Air Conditioning Repair & Installation

Top 5 Central Air Conditioning FAQ's

• "Why did my central air system stop cooling?"

Central AC systems are relatively complex, and may stop working for any number of reasons.

Some central air cooling issues are relatively easy to fix:

These central air cooling issues require an HVAC pro:

• The air filter is dirty, greatly reducing the system's ability to circulate air. A very dirty filter can even cause ice to form inside the system, completely halting the flow of cool air. Solution: replace the filter.
• The fan is set to "on," but the thermostat is not set to "cool."Solution: turn the system to "cool" and set the fan to "on" or "auto."
• The large, outdoor condenser unit may be blocked by dirt built up over time, or blown debris like leaves, twigs and grasses.Sometimes large objects are placed too near the unit. Solution: gently clean the dirt and debris, and move other objects away from the unit. If the dirt and debris is too thick to be easily cleaned, it's best to call an HVAC pro.
• One or more air vents are blocked by curtains or drapes, rugs, bags, books, pictures and posters, or furniture that was moved.Solution: remove any objects or materials obstructing the supply and/or return air vents in your home.

These central air cooling issues require an HVAC pro:

• Water drainage problems.Some systems have pumps to remove excess water generated by the operation of the system. If the pump stops working, or the water backs up from some other blockage, some systems will shut off automatically. This problem can be hard to diagnose. Solution: call an HVAC pro.
• Refrigerant problems are preventing air from being cooled.Solution: call an HVAC pro.
• A bad condenser is preventing the system from cooling.Hard to diagnose. Solution: call an HVAC pro.
• A bad compressor is preventing the system from cooling.Hard to diagnose. Solution: call an HVAC pro.
• "Why is my central air system leaking water?"

First things first: if your system is leaking water, turn it off to prevent water damage.

As for the leaking, common causes include the drain pipe getting clogged, a pump failing, or a cracked pan. In colder temperatures, the evaporator coil may freeze and then leak water when melting.

If water is leaking from your system, it’s wise to contact an HVAC professional who can find and resolve the issue.

• "Why is my central air system freezing up?"

Factors that cause central air systems to freeze up include a dirty air filter, blocked air vents inside the house, a bad evaporator coil, or low refrigerant.

To avoid damage, you should address the issue quickly. When you first notice your system freezing, turn it off, and turn on your thermostat fan to thaw the system.

Next, make sure the system’s air filter isn't too dirty, and also check that the supply and return air vents inside the house are free and clear. Additionally, check to see that the large, outdoor condenser unit is free from dirt buildup and debris like leaves, twigs and grasses.

If the filter, vents and outdoor condenser all seem fine, it's time to call a local HVAC professional.

• "What are common signs of central air conditioner problems?"

The most obvious sign is a lack of cooling. Also, be aware of any strange sounds or odors coming from the air conditioner. Other signs of trouble include poor airflow, unexpected thermostat behavior, or water leaking from the system.

If you think there's a problem, it’s better to resolve the issue quickly than wait for the air conditioner to stop working completely. On-going issues can result in serious, expensive damage to your system.

Explore other FAQs on this page for more clues and information.

• "How often should my central air system be serviced?"

Homeowners should have their central AC system serviced at least once a year.

Even if you don’t suspect any issues, regular service maintenance is important to keep your system running as cleanly and efficiently as possible, and extend its overall lifespan.