Air Conditioner Troubleshooting Guide

It’s never a convenient time to experience trouble with your air conditioner, especially on a hot and humid summer day in Lakeland, FL. While many air conditioner problems are mechanical issues, sometimes the cause is human error and is a simple fix.  If you’re experiencing problems with your air conditioner, our troubleshooting guide will help you determine when it’s time to call your service technician.

The air conditioner is not blowing cold air.

Is the thermostat on “cool”?

Make sure the thermostat is set to the “cool” position. It may have been inadvertently set to heat instead of cool.

Is the thermostat on “auto”?

First, check that the thermostat is on the “auto” setting. If the AC is set to fan, it will not blow cold air, and it will feel as if it is blowing warm air around the house.

Replace the air filter

A dirty or clogged air filter restricts the airflow from the intake vent reducing your air conditioner’s efficiency, and your home may not be as cool as in the past. Many AC professionals recommend replacing the air filter every 90 days.

Low refrigerant

If the above troubleshooting doesn’t solve the problem, your air conditioner may be low on refrigerant, have a leaking or frozen evaporator coil, or have other service issues.  Schedule a service call with a qualified AC technician.

The AC won’t go on.

Thermostat setting

The thermostat may be set higher than the indoor air temperature. Check your thermostat settings to make sure it is set to your desired temperature. Then, try lowering the thermostat a few degrees and wait a few minutes to see if the AC kicks on.

Thermostat batteries

If the air conditioner still won’t turn on, replace the batteries in the thermostat. Sometimes fixing an AC problem is as simple as replacing the batteries.

Circuit breaker

A power surge or power failure may have tripped the circuit breaker. Check the main fuse box to ensure the AC’s circuit breaker is in the “on” position. If the circuit breaker is “off,” flip it back to the “on” position.

The condensate drain is leaking or clogged

The indoor air handler has a condensate drain that removes the condensation from the air as it is dehumidified and conditioned. When the drain line is clogged, water will collect in the drain pain and eventually leak from the vertical PVC pipe, causing the system to shut down.  Contacting Florida Air Express or a qualified AC service technician to drain the condensate line will resolve the issue.

Air Conditioner takes longer to cool your home.

Frozen evaporator coil

The evaporator coil is located inside the air handler unit and is responsible for absorbing the heat that the system is removing from the house. When the refrigerant level is low or a leak in the line, the coils freeze and develop ice crystals. It can cause your system to shut down and even damage the compressor.  To avoid damage to the compressor, turn off the AC and contact Florida Air Express or a professional service technician for immediate repair to the coil.

Refrigerant leak

Punctures or holes in the coils can cause refrigerant to leak, making it difficult for your AC to keep your home cool and comfortable. You may hear a hissing sound or smell a chemical odor in your home. Since refrigerant contains toxic chemicals, turn off the AC until it is repaired to avoid harmful exposure.

The air conditioner is making strange or loud noises.

Any time your air conditioner starts making unusual noises is a sign that it’s time to place a service call with your AC repair technician. Don’t ignore these noises thinking that they will go away, or it could result in further damage to the unit or a premature replacement.

Hissing or bubbling

A hissing or bubbling sound is typically due to a refrigerant leak, which will need to be repaired.

Whistling

A whistling sound may be heard coming through the air vents when there is a leak or another issue in the ductwork.

Rattling or banging

Loose bolts or internal parts, fan blades, or a clogged air filter can cause a rattling sound.

Clicking

An clicking sound whether it is intermittent or constant typically indicates an electrical issue in the AC system.

Buzzing

Hearing a constant buzzing sound is usually an electrical issue or frozen evaporator coils. Call your trusted A/C technician for assistance.