Common AC Problems and Solutions
With the weather staying hot in Bellaire, the last thing you want is a broken air conditioner; a fully functioning air conditioner is more than a luxury—it’s a necessity. However, even the best systems can encounter problems that disrupt your comfort.
Common air conditioning (AC) issues can cause frustration and discomfort, from strange noises to weak airflow. The good news is that many of these problems have straightforward solutions that can restore your system to peak performance.
Our team at Air-Ton Heating & Air wants you to be aware, prepared, and ready to solve some of the most common air conditioning problems so you and your family can stay cool and comfortable this summer.
AC Issues and Repairs
Some of the most common air conditioning issues that homeowners face, from uneven cooling to strange noises, often have simple solutions. And when they don’t, you have Air-Ton Heating & Air you can rely on! Read on as we provide practical tips and solutions to help you fix these problems and keep your AC running smoothly.
AC Is Inconsistent Cooling
Do you find some of your rooms are too cold while others are still on the warm side? Many Texas homeowners have trouble with inconsistent cooling. While factors such as the age and design of your home can cause these consistency issues, you may also have a leak in your duct system. One of our trained professionals can come and inspect your air conditioner and duct system to confirm the diagnosis and repair discovered tears.
AC Is Not Cooling
If your air conditioner is simply blowing warm air, you may want to check simple things like your filter. Dirty filters are easy to change and can prevent your system from functioning properly. They can also decrease your system’s efficiency.
In fact, you can save between 5 and 15 percent of the energy used for your air conditioning by changing your filter in combination with other energy-saving actions.
In some cases, your AC may not be cooling because it needs its condenser coils cleaned. Our HVAC professionals can help. These coils are delicate and are sometimes hard to access. Save yourself the time and hassle, and call Air-Ton Heating & Air.
While we are there, we can also confirm whether your lack of cooling issue is the result of a coolant (refrigerant) leak and add refrigerant if needed. Mechanical failures may also cause cooling issues. A well-skilled HVAC technician should review your system as a whole to properly diagnose and repair this issue.
AC Has No Air Movement
When you place your hand on a room’s register and feel no air blowing at all, even though your air conditioning unit is turned on, you may have a broken fan or thermostat or a tripped breaker.
Check your thermostat settings and see if it seems to be working properly (and that no one else in the house changed the settings) to rule it out as the source of your problem. Next, check to see if a breaker tripped—it’s easy to fix your tripped breaker on your own, just pop the switch back to the on position.
If the previous sources were not the issue, head over to your AC unit and listen closely to see if you notice the fan is running or not. If it is not or you are unsure, then contact Air-Ton Heating & Air for an inspection. Other less common reasons for no air blowing from your AC may be a bad blower belt or wiring issues, which require a professional to repair.
Ice Accumulation on AC
Ice in Texas during the summer? It may sound weird, but it does happen. If you notice ice or a frosty layer accumulating around your air conditioning unit, it can result in your air conditioner freezing up.
Check to be sure you have good airflow through and around your air conditioning system. Dirty air filters, closed dampers, or blocked vents or ducts can restrict airflow and cause ice to form on the unit. If all of these areas seem clear on visual inspection, you may want to call our trained team to conduct a more professional check of your system.
Strange Noises From AC
By being aware of what your air conditioning system usually sounds like, you will notice more quickly if something seems amiss. If you hear strange noises, they can be cues something needs to be repaired or replaced.
Squeaking sounds usually indicate problems with your air conditioner belt, which may need realignment or replacement. If you hear grinding sounds, that may be an indicator of issues with the motor’s bearings. For these sounds, it may be best to turn off your AC unit to prevent further wear or stress on your AC and contact Air-Ton Heating & Air to inspect it.
Other noises may be easier to remedy, such as rattling, which can simply indicate a loose cover. If you cannot identify the source of the noise, call an HVAC professional.
AC Has Odd Operation Patterns
In nearly all weather conditions, your air conditioner should kick on at a certain temperature, run for a while, and then shut off. If you find your air conditioner is constantly running or seems to cycle on and off too frequently, you need to address these issues, as they will prematurely add wear to your AC unit.
If your air conditioner never takes a break, you may have an issue with the fan, refrigerant level, or relay switches. This may require a professional visit from a member of our team to diagnose and repair these issues.
A system that constantly turns off and on may indicate a dirty or blocked condenser unit or evaporator. A thorough cleaning can help solve this issue. However, if it continues, it could be a sign that you have the wrong size AC for your home’s square footage.
AC Repair in Bellaire
One way to ensure your air conditioner is ready for the season and less likely to have any issues is to have regular maintenance performed. One of our highly trained and experienced professionals can conduct a thorough inspection, cleaning, and providing a general tune-up to be sure all system components are running well.
If you find yourself with air conditioner problems you can’t resolve, contact our knowledgeable professionals at Air-Ton Heating & Air in Bellaire, TX, for efficient AC repair. Call 713-661-2760 or request service online today for any of your air conditioning needs.