Air conditioners are used in about 75% of homes in the United States and are highly effective at regulating air temperature, humidity, and air quality. Regardless of where you live or how much you use your AC, a variety of common issues may occur. Your first step should be to troubleshoot the problem, then determine whether you can resolve it or need a technician.

Troubleshooting Common AC Issues

No Power

If the AC doesn’t turn on:

• Check the power supply cord.
• Reset the circuit breaker is tripped
• Examine the power cord for damage or fraying.
• Test the outlet by plugging in another high-voltage appliance (if it doesn’t work, the outlet if faulty).
• A faulty thermostat, blown fuse, or failed motor are other possible causes.

Weak Airflow

To address weak airflow, the issue typically stems from a dirty air filter.

• Change or clean the filter if it is dusty.
• Change AC filters every three months.

Other issues include:

• Damaged fan blades
• A faulty compressor
• A weak, malfunctioning motor

The AC Does Not Cool

If you’re getting heat from the unit instead of cool air it’s best to examine your thermostat:

• Check to see if it was accidentally put into “heat” mode.
• Turn thermostat off of “auto” mode, this setting won’t allow the AC to provide cool air.
• If set to cool, but the air blows warm, a faulty compressor may be to blame.
• There may be a refrigerant leak (if your AC uses R-22/Freon, this could be dangerous).

Short-Cycling

If your AC turns on and off too frequently, it can use more power and strain components. If you notice this happening:

• Clean or replace a clogged air filter, which can overheat the unit.
• Check for a frozen evaporator coil in the air handler (if so, turn the system off to let the coil defrost).
• Check the thermostat; improper room temperature readings can cause the system to short-cycle, and the room won’t become cool or warm enough.
• Look for system issues such as low refrigerant or an electrical/control board problem (best handled by a professional).

Specific HVAC Issues to Look For

Here is a condensed list of the issues that you should concentrate on when troubleshooting your HVAC system:

• Dirty Filters: Clean/replace the filter regularly to ensure the system runs reliably and to extend its operating life.

• Pilot Light/Ignition Problem: Dirty pilots, faulty flame sensors, or burner problems can disable your furnace.

• Faulty Thermostat: Wrong temperature settings, improper use, dead batteries, or electrical problems can lead to issues.

• Noise: Shrieking, squealing, whining, rattling, or loud humming can indicate a mechanical problem.

• Wear and Tear: Worn belts, bearings, and other parts or a lack of lubrication can affect mechanical components.

• Tripped Breakers: If the system is overworked, energy consumption increases, which often triggers the circuit breaker.

• Dirty Coils: Condenser and evaporator coils can be come dirty or clogged, causing increased wear.

• Faulty Blower: If the furnace blower runs continuously, check the fan switch; the fan relay, limit switch, or safety setting may cause trouble too.

• Leak: ACs and furnaces produce condensate, but a clogged or cracked drain line, heat exchanger problem, or damaged evaporator drain pan can cause a leak.

Contact Fix-It 24/7

If your cooling or heating troubles can’t be fixed with a simple solution, we can help. Fix-It 24/7 can provide any type of HVAC repair in the Denver area. For professional service day, night, on weekends, and holidays, call 303-214-0277.