Common AC Problems You Might Face This Summer

During the Texas summer, Precision Heating & Air most commonly receives calls regarding the following four issues:

  • The AC system is not sufficiently cooling my home.
  • The AC condenser is not running.
  • The AC system continuously cycles on and off.
  • The AC system is running, but is not cooling my home.

Common causes of these issues, as well as some preventative steps, are provided below. We are in the business of helping you to enjoy a wonderfully cool home all summer long!

The AC system is not sufficiently cooling my home.

If the AC system is not cooling your home as well as it should, there are several potential causes:

  • Ensure that you regularly change the filter, to help the system to run efficiently.
  • If the thermostat is set at a very low temperature, your system may have some problems trying to keep up (i.e., when it is 100 degrees outside and the thermostat is set below 70 degrees). Lower the thermostat by 5 degrees to address the cooling issue.
  • If lowering the thermostat temperature does not work, check the evaporator coil (typically located in the attic or a closet). If it is frozen, turn off the system at the thermostat and turn on the fan; it takes six to eight hours for a frozen system to defrost, and running the fan will speed up the process. 

The AC condenser stops running.

The condenser is a big, metal box located either on the ground or on the roof outside your home. If the condenser is not running, the issue is generally caused by no power to the system or a faulty motor/compressor.

  • Check for a blown fuse or a tripped breaker.
  • If the fuses and breakers look normal, the issue may be due to a bad motor or compressor, which typically cannot be repaired and must be replaced. 

The AC system continuously cycles on and off.

This problem usually stems from a dirty condenser unit or evaporator coil. The condenser unit can be blocked by outside debris, such as weeds and grass.
Check the outside portion of your unit to ensure that there are no obstructions; this can prevent the continuous cycling from occurring.
Cleaning the system will also help address this issue. Precision Heating and Air offers AC tune-ups for just $89! AC tune-ups include checking the refrigerant charge, cleaning the condenser coil, flushing the drain line, and ensuring that all components are running smoothly.
The AC system is running, but is not cooling my home.
This is the most commonly reporting issue during the summer months, and can be caused by any number of problems:

  • A dirty condenser or evaporator coil
  • A thermostat set at a very low temperature
  • A blocked condenser
  • A clogged drain line
  • A lack of system refrigerant

Precision Heating & Air is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to address all your AC issues and help your family stay cool and comfortable all summer long.
Keep Austin Cool!