Even with the best AC maintenance, your air conditioner can still break down from time to time. When this happens, you need air conditioning services to get your AC working again. Afterward, the right maintenance tips can help you prevent the same problem from happening again in the future.
How Do I Fix My AC Problem?
To fix your AC problem, try using the following steps. If the following troubleshooting tips are unable to fix your air conditioner, you can always reach out to Central Air Cooling for AC repair in Portland and the surrounding areas.
1. Investigate the Problem
Your first step is to investigate the problem. Pay attention to any unusual sounds or smells. Look around the AC to see if you see water or ice.
Try to remember what happened right before the problem developed. For example, did your AC freeze over on an especially hot day? Or did you notice an odd scent?
The following scents and sounds are indications of potential problems.
- Clicking Noises: A clicking noise is normal when the AC cycles on and off. If it is continuous, the thermostat may be malfunctioning.
- Hissing Sounds: If you hear a hissing noise, it may mean there is a duct leak. Refrigerant leaks can also make this kind of noise.
- Burning Smells: A burning scent often indicates an electrical issue, which means you need a professional AC tune up.
- Bubbling Sounds: Bubbling sounds are connected to excess moisture. This problem can occur if your drainage pipe is blocked or cracked.
- Musty Odors: If you haven’t used your AC for a long time, musty odors may simply be because of dust in the AC. However, it can also indicate mold and mildew growth.
- Screeching Noises: While many issues can cause this noise, it typically happens if the fan motor is malfunctioning.
- Sweet Scents: Some types of refrigerant smell sweet. If this is the problem, turn off your AC and call for professional AC repair in Portland right away because you may have a leak.
- Banging Sounds: If you hear a banging noise, it often means something is wrong with your compressor.
- Buzzing Noises: Buzzing sounds may mean a problem with your relay switch, which can prevent your AC from starting.
2. Determine the Underlying Cause
Now that you’ve investigated and gathered facts, the next step is figuring out the cause of the problem. For instance, an AC that doesn’t turn on is often related to a thermostat issue, condenser problem, or tripped circuit breaker.
If you’re not sure about the cause, try checking out the following parts of your AC before calling for air conditioning repair.
- Look at your thermostat. If it is set to fan mode, the air won’t be cold. Make sure the sensors are clean.
- See if the breakers have been tripped. There is typically an indoor and outdoor breaker panel.
- Make sure there are no clogs in the condensate drain line.
- Check the evaporator coils to see if they have become frozen.
3. Troubleshoot Common Problems
If you’re struggling with air conditioner repair issues, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem on your own.
- Replace or Clean Your Filter: AC filters should be changed every 30 to 90 days to ensure good airflow. If your filter gets too dusty, it can lead to frozen evaporator coils and reduced airflow.
- Clean Around the Outdoor Unit: Dirt and plants can clog your AC, hold moisture, and lead to mold growth. Remove debris and plants 2 to 3 feet around your air conditioner.
- Thaw Your Evaporator Coils: Wait for frozen evaporator coils to thaw. If this issue happens frequently, get professional help.
- Double-Check Your Thermostat: After making sure the settings on your thermostat are correct, use a reliable thermometer to see if the temperature in the room matches the thermostat’s settings.
- Clean the Condensate Drain Line: Clogs in the drain line can develop over time. Use a wet or dry vacuum to clean out the drain line.
- Flip the Breaker: If the breaker gets tripped, make sure nothing is wrong and flip the breaker. However, consult a professional if it immediately becomes tripped again because this signifies a serious issue.
4. Call for Professional AC Repair in Portland
While some air conditioning problems can be fixed with a little AC maintenance, other issues require professional help. If you are unable to diagnose and troubleshoot the repair issue on your own, our HVAC technicians can help with all of your AC repair needs.
Never repair complex or dangerous problems without professional help. After your AC is fixed, don’t forget to get an AC tune up each year to prevent breakdowns from happening in the future.
Signs You Need Professional Help
Some air conditioner issues are too complex to repair on your own. In these cases, you need professional AC maintenance and repairs. When you notice the following signs, it is important to get professional help:
- You noticed the scent of refrigerant or a burning smell.
- There is a rattling or rumbling noise, which means the compressor could be dying.
- The AC frequently freezes, indicating an underlying problem.
- Your electricity bill goes up, and you don’t know why.
- The AC’s airflow has dropped significantly.
- You checked your thermostat, and it isn’t reading the air temperature accurately.
- Your air conditioner hasn’t had a maintenance check in more than a year.
Learn More About Repair Options for Your Air Conditioner
With the best AC repair in Portland, you can schedule an inspection for your AC. Then, our HVAC technicians can fix the problem. Other than getting an air conditioning repair, we also offer help with annual tune-ups and routine AC maintenance.
To learn more about how Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can repair your AC, reach out to one of our experienced HVAC professionals today.