Five Common Summer AC Problems & How to Troubleshoot Them

When the summer heat comes to Yakima and the Tri-Cities area, your air conditioner needs to be one of the most hardworking appliances in your home. But what happens when it stops working correctly during the year's hottest days?

At Campbell & Company, we understand how frustrating it can be to have a malfunctioning AC system when you need it most.

Understanding the common issues that can affect your AC unit in the summer can help you either fix the problem yourself or know when to call in the experts. Our HVAC experts have put together this guide to troubleshooting five typical summer AC problems.

Lack of Cold Air

When your air conditioner isn’t cooling your Tri-Cities home, it could be for various reasons. Some common causes of a lack of cold air include low refrigerant levels, dirty cooling coils, or a faulty compressor.

To troubleshoot your AC system, you can start by replacing the air filter if it’s dirty to see if that improves the cooling. If this doesn’t fix the problem, it’s time to call a professional to check the refrigerant levels and ensure the compressor is working properly.

AC Making Weird Noises

Your AC system should operate fairly quietly, and although you may notice the motor running occasionally, there are some noises you should never hear. Strange noises from your AC unit, like grinding, squealing, or clicking, should set off your alarm bells.

These sounds typically indicate mechanical issues with your AC system. A grinding noise could indicate motor bearing problems, and squealing might be caused by a slipped belt.

While you can inspect the unit for any obvious loose parts or debris that may be causing the noise, these AC repairs require a skilled technician who can safely pinpoint and fix the issue.

AC Won’t Turn On

During the dog days of summer, one of the most frustrating issues you could have with your AC system is if it won’t turn on. If this happens to you, there are a few things you can try. First, check your thermostat settings to ensure it’s set to cool and the temperature setting is correct.

Then, check any circuit breakers to make sure they haven’t tripped. If everything appears normal, the problem could be a malfunctioning thermostat or a deeper electrical issue. When this happens, contacting a professional is your best bet for safe and effective repairs.

AC Leaking Water

A leaking AC is another common summertime problem. A water leak from your AC unit could be from a clogged condensate drain line, a rusted overflow pan, or a broken pump. You can try to clear the line by running a stiff wire through it.

If this doesn’t resolve the issue, the drain pan or pump may need to be replaced. This is a complex task and is best left to professionals. 

AC Always Running & High Energy Bills

While your AC unit may run a lot, especially during the hottest days, it shouldn’t run all the time. If your AC seems to run constantly, it could be for a few reasons. Dirty air filters, incorrect thermostat settings, or inadequate insulation could all be at fault.

First, check your thermostat to ensure all the settings are correct. If this isn’t the problem, look toward your air filters. Replacing air filters is an easy DIY fix that can have a significant impact. However, if the issue persists, it could mean you need more complex system repairs or adjustments.

Prevent AC Problems With Campbell & Company

Yakima and Tri-Cities homeowners want their AC systems to be hardworking, reliable, and long-lasting. Regular maintenance is important in preventing AC problems and keeping your system running efficiently all summer.

At Campbell & Company, we offer comprehensive AC services, including installation and repairs, to keep your system in top condition.

As the area’s go-to experts for AC services since 1983, you can trust us to do it right. We also offer maintenance services to help you avoid unexpected breakdowns and keep those energy bills in check.

Get top-rated AC services with Campbell & Company. Call to schedule AC services today.