There’s no appliance that is more important during the summer than your air conditioner. Summer is when you can’t imagine a day without a properly functioning HVAC system.

However, the truth is that air conditioners can break down at any time – there’s nothing you can do to control that. The best thing to do when you notice an AC leaking water or any other problem is to contact a professional to fix the problem immediately.

If you realize that your AC system isn’t functioning correctly, you can try a few troubleshooting techniques. If the AC issue persists, Lee Company has experienced professionals that understand how different models of HVAC systems work and can repair or replace them.

6 common AC issues to look out for

Air conditioning is a significant convenience for many homeowners and renters, but it can be a major inconvenience when it stops working. There are several common issues that can cause an air conditioner to stop working, ranging from simple DIY fixes to costly repairs.

Sometimes, the issue may be more serious and require a professional HVAC technician. If the problem persists after attempting DIY fixes, it’s time to call in a professional. This is also recommended if the AC unit is older or not up to code. Depending on the severity of the issue, repair costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

Proper maintenance of an AC unit can help avoid these issues and provide energy efficiency benefits. Cleaning or replacing the filter, checking the thermostat setting, and ensuring the power is on can help your AC run more efficiently and reduce energy bills. It can also extend the life of your AC unit and reduce the need for costly repairs.

1. Dirty air filter

A dirty air filter is one of the most common issues that can cause an air conditioner to stop working. It’s essential to replace or clean your air filter regularly to ensure that air can flow freely through the system.

A blocked filter can cause the unit to overheat and shut down. Replacing or cleaning the air filter is a simple and inexpensive DIY fix, but if it’s not done regularly, it can lead to more costly repairs.

The longevity of your AC unit and energy efficiency can also suffer from blocked filters. If your AC isn’t working, checking the filter should be one of the first troubleshooting steps.

2. Incorrect thermostat setting

An incorrect thermostat setting is one of the most common issues that can cause an air conditioner to stop working. Ensure your thermostat is set to “cool” and the temperature is set correctly.

Installing a smart thermostat can help with this issue, as it can be controlled remotely and alert you if the temperature is set incorrectly. It can also be programmed to adjust the temperature at specific times, ensuring your AC is running efficiently and helping you save energy.

3. Make sure the power is on

When troubleshooting an air conditioner that isn’t working, one of the first things to do is to check if the power is on. Make sure to check both the circuit breaker and fuse box for any tripped breakers or fuses.

Obviously, if the power is off, the unit won’t run. If a breaker or fuse has been tripped, try resetting it to see if that fixes the issue. If it trips again, there may be an issue with the wiring or an electrical component that requires the attention of a professional.

It’s essential to check the power every time you experience an issue with your AC, as it could be a sign of a more serious problem.

4. The AC unit is leaking water

This is one of the most common problems experienced by many homeowners. AC leaking water can damage your air conditioner. The AC drip pan often fills due to a clogged drain line.

This is one of the most common problems homeowners experience, and it’s serious; an AC leaking water can lead to costly damage. Turn off your air conditioner system immediately when you notice this problem.

A dry vacuum may unclog it if the water leakage stems from a clogged drain line. If that doesn’t work, don’t be frustrated: A clogged drain line can prove stubborn to clear, especially if the pipes have rusted away.

5. The air conditioning unit won’t stop running

This common problem might be one you periodically experience. If the air conditioner runs longer than usual, the culprit could be a dirty filter. That’s easy to address: clean or replace the filter.

Other issues that might cause the AC to run continuously include a stuck fan, a non-functional thermostat, or an electrical short within the thermostat cable.

If none are the problem, consider the age of your AC system. It may be time for an HVAC replacement.

6. The AC unit isn’t cooling

If your AC is running but not cooling your home, check your vents before you call for service and repair. All of them should be open. If even one of the vents is closed, it will be difficult for the AC system to cool your home correctly.

It will be difficult for the AC system to cool your home properly if even one of the vents is closed. If this problem is not fixed, you may have water leakage inside your home.

The size of the AC system matters too. If your AC system is too large for your home, it may cycle on and off too fast. On the other hand, if the system is too small, it will have to over-work and could break down quickly.

When to call Lee Company’s HVAC experts to fix your AC system

If DIY troubleshooting efforts don’t resolve the issue, it’s time to call in an HVAC expert. Lee Company can perform an HVAC tune-up, diagnose the problem, and provide the best solution. Here are some specific problems with air conditioning units that only trained technicians can handle.

1. Broken condenser

A broken condenser can be a significant issue for an air conditioner. It can cause the unit to overheat and shut down, and the cost of replacing a condenser can be expensive. It’s important to call in a professional to diagnose and repair any issues with the condenser. If the fan motor is faulty, the outdoor unit won’t be able to dissipate heat, so your home won’t cool off.

2. A bad compressor

A bad compressor is a common issue that can cause an air conditioning unit to stop working. It can be caused by improper maintenance, a lack of refrigerant, or a faulty motor. Repairing a bad compressor can be expensive and time-consuming. The compressor is the heart of the air conditioner, circulating fresh air between the inside and outside units. A damaged compressor makes it hard for the AC system to cool air inside your house.

3. Low refrigerant charge

Refrigerant, a heat-absorbing liquid, is essential to the proper function of your AC system. Without an adequate charge, your AC won’t absorb sufficient heat to cool the air. Low refrigerant levels often cause an HVAC leaking water.

Low refrigerant charge is a common issue that can cause an air conditioner to stop working. Refrigerant is necessary to absorb heat from the indoor air and transfer it to the outdoor air. A low refrigerant charge can cause the AC unit to freeze up and shut down. If you suspect you have a low refrigerant charge, contact a Lee Company HVAC expert for assistance.

Energy efficiency benefits of proper AC unit maintenance

Proper maintenance of an air conditioning unit is important for more than just avoiding costly repairs. It can also provide energy efficiency benefits. Cleaning or replacing the filter regularly helps ensure air flow freely through the system. Checking the thermostat setting and ensuring the power is on can help your AC run more efficiently.

This can lead to lower energy bills and extend the life of your AC unit. Additionally, regular maintenance can help identify small issues before they become significant problems, reducing the need for costly repairs.

Lower energy bills

Proper maintenance of an air conditioner can lead to lower energy bills. Cleaning or replacing the filter and checking the thermostat setting can help the system run more efficiently and reduce energy costs.

Additionally, ensuring the power is on and that nothing is blocking the vents ensures that air is circulating properly, reducing the strain on the system and leading to lower bills.

Regular maintenance also extends the life of the AC unit, reducing the need for costly repairs. Ultimately, investing time and effort into maintaining your AC unit can help you save money in the long run.

Extend the life of the AC unit

Proper maintenance of an AC unit is key to extending its life. Cleaning or replacing the filter, checking the thermostat setting, and ensuring the power is on can go a long way in ensuring your AC runs smoothly.

It’s also essential to have the unit inspected and serviced regularly by a professional. This will help identify potential issues before they become more serious and costly.

Regular maintenance can also help ensure your AC runs as efficiently as possible, reducing energy bills and extending the unit’s life. Taking the time to maintain your AC unit properly can save you both time and money in the long run.

Don’t wait for an AC system problem

Keeping your air conditioning system in top shape for summer begins before there’s a problem. Regular AC system inspections by one of Lee Company’s professional HVAC technicians help ensure you’re cool and comfortable inside, no matter how hot it is outside!

Bonus: It’s included in our Home Maintenance Plan.