Top Common Problems for Central AC Systems (With Solutions!)

When the sun begins to heat up, central air conditioning systems help keep your home cool. Yet, sometimes, an AC problem can occur, and your home is left feeling more like an oven than a chilled-out house. Some air conditioner issues are more common than others, but what are they, and how can you prevent or fix them when they happen?

Our technicians have helped restore cool air in hundreds of homes throughout Los Angeles and the nearby neighborhoods. Since 2007, we at Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric have seen all sorts of problems with air conditioners, from minor to major issues.

Here’s a look at the most common central AC system issues in no particular order.

1. Clogged or dirty air filters
2. Lack of cool air circulation
3. Refrigerant is leaking
4. Drainage problems
5. Electrical component failure

In this article, we will not only highlight the most common AC problems but also explain their causes and possible solutions to these issues.

Let’s dive right in!

What Are the Common Problems with Air Conditioners?

Clogged or Dirty Filters

Dirty and clogged air filters are among the most common issues with air conditioners. Air filters are a crucial part of any heating and cooling system because they help capture dust and other physical particles. Without air filters, these contaminants will circulate throughout the home, negatively affecting indoor air quality.

When homeowners forget or neglect to replace their air filters, dust builds up and can strain an air conditioner, leading to reduced airflow and insufficient cooling. With all the dirt and grime accumulated by a dirty air filter, an AC may experience mechanical and electrical failure.

Even though clogged air filters can cause issues, it is also one of the easiest things to prevent.

How to Avoid Dirty Air Filters with AC

The best way to avoid all the problems associated with dirty air filters is to replace them. It’s recommended that you replace air filters every three months. Depending on how often you’re running your AC system and your home’s general air quality, you may even be required to replace the air filter monthly.

There are multiple types of air filters available designed to combat pollen, allergens, and dander. All air filters have Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values (MERV) ratings to help homeowners distinguish them by performance. These air filters can help homes with family members who have allergies or asthma.

Even if homeowners regularly replace their AC air filters, they can experience other problems, such as a lack of cool air circulation.

Lack of Cool Air

A lack of cool air is one of the most common issues cooling systems experience. There could be several reasons why a central air conditioning system isn’t blowing any cool air.

The most common explanations for why an AC isn’t providing cool air are.

• Obstructed airflow: Dirty air filters can lead to clogs in the ductwork, preventing cool air from reaching parts of a home. Other debris can also make it through the air ducts of an AC and obstruct airflow.
• Faulty or broken AC parts: Air conditioning systems are made up of different parts that work together to produce cool air. If any of these parts break, it can significantly impact the AC’s ability to function and create cool air.
• Refrigerant leak: Although refrigerant leaks are a major issue on their own, a lack of cool air is one of its common symptoms.

A lack of cool may not seem like an urgent repair when the weather outside is cold, but it can be a significant problem if it happens in the middle of the summer. If your home is experiencing a lack of cool air, there is one thing you should do.

How to Fix Insufficient Cool Air from Air Conditioners

If you notice your air conditioner is not producing cool air, the best thing to do is schedule service with a professional technician. With their available resources and experience, technicians can investigate the root cause of cooling problems and apply any necessary fixes.

Once the appropriate repairs are made, a technician can test the system to ensure it’s creating cool air. One of those repairs may involve replenishing the refrigerant, which in the next section will cover how a lack of it is also a common issue for air conditioners.

Refrigerant Leaks

Leaking refrigerant is another frequent problem some central air conditioners encounter. The refrigerant moves between different coils inside the AC and plays a vital role in absorbing heat from the air so it can significantly cool down.

An AC can experience leaking refrigerant for the following reasons.

• Dirty coils
• Damaged coils
• Improper installations
• Corrosion
• Wear and tear on the coils
• Defects with the coils

It can be challenging to address refrigerant leaks early on since they are mostly colorless and switch between gaseous and liquid states. Homeowners may experience symptoms such as a drop in cooling efficiency or a lack of cool air entirely. Due to a lack of refrigerant, central air conditioning systems can run longer cooling cycles, which can lead to higher energy bills.

If you suspect your home’s AC system is leaking refrigerant, there is one thing you can do.

Solutions for Leaking Refrigerant in AC

Refrigerant leaks in central cooling systems require immediate attention from a certified professional. Only a technician can troubleshoot air conditioners experiencing refrigerant leaks and problems.

These technicians carry a refrigerant meter to read the current levels of refrigerant. Then, they begin to investigate where the refrigerant leak is located. Once the leak is detected, the technician can begin repairs and recharge the refrigerant.

Another major issue some homeowners encounter with their central AC is drainage issues.

Drainage Issues

Drainage problems with an AC can lead to water leaks and possible water damage to the unit. A drain pan is the part of an air conditioner that captures excess moisture produced during the cooling cycle. If the drainage is clogged or broken, it can build up water and cause it to leak.

Dirt and other debris can be caught in the condensate drain line and block the flow of water. These issues may not seem significant, but over time, the water damage they may cause can lead to a complete breakdown of the entire AC system.

Luckily, there are a few ways to address this issue before it becomes a major problem.

How to Fix AC Drainage Problems

The best way to address drainage issues is to maintain an air conditioner annually. One service included in AC maintenance is clearing the drain pan of debris buildup.

Air filters play a considerable role in capturing any dirt and dust instead of ending up in the drain pan. By staying on top of air filter replacements, homeowners can ensure their drain pan is less likely to get clogged.

One final problem, less common than the other issues but still significant enough to be discussed, is electrical failure with AC systems.

Electrical Component Failure

Although not as frequent as other issues, electrical failure can occur with central air conditioning systems. Some of the common causes of AC electrical failure include.

• Power surges
• Corroded AC parts
• Wear and tear
• System overloads
• Old age

These factors can impact an AC’s overall performance, leading to reduced cooling performance and eventual breakdown. Some of these causes may be out of the homeowner’s control, such as old age and wear and tear. Still, there are a few solutions to electrical problems with AC that can help protect the unit.

Fixing Air Conditioning Electrical Component Failure

Besides regular maintenance to address any underlying electrical problems with an AC, homeowners may also need to book an appointment with a technician for possible repairs. If some of the internal parts of an AC are worn, a technician can replace them.

Some heating and cooling systems also include services to help upgrade electrical systems to accommodate cooling systems better. Technicians can also install surge protectors to protect the AC from sudden spikes in electrical usage.

Who to Call to Fix Common AC Issues

Air conditioners can be relied upon to keep homes cool in hot weather, yet they’re not indestructible. Some of the issues they experience are more common than others. By understanding their common problems and their solutions, you can feel prepared to address anything that may go wrong with your AC, knowing it can be fixed and, if not, replaced.

At Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we’ve serviced hundreds of central air conditioning systems throughout Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. While most, if not all, AC problems can be fixed, there are times when it makes more sense to replace the system entirely.
If you have AC issues, contact us using one of the buttons below. You can also book an appointment directly through our online HVAC repair scheduler.

AC maintenance is one of the best preventative measures to ensure your cooling system doesn’t experience major issues. To better understand what AC maintenance is, check out this article to expand your knowledge further.