When the summer heat starts rising, your air conditioner becomes one of the most important systems in your home. But like any mechanical equipment, even the best AC units can develop problems over time—especially when they’re working overtime to keep you cool.
At our company, we handle countless service calls each summer for AC repair in Morton Grove, IL, and while every situation is unique, there are a few common problems we see over and over again. If your air conditioner isn’t working the way it should, here are some of the most frequent issues we diagnose and fix.
1. Low or Leaking Refrigerant
One of the most common AC repair needs is low refrigerant levels, often caused by leaks. Refrigerant is the substance your AC uses to absorb and release heat. Without the right level, your system can’t cool properly. Signs of a refrigerant issue include:
- Warm air blowing from vents
- Longer-than-normal cooling cycles
- Ice buildup on refrigerant lines
- Hissing or bubbling sounds
If you suspect a refrigerant leak, it’s important to get it fixed right away. Simply topping off refrigerant without addressing the leak is only a temporary fix—and one that can lead to further damage down the line.
2. Frozen Evaporator Coils
Another common reason for AC repair is frozen evaporator coils. These coils are responsible for removing heat from the air inside your home, but they can freeze up if there’s poor airflow or low refrigerant. So, what causes frozen coils?
- Dirty air filters
- Clogged ductwork
- Low refrigerant levels
- Failing blower motors
When coils freeze, your system will struggle to cool, and in some cases, stop working altogether. Regular maintenance and filter changes can help prevent this issue.
3. Electrical Component Failures
AC systems rely on several electrical components to operate smoothly—capacitors, contactors, relays, and fuses, just to name a few. When these components wear out or fail, the system may not turn on, or it may shut down unexpectedly. Warning signs include:
- AC won’t start at all
- Intermittent operation
- Clicking or buzzing sounds
Electrical issues can be dangerous to diagnose without proper training, which is why these are best handled by licensed HVAC professionals.
4. Dirty or Clogged Filters
A dirty air filter may seem like a small issue, but it’s one of the leading causes of reduced system performance and preventable repairs. When airflow is restricted, your system has to work harder to pull air through, which can strain components and reduce efficiency.
Changing your filter every 1–3 months, especially during peak cooling season, can prevent many common issues and extend the life of your system.
5. Drainage Problems
Your air conditioner also removes humidity from the air, which gets drained away through a condensate line. If the drain becomes clogged or the pan overflows, it can trigger a system shutdown or cause water damage around the indoor unit. Routine maintenance checks include clearing the condensate drain to ensure this issue doesn’t occur.
Contact Roberts Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. today to schedule your air conditioning appointment as soon as possible.