Common AC Problems: AC Won’t Turn On
Air conditioning units have many moving parts, so while they’re built to reliably deliver cool air throughout the warmer months, things can occasionally go wrong. When your home’s AC suddenly won’t turn on, it can be due to several potential problems.
- Tripped circuit breakers can be caused by an electrical overload. This issue usually happens when your AC unit isn’t on a dedicated circuit breaker or if the equipment is old and drawing too much power.
- A blown fuse is a common issue, especially in older homes
- Clogged air filters cut off proper airflow and make the unit work harder and draw more electricity.
- Dirty evaporator coils can make your AC unit less efficient and ultimately lead to a total breakdown.
- Dirty condenser lines caused by mold and algae can eventually cause the unit to work much harder. The system can even break down.
- Refrigerant leaks can cause a host of problems. This could be another reason why your air conditioner won’t turn on.
- A damaged or broken motor is generally indicated by strange noises when you try to turn the AC on.
AC Running Constantly
If your air conditioning unit constantly runs without shutting off, or cycles on and off continuously, several issues could be causing it.
Here are the 10 most common reasons your home’s air conditioning unit might not turn on and off properly.
- The evaporator coil is dirty and impeding the cooling process.
- A frozen evaporator coil also causes the unit to continuously blow warm air and can damage the equipment.
- A clogged air filter restricts airflow. Because the system can’t remove the interior’s humidity and cool the inside air to the set temperature, it keeps running.
- If the air filter is too “restrictive,” i.e., it’s designed to remove allergens and pollen, it can cause the unit to malfunction.
- A low refrigerant charge keeps the unit running as it works harder to cool your home.
- A faulty thermostat can cause the unit to not know when to turn off, even when the desired temperature is reached.
- Leaky ducts might be causing cool air to escape, which means your home never reaches the temperature set on the thermostat.
- A dirty or blocked condenser can impede airflow.
- Blower motor and fan issues can cause the HVAC system to lose efficiency, making it run constantly.
- If your AC unit is the wrong size for your home, it might not be able to cool the entire house.
My Cooled Air Smells Funny
Are you noticing one or more funny smells when your air conditioner is running? Those smells might be coming from the unit itself. Though many are harmless, some indicate a serious issue that can threaten your health, your indoor air quality, and your home itself. You can sometimes identify and fix the problem yourself. Other times you might need to call in a professional to take a look.
Why Does Your AC Smell Funny?
If your air-conditioned house smells terrible, here’s what might be causing it:
- Mold, mildew, and must smells are caused by excess moisture or humidity inside the unit. These odors will flow through your house when the AC’s running.
- A dirty-sock or stinky-feet smell is usually caused by dirty evaporator coils, a clogged condensate drain pan, or stagnant water.
- A stale cigarette smoke smell is likely coming from the filter and evaporator coil if someone in the home smokes. The smoke has been trapped there over time.
- A burning smell is likely the result of something actually burning! Possible sources are an overheated motor, a wiring issue, or a mechanical problem. This is a serious problem that requires immediate attention from a professional! If the smell is more like gunpowder, it could be a circuit board or fan motor short.
- A rotten egg or fishy smell might be coming from melted plastic components or a gas leak. This is a serious situation–contact a professional to inspect this issue.
- A sewer gas smell is typically caused by dry P-traps that allow gases and odors to creep up your drains.
- A rotting carcass smell is likely the result of a tiny critter expiring in your HVAC or the duct system. The quicker you discover, remove, and clean it, the better.
My AC Is Frozen!
Air conditioners are complex, so it’s no surprise there are times things go wrong. Most AC systems are built to dependably deliver cool air to your home during the warmer months, but once in a while, you might need to call in a professional to take a look at your unit.
When your home’s air conditioner is freezing up, it can be due to:
- A faulty thermostat. Also, if the temperature at night happens to go below 60 degrees, it could throw your AC out of whack.
- Blocked airflow. AC units need a constant flow of air. Otherwise, humidity settles on the coils and freezes. This restricts the airflow in your house.
- Moving parts that break, clog up, or get stuck. Refrigerant lines might kink or leak, filters become clogged, and fans stop moving. These issues can cause a drop in pressure and allow the refrigerant to overexpand and become too cold.
To thaw out a frozen AC, turn the thermostat off and turn the fan on. After a few hours, the unit should be fully defrosted.
My AC Is Making Noise!
Your home’s air conditioner is designed to keep you cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. When it starts to make weird, loud, and disturbing noises, it’s bound to leave you anything but relaxed. Unusual noises in an AC unit rarely go away on their own and often indicate a problem that needs to be solved. Calling in an HVAC professional can help you quickly identify and fix your noisy AC unit and get back the peace and quiet you crave.
Why Is Your AC Making Strange Noises?
A qualified technician should handle most loud noises from air conditioners. If you’re curious about what’s causing them, though, here are the five most common noises you’re likely to hear.
- Banging noises from the outdoor unit typically come from the compressor, the component responsible for circulating refrigerant. Over time, wear and tear on interior parts causes them to loosen and create a loud banging sound.
- Buzzing noises near or inside the air handler or outdoors by the unit are generally signs of an electrical problem such as a failing motor, a malfunctioning compressor, loose wiring, a broken capacitor, or arcing.
- Clicking sounds when the AC is running are likely the result of a small object stuck in the blower fan. If the clicking occurs when you try to start the system, there might be an electrical issue with the thermostat, compressor, or capacitor.
- Hissing sounds often mean there’s a duct leak, bad expansion valve, or an improperly seated air filter. It’s also the sign of a refrigerant leak.
- Squealing and screeching noises from the outside unit are typically caused by a faulty fan motor or a bad compressor. If you hear them indoors, it’s likely the blower fan motor.
Schedule a Repair Call
Are you tired of the funny or loud noises coming from your home’s AC unit? Aladdin Air Conditioning & Heating can help! Our professional technicians are trained to repair whatever’s causing your air conditioner to make that awful noise. We also offer air conditioning installation services and heat pump services that are done right the first time. Contact Aladdin online today to have one of our friendly technicians solve your noisy AC problem. You can also call us at 904-348-0514