Top 5 Most Common AC Issues and How To Prevent Them

Presidential Heating & Air Conditioning

Gaithersburg HVAC Contractors

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Summers in Gaithersburg, MD, can be scorching, taxing even a well-functioning air conditioning system.

Fortunately, with proper AC maintenance and preventive care, you minimize your chances of system failure and can keep your cool all season. Presidential Heating and Air Conditioning in Gaithersburg, MD, shares thefive most common AC issues and provides some valuable tips on how to prevent them.

1. System Won’t Turn On

Discovering your air conditioning system refuses to turn can make your blood boil, especially during the sweltering heat. But there may be a simple fix.

First, check the thermostat for any faults. Ensure it is set to the correct temperature, and consider replacing the batteries to rule out any power-related problems.

If your AC still won’t turn on, check your circuit breaker. A simple tripped breaker could be the cause.

If these initial troubleshooting steps fail to resolve the issue, there may be a more substantial problem that you will need a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and resolve. This could include damaged wiring, faulty motors, or a malfunctioning compressor.

2. Trips the Breaker

If your air conditioner is consistently tripping the circuit breaker, it is likely due to loose or faulty wiring. The presence of loose or exposed wires can result in a short circuit, causing the circuit breaker to trip as a safety measure. It is crucial to avoid touching exposed wires, as they can pose a risk of electric shock. Additionally, a shorted-out compressor or a dirty outdoor coil can contribute to circuit breaker tripping, requiring highlighting the importance of professional assistance to resolve in resolving these complex issues.

3. Turns On or Off By Itself

If your AC system exhibits erratic on-off behavior, seemingly having a mind of its own, the culprit may be a faulty thermostat. Another potential cause for fluctuations could be a dirty air filter disrupting air flow.

Regularly changing your air filter – check with your technician for the recommended frequency for your filter type – can prevent such problems. However, if you know your filter is clean and you don’t see an issue with your thermostat, you will again want to seek professional assistance. A malfunctioning compressor, dirty outdoor coil, or an incorrectly programmed thermostat could be the underlying issues requiring expert attention to diagnose and address effectively.

4. Noisy

Your air conditioner should operate smoothly without making excessive noise. If you notice loud and unusual sounds coming from your unit it likely indicates a problem with one or more of the components.

An object lodged in the fan, a loose fan blade, or loose parts within the system could be the culprit behind the noise. It’s important to regularly inspect the area around your AC unit, removing any  objects or debris to ensure they don’t get caught in the fan.

When you schedule routine maintenance checks with a qualified HVAC professional they will thoroughly inspect your AC system, identify worn and/or malfunctioning parts, and provide the necessary repairs or replacements. It’s essential to promptly address a noisy AC unit to prevent further wear and tear on the system, ensuring its optimal performance and longevity.

5. Leaking

If you observe water pooling around your AC unit, it is likely due to a clogged or broken drainage pipe or a clogged or broken condensate drain pan. The AC system removes moisture from the air during the cooling process, and this condensation is supposed to drain away through a designated drain line. However, when the drainage pipe or condensate pan is clogged or damaged, the accumulated moisture can lead to leaks.

Another potential cause of leakage could be a faulty pump. Moreover, low refrigerant gas levels or improper installation can also contribute to this issue. When addressing a leaking AC unit, it is advisable to contact a professional. They will determine the cause of the leak, unclog or repair the drainage system, and rectify any related damages. They will also inspect the pump, refrigerant levels, and installation to ensure proper functioning and prevent future leaks.

Learn the causes for the most common AC Problems in our Free Guide

Being proactive about AC maintenance is critical to avoiding the most common AC issues homeowners face. Schedule regular tune-ups with a qualified HVAC professional, change your air filter, listen for noises, and look for leaks. By doing so, you’ll ensure that your AC system keeps you cool all summer long.

Schedule your AC maintenance with Presidential Heating and Air Conditioning in Gaithersburg, MD, today to keep your system running smoothly!