you need to know about the common air conditioner problems. This will help you recognize the problems easily and take quick action. We also talk about the ways to fix common air conditioner problems.

Common AC Problems and How To Fix Them

Indoor Water Leaks

A leaking indoor unit screams a lack of maintenance or overdue maintenance. The water leaks from the AC could be the result of a clogged condensate drain in the system. 

Algae or fungi buildup can block the pipe, causing water to back up and leak into your home. Another potential issue could be a completely broken condensate pump that needs to be replaced.

Solution – If you want to get it fixed at home, there is a simple option you can try. Firstly, you will be able to unclog the condensate pipe with the help of a wet or dry vacuum. After that, you can use vinegar to kill any type of fungi build up. 

However, we would suggest hiring a professional for this job as it is generally hard to locate the drain pipe within the unit. You might have to run through the manual to know. To avoid such hassle, get in touch with professionals for emergency AC repair sacramento.

Outdoor Water Leaks

On some of the hottest days in Sacramento, you might notice a small puddle of water outside your house beneath your air conditioner’s compressor. There are many reasons behind something like this – a dry air filter, broken condensate pans, a bad AC seal, improper installation, and more.

Solution  – Once you understand the issues, you need to immediately turn off the air conditioner and unplug it. Issues like this need emergency attention, or the situation can become complicated. In such cases, you may need to contact a professional for AC maintenance in Sacramento so the issue is resolved quickly. 

Refrigerant Leak

Freon, or AC refrigerant, plays an important role in an Air conditioner. This is the substance that actually cools down the air and gives you a cozy feeling in the hot summer days. Take it like this: without the refrigerant, the AC is just another machine that might blow air, but it will definitely not be cold. 

A refrigerant leak is a common cause of AC malfunctions and can reduce your unit’s efficiency. Not only that, refrigerant leaks can be harmful to both humans and the environment. A refrigerant leak can happen for various reasons, such as physical damage to the unit or intense vibrations that weaken refrigerant lines.

Solution – When there is a leak in your refrigerant, the issue needs to be solved from the bottom up. Just refreshing the refrigerator might not be the only solution because if the leak remains, the refrigerant will leak again. 

Also, if the leak is major, the whole pipe system within your AC needs to be replaced. Simple fixes will not be able to help at all. It is not easy to detect a refrigerant leak, so if you notice your AC is not blowing cold air, get in touch with a professional, as it could indicate a refrigerant leak. Trying to fix a refrigerant leak by yourself can be dangerous, so do not try to DIY. 

Dirty Filters

Air conditioner filters are understated, but they play a very important role in maintaining clean airflow by trapping dust and pollutants. But if you donot clean your filters, they will get clogged, restrict airflow, and reduce the efficiency of your AC system. 

Solution –  The solution to this problem is as easy as it sounds. You have to get clean filters to get the job done. Most air conditioners come with the option of replaceable filters, so you will just have to remove the old filter and replace it with the new one. If your AC has a reusable one, you know the drill: clean it with water and reinstall it when dry.

To maintain your AC, clean the filter every two weeks and replace it every two months during peak usage seasons in Sacramento. Smart AC controllers can make your job easier by monitoring your filter status and alerting you when it’s time to clean the filters.

If you are a pet owner, you need to be extra careful as pet fur can clog your filter faster and needs to be cleaned more often.

Broken Down Compressor

The compressor is a key part of your AC system, aiding in heat exchange and managing pressure. Factors like dirty coils, fluctuating refrigerant levels, and poor lubrication can lead to compressor failure.

Insufficient refrigerant causes the compressor to overheat and shut down, while too much refrigerant raises the unit’s pressure, potentially leading to failure as well.

Solution  – If you notice insufficient cooling or a weaker airflow from your AC, the reason could be a malfunctioning compressor. You will need to get in touch with a local HVAC professional to take a look at your AC compressor problems. In certain cases, it is better to get your compressor replaced rather than repaired.

Frozen Evaporator Coil

If your air conditioner isn’t cooling as it should, a frozen evaporator coil might be to blame. This issue is common in home AC units. It happens when dirt and debris build up on your air filters, restricting airflow. When the unit doesn’t get enough air, warm air can’t reach the refrigerant, causing it to become too cold and freeze the moisture on the coils.

As ice forms around the coil, it prevents the refrigerant from absorbing heat effectively, disrupting your home’s air conditioning. Over time, the coil becomes encased in ice, stopping the AC from working smoothly.

Solution – If you notice that your Air conditioner unit is hardly blowing cold air, a frozen evaporator coil could be the issue. First, you need to check for yourself and confirm if the evaporator coils are frozen. Shut down the AC and unplug it so that the coils can defrost. It generally takes a good 24 hours to defrost.  

To speed up the defrosting process, you can use a hairdryer, but be cautious not to overheat the coil. If there’s only moderate frost, you can leave your system running on fan mode. The blower fan will melt the frost without needing to shut down the unit.

The next thing you need to do is get your evaporator coils clean before you start using your AC gain, or else you’ll run into the same problems. This is where you need to call professionals for AC troubleshooting and help to get your evaporator coils cleaned. 

Licenced and Insured Air Conditioner Repairs in Sacramento

Dealing with a faulty air conditioner? Whether your air isn’t cooling or your unit is making strange noises, Heald Mechanical is here to help. Our expert team can quickly diagnose and fix all types of air conditioner problems. We offer 24/7 emergency services to Sacramento residents, ensuring that your home stays cool and comfortable. All you have to do is give us a call, and we will be there to get your AC fixed in no time. Contact us today at (916-972-7276) and experience emergency ac repair sacramento!