An air conditioner in Florida gets a lot of use over the years, which means you might have to schedule service more frequently than people do in other parts of the country. However, many of the most common air conditioning problems are preventable, to an extent, if you take good care of your air conditioning system, pay attention to the signs the AC is in trouble, and schedule professional maintenance services.
Here, we list a few of the most common problems with air conditioning system, and give you a little bit of information to help prevent them throughout the year. For a deeper look at these issues and proactive solutions, check out ways to prevent AC repairs.
Low Refrigerant
Refrigerant is the chemical blend that allows for heat to transfer out of the home’s air so that it can cool down. Low levels of refrigerant are responsible for a wide range of problems with the system, including reduced cooling power, high energy bills, and additional wear and tear on the system. If you’re wondering what signs to watch for, this guide to fixing common AC problems offers helpful troubleshooting tips
Our advice for preventing refrigerant leaks is to make sure that they are handled properly the first time around. Do not rehire a technician who only adds more refrigerant but does not actually repair the problem. Low levels of refrigerant almost always mean leaks (or a system that was not properly measured in the first place), and the leaks must be sealed.
Short Cycling
A short cycling air conditioning system only turns on for brief periods, and it may have trouble starting up as well. This is a problem you want to avoid because it wears down the components (and doesn’t really keep you comfortable).
You may only need a new part, but this could be a sign that your older system needs replacement. When your air conditioning system is short cycling, especially if you notice this problem early on in the life of the system, it could be that it wasn’t properly sized and installed in the first place.
ONLY allow a trained technician to install your air conditioner if you want it to last as long as possible.
Broken Fan Motors
You can prevent the fan motor from breaking by reducing the amount of work it has to do. Keep the thermostat set to an efficient temperature most of the day, and make sure the AC is off or at a higher temperature while everyone is away (a programmable thermostat is important for this step). Staying consistent with your thermostat usage is one of the key ways to avoid common air conditioning issues. Also, clean or replace the air filter each month and call in professionals for maintenance each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are some of the most common air‑conditioner problems homeowners face?
Answer: Some frequent issues include low refrigerant levels, frequent short‑cycling of the unit, and failing fan motors. These problems often emerge because of wear and tear, improper installation, or lack of routine maintenance.
Question: Why is low refrigerant such a concern for AC systems?
Answer: Refrigerant carries heat out of your home. If the level is too low, your system loses cooling efficiency, burns more energy, and undergoes added mechanical stress — which often means avoidable repairs.
Question: What is “short cycling” and why does it matter?
Answer: Short cycling happens when the air‑conditioner turns on and off repeatedly in short bursts. This wastes energy, increases component wear, and may signal that the system is the wrong size or wasn’t installed correctly.
Question: How can a broken or weakening fan motor impact my AC system?
Answer: The fan helps move heat out of the system. If the motor is damaged or overworked — for example due to clogged filters or high indoor temperature set‑points — then the unit may overheat or fail prematurely.
Question: What proactive steps can I take to prevent these repair issues?
Answer: Be sure to keep filters clean, maintain clear airflow around the outdoor unit, use a sensible thermostat setting (especially when you’re away), and schedule professional inspections so small issues can be caught early.
Give AC Designs Inc. a call for AC services in Mandarin. We will deliver above your expectations!