Air conditioners can experience all sorts of problems, but some are more common than others. We’re highlighting some of the AC repair needs that we see more often so you can be prepared to address them if they come up. Just give our team a call anytime you think you need AC repair in Scottsdale.
What Are the Most Common AC Repair Issues and How Can You Address Them?
- Faulty capacitor: If the outdoor unit hums but won’t start, the capacitor may be failing. This is typically an inexpensive fix when addressed early.
- Refrigerant leaks: Signs include hissing sounds, weak cooling, or ice buildup on coils. These require professional leak repair and refrigerant recharge.
- Clogged condensate drain: Water pooling near the indoor unit or musty odors often point to a clogged drain line. Cleaning it can prevent leaks and mold.
- Frozen evaporator coils: Often caused by poor airflow or low refrigerant levels. Coils need to be thawed and the underlying issue resolved.
- Dirty evaporator or condenser coils: Dirt buildup reduces heat transfer and forces the AC to work harder, leading to inefficiency.
- Blower motor or fan issues: Weak airflow or strange noises can indicate a failing blower motor or fan that may need repair or replacement.
Thermostat or electrical faults: A mis calibrated thermostat, wiring issues, or blown fuses can cause cycling problems or a total cooling failure.
It’s better to be proactive and address any potential repair needs instead of rolling the dice on whether or not that issue will get bigger. Keep reading to learn more about some AC problems you should watch out for and the signs of each one. You can also explore tips for preventing major AC repairs to help avoid unexpected issues before they happen.
Diagnosing and Replacing a Faulty AC Capacitor Quickly
The outdoor unit for your air conditioner has a component called the capacitor. It is fairly small, yet it has a giant role to play in AC operation. When your air conditioner first turns on for a cooling cycle, it consumes a little more power than usual to get started. The capacitor provides this much-needed energy boost so that your air conditioner motor does not take on extra strain.
When the capacitor begins to go bad, you may hear a humming sound coming from the outdoor unit. If you do hear humming, it’s important to call and schedule service before the capacitor goes out completely. If it does, your air conditioner will not start up at all. The good news is that the capacitor is easy to replace and a fairly inexpensive repair to make. Learn more about what AC repairs are urgent and which can wait so you can prioritize service effectively.
How to Detect and Repair AC Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant leaks are another common air conditioning issue that we help customers with all the time. Refrigerant leaks happen when there is damage to the refrigerant lines allowing the chemical to leak out. This is a dangerous problem for both your home and family because refrigerant is harmful if you touch it or breathe it.
If you do suspect a refrigerant leak, call to schedule service and don’t attempt to clean it up or fix it yourself. Identifying a refrigerant leak is not always easy. It may take our team checking the refrigerant levels to see if they are lower than they should be. But if you hear bubbling or hissing noises or notice that your air conditioner is not cooling your home as much, watch for these leak signs.
Fixing Blocked AC Condensate Drains to Prevent Water Damage
It’s also common to have the condensate drain line get clogged because of dust getting in the line or mold growing. Even with the best air filter in place, some dust will get into the system and may make it into the condensate drain line as humidity condenses down into droplets.
The small line is also very prone to mold growth thanks to the constant moisture. If you notice water leaking out of the line or gathering in the drip pan below it, you probably have a clog. While there are steps you can take to help prevent clogs, once you already have one our team needs to visit your home to you break it down. For more ways to protect your system and reduce future issues, check out these pre-season maintenance benefits.
Aside from actually noticing a leak, you may also experience higher than normal humidity levels in your home when you have a condensate drain clog. This is because the water backing up in the line is re-evaporating into the air instead of draining outside of your house. For more ways to reduce AC issues early, check out these pre-season maintenance benefits.
Troubleshooting and Replacing a Faulty AC Blower Motor
The blower motor inside your air conditioner has an important job moving cold air through the system with a strong enough force that it can make it through the ductwork and out all of the vents around your home. Because it works so hard, it’s common to experience blower motor problems, especially in the peak of summer.
If it seems like you have poor airflow coming out of vents then the blower motor may be having issues working as well as it needs to. Sometimes our team can clean out the bearings and re-lubricate it to get it working better. Other times, you simply need a blower motor replacement. Upgrade to a high-efficiency AC to reduce strain and improve performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are the most common AC repair issues identified by AZ Perfect Comfort?
Answer: AZ Perfect Comfort highlights several frequent AC repair needs, including failing capacitors—which often cause humming sounds—dirty evaporator or condenser coils, refrigerant leaks, and outdoor unit obstruction. These issues can impair cooling, airflow, or system startup.
Question: What does a bad capacitor in the AC outdoor unit indicate?
Answer: A failing capacitor is a small but essential component that helps start your AC motor. If it begins to fail, you might hear a humming noise coming from the outdoor unit. Without replacement, your air conditioner may no longer start.
Question: How can you prevent system damage before AC issues escalate?
Answer: Proactive maintenance helps avoid major breakdowns. Timely filter changes, coil cleaning, clearing debris around the unit, and addressing minor sounds like humming early can prevent expensive component failure down the road.
Question: Are there DIY steps to address common AC issues?
Answer: Yes. Homeowners can safely clean or replace air filters, clear debris from outdoor units, and inspect thermostat settings. However, repairs involving refrigerant systems, electrical components, or compressors should be handled by certified HVAC professionals.Question: When should you call a professional technician for AC repair?
Answer: Contact a licensed HVAC technician when you notice persistent problems like humming or buzzing from the compressor, ice buildup, refrigerant leaks, strange smells, or if the unit fails to start despite basic checks.
Don’t waste your time with the run-around. Give the AZ Perfect Comfort team a call to schedule your appointment for an AC repair and let us do it right the first time!