The 6 Most Common Central Air Conditioner Problems That Plague Homeowners

Having a broken air conditioner can be frustrating and over whelming at times. There are so many things that can go wrong. Below is a list of a few of the most common symptoms and their causes. This might be a good list to help find the cause of your problem.

1. A Dirty Air Filter: Dirty air filters cause restriction in air flow. This restriction can freeze up the evaporator coil causing the unit to stop cooling. It will still blow some air, but it will likely be just slightly cool.

2. A Clogged Drain Line: A clogged drain line causes water to leak either outside your home or worse yet, through your ceiling. Most times it's just a matter of clearing the clog and adding some algae preventative to keep it from happening. Worse case though, the main drain pan in the evaporator coil could be rusted out.

3. A Dirty Condensor Coil: The outdoor unit must have air flow when the fan is running. The coil often gets clogged up with grass clippings and dirt from mowers in the summer. Check and clean the outdoor coil at least a couple of times each year. A professional air conditioning technician can clean this coil with a solution that will bubble out all of the debris out of the tiny fins. A dirty condensor coil will cause your unit not to cool and it will run up your electric bill.

4. A Dirty Evaporator Coil: A dirty evaporator coil is usually caused by running the system without an air filter. This is a definite no-no. Dirt, dander, pet hair can clog an evaporator FAST and with the condensation that normally forms on these coil it makes for an almost mud like mess. A dirty evaporator will cause the unit to ice up and stop cooling. It will also run up your utility bills. If your evaporator is stopped up, have it professionally cleaned.

5. Shorted Contactor: The contactor is what powers up the compressor. It is one of the most used parts on the unit. Electricity flows through it and it sucks the contact down. If it is burnt up you will most likely see a charred and burnt are on the contacts. A shorted contactor will cause your unit not to work at all. Electrical components should be tested and replaced by a licensed AC contractor.

6. Shorted Run Capacitor: The run capacitor is usually a little oval; silver looking can mounted in the electrical portion of the outdoor unit. Its job is to make the motor run. A shorted run capacitor will sometimes look like the top is domed out. Like it exploded inside. Sometimes they show no physical signs of malfunction. They can be tested by an AC technician with a meter. Again leave the electrical components to an expert!

This is just the "short list" of what the most common problems may be. Your air conditioning system is one of the most expensive and complicated system in your home. Check the common things yourself, like the air filter and the outdoor condensor coil but leave the rest up to the experts.

An experienced air conditioning contractor can find the problem and fix it right the first time.