The 6 Most Common AC Repairs

Air conditioning and AC units are some of the most used and relied-upon components of a home. Especially in summer months, having a working AC is invaluable. It keeps the whole family comfortable, and broken or inadequate air conditioning can have numerous consequences.

Unfortunately, AC units do occasionally run into problems and need repairs or replacements. If you’re new to maintaining your air conditioning or just want to know if the problem you’re experiencing is standard, check out this list of the most common AC issues and repairs.

Thermostat Problems

Issues with the thermostat are one of the most common AC problems. If the thermostat isn’t working properly, it can’t signal the HVAC unit to cool the home to the right temperature. Sometimes, it’s an easy fix. Frequent thermostat problems include:

• A buildup of dirt, debris, smoke, or soot behind the cover
• Poor installation
• Faulty wiring
• Bad location in the home

Other possibilities exist, but many thermostat repairs are simple. Call your AC repair company for a quick fix to get your air conditioning back online.

Dirty Filter

A clogged or dirty filter does more damage than many people realize. They reduce airflow or completely block it, and if the problem is severe it causes the AC unit to freeze. Changing the filter isn’t difficult. Just follow the instructions from the manufacturer and put in a new filter every month, three months, or whatever the suggested filter lifetime is.

Coolant

A leak in the line or low coolant levels drastically affects the performance of your AC unit. If there’s a leak, it’s time to call in a professional and get it fixed. It’s also important to schedule annual maintenance to check the integrity of your unit and lines. Once the leak is fixed and refrigerant levels are where they need to be, your air conditioning will be as good as new.

Drainage Issues

Clogged drain lines spell trouble. If a clog is left alone, the drain pan feels up and leaks happen. The potential for property damage increases from there. Any type of leak or moisture issue comes with the risk of mold, pests, and other types of damage. Luckily, having a professional clear out the drain line usually fixes the issue.

Bad Capacitor

The capacitor starts the motor, so if yours is bad the right signals aren’t sent. Bad capacitors are one of the most common issues with AC units, as they just weaken and wear out with time.

Bad Compressor or Fan Motor

Both of these components go in the outside condensing unit. You can usually tell if either of them has issues just by listening. The compressor and fan make unique sounds, and if you don’t hear one of them you’ll know that’s the culprit.

Final Thoughts

Air conditioning sees frequent, daily use at least for certain parts of the year. Parts wear out and break down and certain elements get clogged if they’re not tended regularly. Fortunately, the common repairs on this list have easy solutions. Call your trusted AC repair team if you need help getting your system in top-notch shape!