The Three Most Common Air Conditioning Problems
Your central air conditioning is part of a complex system that works hard to keep your home cool during the summer, and like any system, your air conditioner will develop problems over time. When this happens, it’s important that you know what’s going on—that’s why the experts at Arctic Air Conditioning have compiled a list of the most common air conditioning problems in the New Jersey area and the symptoms that go with each.
While no system is immune to problems, a well-maintained system is less likely to develop more serious problems. If you find yourself suffering from air conditioning problems in New Jersey, Arctic Air Conditioning is here to help. Contact us today at 732-455-9110 to schedule your AC repair in Monmouth, Middlesex, Union, Mercer, or Ocean County!
Air Conditioning Problem #1 – Your System Can’t Keep Your Home Cool
Your air conditioner works by drawing the warmer air from your home, cooling the air, and then blowing it back into the house. If this system isn’t working properly, it won’t take long for you to lose your cool. This is one of the most common air conditioning problems in New Jersey, and it can have a lot of causes, including:
- Low or unbalanced refrigerant
- Dirty or clogged air filter
- Frozen coils
- Blocked return
- Blocked vents
- Improper load balancing
Low refrigerant can be caused by improper initial charging or by a leak. Frozen coils and blocked ducts go hand in hand. Whether it’s a clogged filter, an obstructed return, or closed vents, the warm, humid air can’t pass by the coils quickly enough. This causes ice to build up, obstructing airflow and overloading the system.
Sometimes, simply changing the air filter or removing anything that is blocking your vents or returns can greatly improve your system’s performance (see video below). However, if that isn’t the case, you will most likely require the help of a professional HVAC technician. Contact Arctic Air Conditioning right away, and we can diagnose your system and help you get your home comfortable and cool again.
Air Conditioning Problem # 2 – A Faulty Electrical System
Another common point of failure is in the electrical and electronic components. Some failures can cause undesired operation, while others can completely disable the system. Some of the most common faulty electrical systems that can contribute to air conditioning problems include:
- Malfunctioning thermostat
- Failed sensors
- Corroded contacts or connectors
- Broken or shorted wires
- Defective breakers
Defective thermostats or sensors can prevent proper operation and dirty electrical contacts can keep condensers and compressors from working. Improper or broken wiring can cause intermittent problems, and present a serious risk of injury. Undersized or defective breakers can trip, shutting the system down. You may feel air blowing from the vents without realizing that the external compressor is without power.
Contact Arctic Air Conditioning today if you think your air conditioner is experiencing any of these symptoms!
Air Conditioning Problem #3 – Noisy Operation
Noisy operation can have a variety of causes, and many of the causes can be mitigated or avoided through routine maintenance. The most common noises are:
- Rattling or whistling vents
- Squealing or whistling near the return
- Thumping noises when the system starts and stops
- Loud rattle or vibration when the system starts and stops
Most vents have internal baffles that let you control the airflow. If those baffles are loose, they can move in the airstream, creating a rattling noise. If they’re closed too tightly, the air that is forced around them can create a whistling sound. Squealing or whistling from the return can be a sign of a failing blower motor. Thumps, rattles, and vibrations are generally caused by loose ducts and vents. As the system starts up, loose equipment can move around, making noises.
Who to Call When You’re Experiencing Air Conditioning Problems in Central Jersey
If you’re experiencing any of these air conditioning problems in the New Jersey area, contact Arctic Air Conditioning to get your system diagnosed and repaired. We have been performing AC repair and maintenance in New Jersey since 1977, and our highly skilled technicians will get your AC up and running in time for summer.
Contact us to learn more about common air conditioning problems in New Jersey and how to repair them—or to schedule your AC repair today!
