Five Common Air Conditioner Problems - and What to Do If You Encounter Them

If you are reading this article, you are probably having issues with your air conditioning system and hoping to figure out what is causing the problem and how to resolve it. Specific issues most commonly arise, and we have decided to address those situations because no one likes sitting in a house when your AC isn’t functioning correctly.

Air conditioning is necessary nationwide, especially in California - where the warmth is experienced year-round, and the summer months are sweltering. You can only place so many fans in a room, but that still doesn’t provide a viable solution. Home HVAC systems offer families warmth, comfort, and complete security everywhere. When you cannot access cool air - things can get a bit sticky, both literally and figuratively - and dependable AC repair and HVAC solutions may be in your best interest.

An AC Unit That Won’t Turn Off

Once Springtime rolls around in California, everyone’s AC kicks on and seems to stay on through the end of August and, often, even throughout the early Fall months. If your air conditioner is on, your thermostat may be set to ‘Auto,’ meaning your HVAC systems will do the work for you and maintain the temperature you want your environment to be. 

Your AC should automatically kick on, but if it never turns off, even when you intentionally set it to stop - you may be facing an issue with a multitude of things, thermostat, air filters, electrical or compressor problems. You can always attempt turning on the fan through your thermostat, but if the air conditioner is still on - it may be time for professional HVAC repairs.

AC Unit That Won’t Turn On

An air conditioner that won’t turn on is one of the most annoying problems you can have as a homeowner. It is one of the most frustrating events to wake up sweating through your sheets because your AC has been off all night - then when you got to flip it on, and nothing happens - you have no means of cooling down.

You always want to check your circuit breaker because it could be as easy as the system is tripped, but if that does not help, you may have an issue with your wiring or a faulty thermostat. You do not want to attempt to fix these issues, as electrical wiring and thermostat problems can pose a danger. If you aren’t sure what to do, don’t attempt a diagnosis - reach out to trusted technicians to get the job done safely.

AC is On, but There is No Cold Air

If your air conditioner is on, but you are not getting cold air, or hot air is blowing out instead - you may be getting warmer by the minute. This problem calls for a quick fix because no one in California wants to deal with hot air blowing around in the middle of Spring or Summer. However, it may be as simple as your air filter!

When you have a messy air filter packed with dirt, dust, and debris, it can cause severe obstructions causing other areas of the system to overheat. It could also be your refrigerant levels; you must always ensure they aren’t too high or too low, which can also cause issues. So, replace your air filters and check your levels before jumping to too many conclusions!

Water or Refrigerant Leaking

Leaking water or refrigerant is something you will only notice sometimes. You want to take care of this immediately if you see it because you are dealing with coolant, and if you have small children at home, it can be hazardous should they come into contact with the liquids.

If there is a lot of condensation build-up or liquids leaking around your unit, you will first want to turn the unit off. Running your unit while there are leaks could further damage your HVAC systems. You can avoid this by completing maintenance checks regularly and hiring licensed HVAC technicians to conduct inspections. 

Strange Smells or Noises Coming from the System

Sometimes our AC units are simply older and make a lot of noise while they are in use, but if you notice any strange noises that are out of the ordinary or odd smells - that is a clear sign that something could be wrong. Electrical and wiring problems could be the culprit of a burning smell, and pesky leaks could be the cause of mildew scents.

Anything out of the ordinary should be directed to a professional. You can always do a quick peek around the unit but again, be sure to power it down and reach out to a local HVAC company in California to put your home back on track.

It May Be Time to Reach Out to HVAC Technicians for Help…

Air conditioning is a privilege, but it is also a necessity in California. Keeping cool in the Summertime is something that everyone has a fundamental right to because the comfort and security of your entire household depend on it. Universal Heating and Air is a locally owned company servicing families all over California with elite HVAC repairs, installation, and maintenance services.

Universal HVAC has been serving residents and commercial businesses in California for decades, and their experience is something all of their clients can genuinely depend on. When your air conditioner is out of whack or entirely out of order, you must prioritize resolving it. Still, it is not your responsibility to be an expert - leave that up to your trusted HVAC technicians to keep your house cool this summer!