Part 5: A/C Troubleshooting 101: Common A/C Problems and How to Fix Them 

Welcome to the final installment of our five-part blog series titled “Your Complete Air Conditioning 101 Tutorial!” We hope you’ve enjoyed this educational journey with us!  

This final piece aims to help you troubleshoot the most common problems with a centralized air conditioning system. 

At Five Star Home Services, we proudly serve Central and Southwest Ohio with all home comfort needs. In this post, we’ll explore several common air conditioning (A/C) problems homeowners in Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati, and surrounding areas often face. We will also provide practical solutions to help keep your system functioning at its best throughout the hot season!  

As with home comfort equipment, preventative maintenance is essential for efficiency and longevity. Centralized air conditioners are no exception! They need regular care! 

In the following, we will explore some straightforward troubleshooting tips for keeping your home cool and safe during the sweltering summer months. 

Troubleshooting Problem # 1: Failing to Cool Home Properly 

The Most Common Causes: 

• Dirty Air Filters: You hear us talk about replacing air filters often. Clogged filters can restrict the proper flow of air, causing the unit to work harder and cool less effectively. 

• Refrigerant Leakage: Low refrigerant levels are a major problem that requires a professional. Any leaks can significantly impair your home cooling efficiency. 

• Thermostat Problems: Incorrect thermostat settings or malfunctions can prevent your system from maintaining the desired temperature. 

• Leaky Air Ducts: Air ducts are another reason you might not get the cool air you need. If there’s a leak present, you won’t get all your cool air where you need it. Air ducts guide conditioned air throughout your home. 

• More Serious Problems: Other issues such as a frozen evaporator coil, or damage to your condenser or other equipment will require a professional or someone with expert HVAC skills. 

The Solutions: 

1. Replace Air Filters Regularly: Homeowners should check and replace their A/C filters at least once every one or two months. You can also, at times, clean your filters to ensure optimal airflow. If this is the problem, it will improve cooling performance. 

2. Check Your Refrigerant Levels: If you believe you might have a refrigerant leak, you should consult one of our professional HVAC technicians to inspect and replenish the refrigerant. This is important because DIY handling of AC refrigerants is not recommended. There are both environmental and safety concerns here. 

3. Check Your Thermostat: Make sure your thermostat is set to “cool” and set to the right temperature. If it is, and if the problem persists, consider replacing or recalibrating the thermostat. We offer the best deals on smart thermostats at Five Star. 

4. Check Your Air Duct for Leaks: Turn on your HVAC system and go check to the areas where ductwork is accessible. Then, inspect the connections between each section of duct, placing your hand over the metal to detect leaks. If you feel air against your hand in any way, the connection is loose and you have air leak. One of the most common places for leaks is the duct joints. Keep an eye out for punctures as well. 

5. Call A Professional: For the more severe problems with the system, such as the condenser or evaporator coil, it is advisable to call a professional like Five Star Home Services! 

Troubleshooting Problem # 2: The Unit is Constantly Running 

The Most Common Causes: 

• Improper Sizing: This is a major problem. An undersized central air conditioning system will struggle to keep your home cool, leading it to run continuously.  

• A Blocked Condenser Unit: Dust and dirt and debris around the outdoor condenser can hinder its operation. Proper airflow is always of the utmost importance. 

• Faulty Thermostat: A malfunctioning thermostat will not accurately signal when to turn off the A/C, causing it to run constantly. 

• Airflow Problems: Clogged ducts, clogged coils, and clogged air filters are likely to be the cause of airflow problems and inefficient cycling. This includes leaks in air ducts. These problems can cause a unit to need to run constantly. They require immediate attention. 

The Solutions: 

1. Clean You Condenser: Homeowners should regularly clean and inspect their outdoor condenser unit. Be sure to remove leaves, dirt, and other debris to ensure unobstructed airflow. 

2. Inspect Your Thermostat: Make sure to test your thermostat and replace it if necessary. We can do this quickly and affordably. Otherwise, make sure it is situated away from heat sources that could cause inaccurate readings. 

3. Get a Professional Assessment: If problems persist, make sure to consult with an HVAC professional like Five Star Home Services so we can assess whether your A/C unit is appropriately sized for your home. 

Troubleshooting Problem # 3: Your A/C is Leaking Water 

The Most Common Causes: 

• A Clogged Drain Line: Blocked drain lines can cause water to back up and leak. 

• Frozen Evaporator Coils: If you have ice on your evaporator coils, it can cause excess moisture when it finally melts. 

• Improper Installation: We have touched on this being a major problem before. Incorrectly installed air conditioners can have poor drainage capacity. This can lead to various leaks. 

The Solutions: 

1. Clear/Unclog Your Drain Line: You can remove any blockages using a wet/dry vacuum or shop vac. It is also a good idea to regularly check your drain line to ensure it remains clear and no leakage develops. 

2. Check Your Evaporator Coils: If your evaporator coils are frozen, turn your air conditioner off and allow the ice to melt. Make sure to clean your coils and replace the air filter to prevent any additional freezing. 

3. Check Installation: Make sure your AC unit is level and installed properly. If you still have leaks persisting, consult one of our professionals at Five Star Home Services. We can evaluate the installation work and help! 

Five Star’s Top Preventative Maintenance Tips 

Although there are many maintenance tips you can perform to keep your air conditioner working properly and there’s never a substitute for having a professional come out, the following is our brief list of top maintenance tips: 

• Regular Air Filter Replacement: As we’ve mentioned time and time again, regularly replacing your A/C unit’s air filters is vital! We suggest doing this every one or two months because it is essential for maintaining proper airflow and optimal efficiency. 

• Seasonal Tune-Ups: There’s no substitute for professional care! We strongly suggest scheduling professional maintenance checks and seasonal tune-ups so we can identify and rectify potential problems before they escalate into something more expensive. 

• Keep the Area Around Your Unit Clear: Make sure there aren’t any obstructions around the indoor and outdoor units to allow proper airflow. Keep a space of roughly three feet surrounding your exterior unit. 

• Inspect You Ductwork: Make sure you are periodically inspecting and sealing any leaks in your ductwork to improve efficiency and reduce energy costs. You don’t want to lose that cool air in spaces you don’t need to keep cool! 

• Check Your Electrical Components: Be sure to periodically inspect your wiring and electrical components for wear and tear. Then, replace everything as necessary to prevent outages and/or damage. 

Keeping Cool and Keeping Safe 

Consistent, regular preventative maintenance is essential not only for your indoor comfort, but also for your safety and well being. We cannot overemphasize this! An efficiently running central cooling system reduces the risk of heat-related stress and illnesses during the hot and humid summers here in Ohio. You’ll enjoy optimal cooling and peace of mind by performing these simple maintenance tasks and keeping up on your home comfort equipment. You’ll also be able to promptly address common problems, which will help prolong the lifespan of your central cooling system and ensure a comfortable indoor environment. And remember, if you ever have questions or need help – we are nearby and standing by ready for your call! 

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You can always go back and visit our homepage to learn more about our services, or get an instant online estimate here. Additionally, you can always reach a friendly live person directly at (833) 405-8009. 

In short, we want to thank you for reading our five part blog series on “Your Complete Air Conditioning 101 Tutorial.” 

We appreciate you as a reader and as a customer. Remember to stay cool this summer, and give us a call if there’s anything else we can do! 

If you’re interested in AC troubleshooting, check out our blog series by clicking here!