According to the U.S. Department of Energy, air conditioning systems account for approximately 6% of all the electricity produced nationwide. This costs homeowners about $29 billion every year.
AC units have become essential fixtures in many homes, yet they come with significant energy costs. If your AC breaks down or encounters issues, these expenses can increase further.
In this blog, we explore the most common AC issues that can cause discomfort and potential energy bill spikes. By learning how to identify and address home AC problems, you can ensure a safe and pleasant living environment while keeping your budget in check.
Unusual Noises Coming From Your AC Unit
Strange noises emerging from your unit are common AC problems often caused by significant underlying issues.
The noise you hear depends on the specific home AC problem at hand:
- Buzzing is commonly associated with faulty electrical components.
- Screeching noises may be due to compressor or fan motor problems.
- Thumping, rattling, or banging noises can mean issues with the blower or motor assembly.
- Clicking sounds when you turn your AC on or off could indicate a relay problem or obstructions in your AC fan.
- Hissing or bubbling noises may indicate a refrigerant leak or excess moisture.
Steps You Can Take:
It’s best not to ignore AC noises and contact an experienced Las Vegas AC repair company like Sky Air & Heat immediately. A skilled technician will help you diagnose and resolve the underlying issue before it escalates.
Unexpected AC Shutdown
Another common AC issue is the abrupt shutdown of the unit without any prior warning. There are several possible causes, from dead batteries and tripped circuit breakers to faulty thermostats and loose wiring.
What You Can Do if AC Shuts Down Unexpectedly:
- First, check your thermostat batteries and replace them if needed.
- If the batteries are functional, check the thermostat settings and see whether it’s set to cooling mode and your desired temperature settings.
- If your thermostat is on, but your AC is still unresponsive, it’s possible that the circuit breaker has tripped and needs to be reset. Another potential culprit could be a wiring problem. Nevertheless, it’s best to call our certified Las Vegas air conditioning repair pros to determine and rectify the exact issue.
AC is Freezing
Freezing is one of the most common AC issues homeowners deal with. When you notice ice around the evaporator coil and/or copper lineset, the system exerts more effort than usual to keep your home cool.
Besides visible ice on your unit, other signs of a freezing problem include the following:
- A lack of cool air
- Water leaking around the AC
- Hissing or bubbling sounds
- Inability to reach the desired thermostat setting
Air conditioners require consistent airflow to prevent humidity from settling on the coils and causing freezing. Airflow can be restricted by:
- Low refrigerant levels
- Defective fans or components
- Dirty filters or blocked vents
- Faulty wiring
- Clogged condensate drain
What You Can Do If Your AC is Freezing:
Call a professional as soon as possible. HVAC technicians are trained to accurately identify the root cause of common AC issues like freezing. They’ll know how to properly check the ducts, blow fans and condensers for obstructions. Attempting to troubleshoot the issue without the right tools and knowledge can only lead to further damage.
Non-Spinning Fans in AC
The fans in your AC system facilitate heat transfer and ensure the efficient distribution of cool air. When they’re not spinning, your AC won’t be able to cool your home effectively.
This common AC unit issue could be traced back to several underlying problems:
- A circuit breaker that has tripped due to overheating
- A defective capacitor that needs replacement
- Burned-out fan motor
- Clogged air filter
- Faulty belt
We don’t recommend running your air conditioner if the fan isn’t spinning, as this can lead to overheating and other common AC issues.
What You Can Do if AC Fans is Not Spinning:
Most causes of a non-spinning fan demand specialized tools and the expertise of HVAC technicians. Routine maintenance checks can extend your unit’s service life and prevent frequent breakdowns.
Refrigerant Leaks in AC
Refrigerant, also called Freon, is an essential component used in air conditioners, helping absorb heat and cool your home.
Low refrigerant levels are common AC unit issues and might occur due to undercharging during installation or a leakage problem. Ensuring that the refrigerant charge matches the manufacturer’s specifications is essential to maintaining your AC’s optimal efficiency.
Leaks may result from improper installation, deteriorating metal components, or loose joints and connections. Common signs of a refrigerant leak include:
- Higher electric bills
- Weak or warm air moving through the vents
- Longer cooling cycle
- Frozen evaporator coils
- Water leaks
Besides affecting AC performance, refrigerant leaks can pose potential health and environmental risks.
Refrigerant contains chemicals that can reduce air quality and affect your respiratory health. When it is deeply inhaled, it can trigger symptoms like nausea, headaches, coughing, skin irritation and breathing issues.
What You Can Do if AC Leaks Refrigerant:
If you notice signs of a leaking refrigerant, turn off the unit and schedule a Las Vegas AC repair service immediately. Our technicians will pinpoint and rectify the leak, test the repair and then charge the system with the proper amount of refrigerant.
Sky Air & Heat: Your Go-to for Reliable AC Repair Service in Las Vegas
Avoid steep energy expenses due to common AC problems. Regular maintenance, swift repairs, and vigilant monitoring of warning signs can boost your AC unit’s performance and lifespan.
The most common AC issues often remain unnoticed. Don’t wait until they escalate and cause more damage. While it might be tempting to fix common AC unit issues yourself, hiring a professional Las Vegas AC repair company can lead to quicker solutions and lower costs.
Sky Air & Heat is your premier go-to for Las Vegas air conditioning repair, installation and maintenance. Our highly trained and background-checked technicians are adept at swiftly diagnosing and addressing common AC issues, ensuring your system operates at peak efficiency.
Additionally, we provide top-tier warranties for both parts and services. Our team aims to swiftly address your home AC problem without adding financial stress.
From minor adjustments to parts replacements, trust us to handle common AC problems promptly and reduce the likelihood of their recurrence. Book an appointment now and ensure your AC unit runs smoothly 24/7.
