Nobody wants to deal with a problem of any kind. Unfortunately, that seems to be the way life works. You have to deal with all sorts of problems, both big and small. The same goes for your home’s air conditioner.
While it’s certainly not fun to deal with AC repair in Queens, NY, it’s something that every homeowner will have to do at one point or another. To help you be prepared for when problems inevitably arise, here are ten air conditioner problems that homeowners usually face.
1. Hot and cold spots
It’s not fun to go from one room that’s freezing to another that feels like the Sahara Desert. Unfortunately, this is a common problem that many homeowners face. It usually happens when the AC has airflow issues.
There may not be enough airflow because the ductwork is not the right size, is not properly installed, or leaking. It can also happen when your place isn’t properly insulated, and air escapes through the windows, attics, etc.
A licensed technician offering AC repair in Queens, NY can help you solve this issue and give you back control over your indoor temperature.
2. Higher energy bills
Have you noticed that your energy bills have gradually increased, even though you haven’t changed your AC usage or there are no changes in your energy supplier’s rate? If so, it could signify that your air conditioner is no longer as energy-efficient as it once was.
Air conditioners are one of the appliances that use the most electricity in an average home. Its electric consumption will usually go higher over time or when issues affecting the unit’s efficiency arise. The latter includes dirt and dust buildup on the coils and air filter, a gradual decline in the refrigerant level, or even wear and tear from normal use.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to get your AC checked out by an expert in AC repair in Queens, NY if you think it isn’t running as efficiently as it should be. But if your unit is already old, consider getting a replacement instead. Highly efficient systems may have a higher cost upfront, but they are cheaper to run, so you’ll save money over the long haul.
3. Short cycling
Short cycling is when your air conditioner turns on and off more frequently than usual. It’s a problem because it puts extra strain on your AC unit, which can lead to bigger issues down the road.
This problem can happen when your air conditioner has more cooling power than your space needs, or the thermostat is not properly calibrated. Short cycling can also be caused by a clogged air filter, which prevents the AC unit from getting enough airflow. Unless the issue is improper sizing, a skilled AC repair technician in Queens, NY can solve this issue.
4. Thermostat issues
Your thermostat can stop working, or it might not be reading the temperature correctly. The latter can happen when the thermostat is not properly calibrated, while the former can be caused by various issues, such as loose wires, a dead battery, or a faulty relay.
A faulty thermostat can also cause your air conditioner to turn on and off more frequently, known as short cycling (see above). A problem with this device will directly impact your system’s performance. If you think your thermostat might be the problem, try replacing the batteries first. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to hire an AC repair service in Queens, NY.
5. Water leaks
Water leaks are never a good sign, no matter where they’re coming from. If you see a water pool around your air conditioner unit, then there’s a problem with your air conditioner. Yes, your air conditioner produces water. In fact, it can produce 20 gallons of water. But you won’t normally see the liquid underneath or near the cooling equipment because it’s safely directed outdoors through the condensate drain pipe.
A water leak can be due to damaged or dirty condensate drain pan, clogged condensate drain pan, or frozen coils. Either way, getting the problem fixed as soon as possible is important. So call an AC repair technician in Queens, NY immediately. A frozen coil will compromise your unit’s ability to cool your space, while a problem with the condensate drain line can lead to water damage. You wouldn’t want the issue to worsen.
6. Strange smells
Strange smells coming from the unit itself are already a problem. Imagine trying to rest on the couch or having a friend or family over but the conditioned air coming from your AC smells terrible. That’s a disaster!
Air conditioners emit strange, often foul odors for many reasons. It could be because of mold and mildew growth, animals or pests stuck in the ductwork, electrical issues, refrigerant leak, and many more. The conditioned air may smell musty, or something like a rotten egg, etc. Fortunately, most of these issues are quite easy to fix. You just need to find the right AC repair technician in Queens, NY.
7. Loud noises
You may sometimes hear your air conditioning making a high-pitch whistling sound, screeching, banging, or other noises. You may find these issues scary, but they happen.
Strange sounds can be due to problems as simple as a loose component or debris stuck in the unit. Or, it could be something more serious, like a compressor issue.
Like any other concerns with air conditioners, it’s best to seek help from an expert in AC repair technician in Queens, NY when dealing with any strange, loud sounds coming from the system as soon as you notice them. Procrastinating on repairs usually leads to major issues.
8. Faulty capacitor
The capacitor is a vital part of your air conditioner. It helps to start and run the AC unit. If it’s not working properly, it can cause all sorts of problems, like your AC unit not starting up at all.
The capacitor can malfunction because of different reasons, such as age, voltage fluctuations, or even lack of maintenance. Fixing this component usually costs between $100 and $200, depending on the severity of the problem and the type of capacitor that needs to be replaced.
9. Refrigerant leaks
Your air conditioner does not consume refrigerant; instead, it circulates it through your system. So the amount of refrigerant in the system usually stays the same, except when there are holes or cracks in the coils. In this case, the refrigerant can leak out, lowering the amount in the system. When this happens, your air conditioner will not be able to cool your home as effectively.
Generally, it’s not enough to top off the refrigerant. It’s important to address the root cause of the problem (as mentioned above) so you won’t have to recharge the substance again. Regarding the repair of refrigerant leak, you have to leave it to an AC repair technician in Queens, NY because they are trained on how to handle the issue properly.
10. AC Electrical Issues
Most air conditioners rely on electricity to function. That’s why it’s not surprising that homeowners face electrical issues. They are pretty common, and some of them can be fixed without the aid of experts.
There are a few different electrical issues that can pop up. One is a tripped circuit breaker. It usually happens when your air conditioner works overtime to cool your home. The solution is to reset the breaker. Another is a blown fuse, which is also caused by your air conditioner working too hard. You’ll need to replace the fuse before your air conditioner works again.
The problems in this list aren’t the only ones that can plague your air conditioner. However, they are some of the most common. If you find yourself dealing with any of these issues, it’s best to call a professional to take a look and avoid further damage. Avoid trying to fix the problem yourself if you do not have the training because you may only do more harm than good.
AC Problems? Call Iceberg Mechanical!
Although you will often see us working as a team, everyone in our crew undergoes rigorous training to be able to provide accurate evaluation and immediate response to any given A/C problem. So our technicians can repair almost every type of air conditioning system. Using state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge technology, we can get your A/C running efficiently again.
The technician we deploy to fix your unit will first assess the system accurately and get to the root of the problem to prevent the issue from happening in the future. Thanks to our decades of experience—we can service any residential and commercial air conditioning system to provide a complete comfort solution for your home.
If you’re having any of the above problems with your air conditioner or have any questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call at 718-788-7978. We also have an online form you can fill out to request an estimate.
