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Top Air Conditioning Problems to Know About

Updated: Apr 26

Whether you’re a new homeowner or a concerned renter, knowing about your AC unit can not only prove as a great skill to have but can sometimes save you in moments of distress. There are many ways an air conditioner might fumble, but time and time again, technicians might see the same roster of issues pop up on a regular basis. Equipping yourself with the knowledge of the most common air conditioning problems is a great place for anyone to start for anyone who doesn’t want to be trapped in a boiling house on a hot summer day in Texas!


Let’s dive into the most common problems AC users face.


AC not turning on

The dreaded moment when you wake up in a pool of sweat because your AC has decided to shut off completely. Why does this happen? If fumbling with the thermostat doesn’t trigger the unit to turn on, you may have a deeper issue. The problem could lay in the thermostat itself, shoddy wiring, or breaker issues. In these cases, it’s best to call a professional to handle it.


AC turning on and off

Also known as short cycling, your AC may be starting up, shutting off, and starting up again. Not only does this use a ton of electricity and doesn’t cool your home down, but it can also severely damage your machine. A simple fix could be changing clogged air filters, though sometimes the issue could be something a little more serious, like being fitted with the wrong size AC unit for your home.


Leaks

Your AC can leak for a lot of different reasons, and none of them are fun to deal with! Leaks can originate from overflowing drain pans, clogged drainage pipes, frozen coils, and more. A quick call for a technician can remedy the problem and make sure your unit isn’t experiencing something more serious, like a refrigerant leak.


leaking drain pipe

AC running constantly

Although it may seem normal in the summer, your AC should not be running around the clock. Not only does this use a lot of electricity, but it can really bog down your system and cause a lot of wear and tear on internal components, which can be expensive to replace or fix. This issue is very common and can be caused by a multitude of things, such as a faulty thermostat or problems with internal parts.


AC blowing hot air

This problem can frankly be a very annoying one, especially if you’re already suffering from the scorching Texas sun outside. If your AC is blowing hot air, it could mean that your unit is low on refrigerant, that your air ducts are obstructed, or that your air filters are in dire need of replacement.


Smelly AC

Sometimes, an AC unit can produce unpleasant odors. If you are smelling a burning smell, your unit might have an electrical problem that’s producing a burning smell, which should be addressed as soon as possible. If you’re smelling a musty smell, this could be attributed to improper draining that’s allowed for mold or mildew to build up, clogged and moist air filters, or even dirty air ducts.


full drain pan

Weird noises out of nowhere

Any sudden weird noises from your AC should be an alarm bell. You should never hear any sort of whining, grinding, or vibrating noise coming from your unit. If you do, there’s definitely an issue. These noises typically originate from the belt or the bearings inside the machine and will go away once maintenance has been completed.


Need help with your AC?

If you are experiencing any issues with your air conditioner, please do not hesitate to call us here at Tri-Point Refrigeration. We are committed to providing our clients with the utmost quality of service while giving your AC the TLC it deserves.


We’re excited to help you along the way, and with regular servicing, we can keep your equipment running smoothly and healthily, while also extending the reach of your dollar.


For a direct line to any of our employees ready on the line to help you, please call…(512) 651-4565 for our Austin, Texas community (806) 686-0050 for our Lubbock, Texas community. Or check out our website at https://www.tripointrefrigeration.com


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