Why Isn't My AC Working? 9 Common AC Problems

September 20, 2023

Summer’s here, so you turn on the AC and hear…nothing. Or even worse, you hear banging sounds or smell something odd.

Having a clean and functional cooling system means enjoying the perfect indoor temperature all year. However, AC efficiency issues can lead to poor cooling performance, higher utility bills, and increased risks of a significant breakdown.

You never want to experience the middle of summer with no relief from the heat in your home, so learn about the 9 common AC problems and what you can do to fix them.

How Can I Tell If My System Has a Problem?

It’s often hard to identify AC issues because most of us aren't trained in common AC repairs. To identify an issue in your home, answer these questions:

Is air coming out of the vents?
Is the air coming out of the vents cold?
Does your thermostat turn on and stay on like it should?
Is your AC system quiet?

If you answered no to any of these, it’s time to call one of our Columbus Worthington Air experts and get your AC fixed quickly or see if it’s time for an AC system replacement.

What Are the Different Parts of Your AC System?

Your air conditioning system is much more complicated than flipping a switch. Many pieces of machinery work together to get cold air to your home:

Thermostat: Your control center for setting your temperature goal and to turn on the AC
Compressor: Heats refrigerant to prepare it for the cooling process
Condenser: Condenses the refrigerant and starts the cooling process
Condenser Fan: Blows air over the hot refrigerant coming into the condenser
Evaporator: Chamber where the refrigerant evaporates and pulls heat from the surrounding air
Refrigerant Tubing: Tubing throughout the system that keeps the dangerous refrigerant secure

With so many intricate and essential components in a system, it’s often challenging to identify which part is the AC issue. However, we can still help you identify the most common problems.

Why Isn't My AC Working Properly? 9 Possibilities

Here are nine common reasons why your AC system isn’t working.

1. Ice on the Coils

If you see ice on your air conditioner’s evaporator coils, you may think it’s a sign your air conditioner is performing well. However, ice formation is actually a sign of poor cooling efficiency.

Address this issue immediately with the help of an AC repair professional to restore your AC’s ability to cool your home efficiently.

2. Clogged or Dirty Filter

When your AC filter has been left in place too long, it becomes clogged with the dirt and dust it’s meant to screen out. A clogged filter acts like a solid barrier instead of a screen, making it harder for your air conditioner to draw in air for cooling.

Some people believe a high-efficiency filter will help prevent clogging, but be careful. High-efficiency filters are meant to improve air quality. Still, they could reduce airflow through your system if the filter meshwork is too fine.

Clogged filters strain the system, increasing the energy needed to cool your home. To keep your AC system efficient, change your air conditioner’s filter often and check with your HVAC service to ensure you use a compatible filter.

If changing the filter doesn’t solve the problem, call Columbus Worthington Air at 614-405-7819 for AC repair—the entire system will likely need a complete cleaning and tune-up.

3. Low Coolant

AC systems use refrigerant to transport heat from inside your home to the outside air. Although your system shouldn’t lose coolant during normal function, loose fittings or damaged coolant lines can lead to leaks.

If refrigerant levels drop, your air conditioner must work harder to provide cooling, and you’ll likely notice a change in the temperature coming from your vents.

There's no home fix for low coolant issues. You need to call an AC repair professional. Only they can safely check for coolant leaks, repair damaged lines, and recharge your system with the proper level of refrigerant to eliminate ice formation and restore cooling function.

It’s essential to schedule this type of repair promptly, as coolant leaks release refrigerant into the atmosphere that can harm the environment.

4. Damaged Thermostat

You control your AC unit from the thermostat panel in your home. A damaged thermostat can’t transmit the correct information to your AC system, and your house won't be able to adjust to your desired temperature.

Your thermostat also has a sensor that gauges the temperature of the room it’s in. A faulty sensor may indicate that the room is already cold when it isn’t.

To fix the thermostat, you’ll need a technician to troubleshoot the thermostat panel.

5. Electrical Issues

The electrical cables in an AC unit can wear out after years of service. Examine your system for signs of visible corrosion or broken wires.

As with most electrical issues, contacting an experienced professional is always safer when you suspect electrical problems.

6. Damaged Compressor

In an AC system, the compressor is critical to dropping the temperature of the coolant to create cold air. If the compressor isn’t working properly, the system may be on but only blowing warm or hot air.

Sometimes, a technician may successfully repair the compressor, but a damaged compressor is often easier to replace.

7. Faulty Motors

Motors constantly push air through the AC system. Added strain from a clogged filter or years of use can cause the motor to wear out prematurely. If the motor fails completely, your home’s cooling system will halt until an AC professional replaces it.

If a motor is the problem, your AC won’t run and you won’t feel air coming from your vents, indicating it’s time to contact a technician.

8. Clogged Condensation Drain

Your AC unit drains excess water out of the system. If this drain is clogged, the blocked water could freeze and damage your AC unit. The water could also accumulate mold or present a danger near electrical sources.

9. Broken Compressor Fan

The fan helps dissipate the heat that collects in the machinery and refrigerant as your system runs. If the fan stops working, your system will overheat and shut down.

If you turn your AC on and it only runs for a few minutes before turning off, the fan is most likely your problem.

Avoid Repairs With Routine Maintenance

The best way to avoid unexpected and expensive repairs is to have yearly maintenance visits by trained professionals. These technicians can clean the system and find potential damages before they occur to keep things running smoothly.

When your home’s temperature stays high, it’s a sure sign you need AC repair. Not just any repair will do. You need service from experienced technicians like the ones at Columbus Worthington Air.

Schedule a repair or routine maintenance visit by calling 614-405-7819. Visit our website to learn more about our comprehensive HVAC maintenance, repair, and replacement services in Columbus, Ohio. For more information and helpful tips, explore our blog for articles about common heating and AC issues. We’re expecting your call!