Every summer, without fail, we hear about people who have to deal with air conditioning problems. Whether it’s a broken compressor or simply not enough cold air coming out of the vents, these problems always seem to happen at the worst possible time. If you’re lucky, your problem is a simple one that can be fixed with a little bit of DIY know-how. But more often than not, AC problems require professional help. Let’s take a look at the most common and costly AC problems, and provide some tips on how to avoid them. 

Frozen condenser coils

One of the most common causes of air conditioning problems is a frozen condenser coil. To avoid a frozen condenser coil, be sure to change your air filter every month. Over time, dirt and debris accumulate on the coils and restrict airflow.

If you think that your condenser coils are frozen, don’t ignore it as it may lead to more expensive problems such as an overheated compressor or other system malfunctions.

Dirty air filters

One of the most common causes of air conditioning problems is a dirty air filter. A clogged air filter will restrict airflow, which can cause more damage to your HVAC system. If the blower fan begins to make noise, this is another sign of a clogged air filter.

If your AC system frequently stops working even though you have replaced the filter, it means that it has reached its maximum capacity and needs to be professionally cleaned. It’s important to change your air filter every month to ensure that your AC is running at peak efficiency.

Leaky ducts

Leaky ducts are another common cause of air conditioning problems. A leaky duct can cause your system to freeze up or short circuit. In severe cases, a leaky duct can even start a fire. This is usually caused by an improperly installed duct. If the seams are not properly sealed, your AC won’t be able to work efficiently.

Fixing a leaky duct can be quite costly, but it’s important to deal with the problem right away because it can create many other problems if left unresolved for too long.

To prevent leaky ducts, be sure to have your ducts inspected and sealed every few years. If you do have a leak, it’s important to have it repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

Issues with the thermostat

If you aren’t able to control your air conditioning unit with the thermostat (e.g. there’s no power or your remote doesn’t work), this may be a sign of more serious problems such as incorrectly installed wiring or faulty blower fans. To fix these types of problems, you’ll need to call in an expert such as a professional HVAC technician for assistance.

Faulty Thermostat

If you are having issues with your thermostat, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem. First, make sure that the thermostat is properly plugged in and that there is power going to it. If it’s not getting power, check the fuse box or breaker panel to see if it has tripped.

If the thermostat is getting power but still isn’t working, try changing the batteries in the remote control. If that doesn’t work, the thermostat may be faulty and need to be replaced.

It’s also possible that the problem may be with your HVAC system. When in doubt, call an expert to troubleshoot and repair any problems you are having.

Clogged evaporator coils

Clogged evaporator coils are one of the most common air conditioning problems. They can cause a lack of airflow coming from the vents or the system to freeze up, which will result in a complete shutdown. To avoid a clogged evaporator, be sure to change your air filter every month. Over a long period of time, dirt and debris accumulate in the evaporator coils and restrict airflow. Dirty cooling coils can also cause mold build-up which will further impede the flow of cold air from your vents.

If you think that your evaporator coils are clogged, don’t ignore it as it may lead to more expensive problems such as an overheated compressor or other system malfunctions.

Incorrect refrigerant levels

Incorrect refrigerant levels are another common cause of air conditioning problems. If the refrigerant levels are too low, the system will not be able to cool down your home. If the levels are too high, the compressor can overheat and cause extensive damage.

Adding refrigerant to an AC system is a complicated process that’s best left to the pros. However, you can avoid incorrect refrigerant levels by regularly checking your unit and having it serviced in the spring.

If you think that your refrigerant levels may be incorrect, it’s important to have them checked by a professional. Incorrect refrigerant levels can be very costly to fix, so it’s best to deal with them as soon as possible.

Compressor failure

Compressor failure is one of the most common and costly AC problems because in most cases, the coils can be cleaned with a garden hose. But if they’re severely clogged, you may need to call in a professional.

So, what’s the best way to avoid these costly AC problems? Make sure you get your annual maintenance done on time. Annual air conditioning service is a great investment in comfort and efficiency. Plus, it’ll help keep any potential repairs down during those hot summer months when everyone wants their AC running at full blast! We’re happy to take care of all your air conditioning needs so that you can enjoy an uninterrupted cool season this year. Give us a call today at (813) 549-0328 – Our Universal Air and Heat team in Tampa would love to work with you!