Colorado’s weather can be erratic, and we can have very hot days at any time of the year. However, the spring is when we start to get strings of hot days that make you reach for the air conditioner control.
So what do you do if turning on the AC doesn’t result in a cool home? There are a few basic things to check, but then it’s typically time to call a professional. Here are some of the most common problems people report with their AC, quick fixes to try, and potential causes that might require professional air conditioning repair.
AC Not Turning On
It’s always a tense moment when you run the AC for the first time each year, and it can be extremely frustrating when the system doesn’t turn on. So what’s the problem?
Quick fix: Check the circuit breakers for your AC unit. If they’re tripped, flip them back on. Hopefully this fixes the problem.
Air conditioning repair: An AC system that has power but won’t come on might have more serious problems. This could include a faulty thermostat, wiring problems between the thermostat and the conditioner, failing components in the conditioner itself, or something as simple as a clogged drain.
AC Running Constantly
The opposite problem can also be annoying: your AC unit turns on, but won’t shut off.
Quick fixes: One thing you might try is turning off the thermostat. If this turns off the AC unit, leave it off for a while to let the system reset, then turn it back on again. If this fixes the problem, great! If not, try changing the air filter. If the filter is clogged, it can make it hard for the AC unit to push cool air into your home. So although the unit is running constantly, your house isn’t cooling down.
Air conditioning repair: A constantly running AC unit could be due to failing sensors, failing controls, or problems with other air conditioner components.
Room Temp or Hot Air Coming Out
What if your AC unit comes on, but you’re not getting any cool air out? This may be a sign that your AC unit is failing, but it also might be due to a different problem that can be repaired.
Quick fixes: Make sure your AC control is set to cool, rather than just a fan setting. A lack of cooling might also be caused by a tripped breaker, so check the breakers for your AC unit. If these aren’t tripped, you can check to see if your air filter needs to be replaced. Finally, see if cleaning your coils helps.
Air conditioning repair: When your AC unit isn’t cooling properly, it could be related to many problems in the unit. Low refrigerant levels can lead to inadequate cooling. This is due either to inadequate filling of the AC unit or a leak. If the unit just wasn’t filled properly, it can be topped off. If there’s a leak, it will have to be repaired before refilling.
No Air Blowing
If you can hear the air conditioner running, but there’s no air coming out of the vent, you might be able to fix the problem.
Quick fixes: Check your air filter. If it’s clogged, it can prevent air flow from the unit. In addition, check whether a circuit breaker has tripped.
Air conditioning repair: Most often, this problem is caused by a failed blower control, capacitors, or motor.
Unit Cycling Constantly
An AC unit that’s constantly turning on and off again can prevent your unit from cooling your home properly. It can also be expensive because of the energy required to cycle your AC unit.
Quick fixes: This is another place where your air filter could be the problem. Also, check the settings on your thermostat in case this is causing the unit to turn off before the house adequately cools. If you have a wireless thermostat, consider moving it further from AC vents.
Air conditioning repair: This could be a problem linked to the location of the thermostat. If your thermostat is wired, it might require rewiring the system. The thermostat might also be poorly calibrated. It might need to be adjusted or replaced. In some cases, you might have an AC unit that’s too big for your home, leading to short, inefficient cooling cycles.
AC System Freezes
Your AC system works the same as a refrigerator, so, like a refrigerator, it can create ice. When ice builds up on the AC system, you won’t get cool air, and the system can be damaged.
Quick fixes: Check your air filter and try cleaning your coils. You can also try bumping up the temperature to avoid overworking your AC unit.
Air conditioning repair: Your AC unit may be too small for your home. You might need to upgrade the system.
Major Heating and Air Conditioning Can Handle Your AC Repairs
For over 50 years, Denver homes and businesses have depended on Major Heating and Air Conditioning to solve all their heating and cooling problems. We have an A+ rating with the BBB, and our technicians are EPA, LEED, and NATE certified.
We also offer 24-hour emergency services, so we can get your AC running again now – you don’t have to wait for regular business hours to restore a comfortable climate in your home.
Please call (720) 453-2704 for emergency or urgent services, or you can use our online contact form for other inquiries.
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