Common AC Problems and How to Fix Them

When your air conditioner (AC) breaks down, it’s always at the worst time. ACs are more likely to encounter issues during peak usage, which is why they break down more often during heat waves. If you’re dealing with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) issues, the best air conditioner repair in Fort Collins can help you diagnose and fix the problem. For easy issues, there are also a few troubleshooting tips you can use.

Common AC Problems You Can Troubleshoot 

While Fort Collins has an average high of 87°F, the city has previously reached record highs of 103°F in the past. When the weather heats up, the last thing you want is a broken AC. With the following Fort Collins AC maintenance, you can keep your AC working properly and prevent additional repairs.

If you’re experiencing complicated issues, you should turn to professional AC repair in Fort Collins for help. As a general rule, anything that involves mechanical or electrical issues should be dealt with by a professional. Likewise, you should always leave refrigerant leaks to an expert because refrigerants are hazardous to human health and the environment.

Dirty Air Filters 

If you’re dealing with poor airflow or frozen evaporator coils, your air filters could be the cause. Normally, manufacturers recommend that you clean or replace your air filters every 30 to 90 days. These filters are responsible for keeping contaminants out of your system, so they need to be changed regularly. 

Once the air filter is dirty, it can cause the evaporator coil to become dirty as well. This can lead to reduced energy efficiency and a frozen AC. At the very least, a dirty air filter can decrease the airflow in your HVAC system.

Fortunately, this AC maintenance issue is fairly easy to resolve. As long as you notice the problem early, you can easily change the air filter.

Tripped Breaker Panels 

Sometimes, the breaker panel can become tripped by changes in the flow of electricity. Many air conditioners have an indoor and an outdoor breaker panel. If just the outdoor panel gets tripped, your AC will keep blowing air. However, this airflow won’t be cold. 

You can flip the tripped breaker to make your AC start working. If it immediately trips again, turn off your AC and call Hooley Heating & Air for help. Frequently tripped breakers indicate an underlying electrical issue, which must be repaired by a professional.

Incorrect Thermostat Settings 

If you have multiple people in your household, it’s easy for air conditioner settings to get changed. Periodically, you should check the thermostat to see if it is set to the appropriate temperature. 

Checking your thermostat is one of the easiest Fort Collins AC maintenance tasks you can do if your AC stops blowing cold air. Sometimes, someone will switch the AC to fan mode. When this happens, it will only circulate warm air.

If you are having issues with maintaining the air temperature in your home, your thermostat could be at fault. You can use your manufacturer’s guide to reset the thermostat. Additionally, you may want to clean the thermostat’s sensors to make sure they aren’t dirty.

Blocked Vents 

Normally, your vents are responsible for delivering air to each room. On occasion, these vents can get blocked by furniture, clothes, or other items. From time to time, it’s a good idea to go into each room of your home to find and move anything that could obstruct the airflow. 

As a part of your air conditioner maintenance in Fort Collins, you should clean the vents and ducts. To do this, start by removing the vents. Store the screws in a safe location so that they don’t become lost. Then, wash the vents with warm, soapy water. 

To avoid mold growth, you should let the vents dry completely before reattaching them. While the vents dry, you can use a vacuum to remove any dirt and debris that may have fallen into the duct.

Clogged Condensate Drain Lines

Your condensate drain lines are responsible for removing moisture from your HVAC system. If they become clogged or blocked, water will build up in the drain pan. Once the water is high enough, the AC can shut off as a fail-safe mechanism. 

Fortunately, clogged condensate drain lines tend to be fairly easy to fix. With a wet or dry vacuum, you can remove the clog. If this doesn’t work, it’s important to reach out for professional help because you may be dealing with a more serious problem. 

Proper air conditioner maintenance in Fort Collins can save you money on energy bills and repairs in the long run. For more information about taking care of your AC, check out our HVAC maintenance guide.

When to Get Professional Help 

While it’s possible to handle basic AC maintenance on your own, there are situations where you need to get professional air conditioner repair in Fort Collins. Some problems, like electrical issues and refrigerant leaks, can be dangerous to deal with on your own. If you’re experiencing any of the following situations, call Hooley Heating & Air to schedule an HVAC appointment.

• It has been more than a year since your air conditioner was serviced. 
• Your AC has electrical issues.
• The AC’s evaporator coil freezes frequently. 
• You require frequent repairs, and you need to know the underlying cause. 
• Your AC doesn’t have any airflow.
• The air is coming out, but it isn’t cold. 
• There are unusual sounds or smells, like burning odors or clanging noises.
• Your energy bill is higher than normal for no obvious reason.

Reach Out to Hooley Heating & Air for More Help

If you are struggling with poor airflow, electrical problems, or weird AC noises, it’s important to get professional help. Your air conditioner is a finely tuned machine, and it won’t work properly if a component fails. Because diagnosing and repairing air conditioner problems can be challenging, it’s important to reach out for professional air conditioner repair in Fort Collins. 
To learn more about air conditioner repairs and maintenance in Fort Collins, call Hooley Heating & Air or fill out our contact form today.