As summer begins to heat up, homeowners are relying more and more on their air conditioners to keep their homes cool and families comfortable all season. Most often, a well-maintained cooling system should function properly during the warmer months, but sometimes issues arise. And we’re here to help. Keep reading to learn about common AC problems and solutions to help you keep your cool this summer.

AC Doesn’t Turn On

When you switch on your AC, you naturally expect it to start cooling down your home. But what if the unit doesn’t turn on? The unit may not be getting power due to a tripped breaker, blown fuse, or other issue.

Make sure it’s plugged in. Then, check outside to see if the fan is spinning and that warm air is blowing from the unit to confirm that the condenser is running. Double check to ensure your thermostat is set to “cool,” and lower the temperature setting a few degrees to see if the unit kicks in.

If it doesn’t, check and replace any fuses that may have blown. Also, check your home’s electrical panel to see if the breaker needs to be reset. If that’s the case but the circuit continues to trip, there may be a bad connection that an electrician can repair.

Once you’ve exhausted these possibilities but still can’t get your AC to turn on, contact your trusted air conditioning professionals to get you back up and running.

AC Is Not Cooling

Cooling is one of the biggest issues with AC units. Let’s say your AC is running, but it's either not blowing cold air or not cooling your home as much as you’d like. The air filter may be clogged, or the condenser might be blocked or dirty.

Dirty air filters restrict airflow, causing your AC to work harder and less efficiently, which also often results in higher electric bills. Check and replace the filter as needed.

The AC unit’s condenser fan draws in air where it’s then cooled by the condenser coil. The fan then pushes hot air out the top of the unit. If there are any obstructions around your AC unit, chances are that it cannot function properly. Remove any bushes, branches, or weeds to ensure proper air circulation.

If the unit looks especially dirty or clogged, you may need to clean the condenser. You can do this yourself or rely on a professional to quickly and easily take care of the job for you.

Strange Noises or Smells

Any strange noise coming from your AC unit can be alarming. And with so many moving parts, it may be difficult to pinpoint exactly where the sound is coming from and why. There may be some debris in the fan, or a part may be loose, faulty, wearing out, or worn out.

If you hear any squeaking, squealing, grinding, or rattling, it’s best to have your unit inspected by a trusted AC professional. A qualified technician can find the issue and safely remedy it to get your AC up and running smoothly.

Burning smells or musty odors can indicate other issues as well. If your AC emits a burning smell, there may be an issue with the motor or other electrical components. The smell may also be from a dirty filter causing the unit to work harder or overheat, so check and change your air filter as needed. Musty smells can indicate moisture accumulation from dirty filters or a blocked drain line.

If your AC unit is giving off strange odors and you’re unable to resolve the issue, the team at WestAIR can help.

AC Leaks

Over time, AC connections can become loose, and lines or hoses can wear down. Any of these scenarios could lead to refrigerant leaks. If you notice bright stains or leaks around your AC unit, turn it off and contact your trusted AC repair team.

And while some condensation outside your AC unit is normal, excessive water can indicate other issues, such as a frozen evaporator coil or a clogged drain line.

Be sure to check and change air filters as needed to help prevent your unit’s evaporator coil from freezing and leaking water. A blocked drain line causes a backup of water, which then leaks out of the AC unit. Cleaning the drain line—or having it professionally serviced—can help prevent blockages and water leaks.

Schedule AC Maintenance with WestAIR

These are just a few of the most common AC problems you may run into as a homeowner. They’re certainly things to keep an eye on as summer approaches and you’re using your AC more often. If you run into any of these issues or others, call on the cooling professionals at WestAIR. For general maintenance, repairs, or full unit replacement and installation, we’re here to make sure you and your family stay cool and comfortable all season long.

Contact us today with questions or to schedule service.