Air conditioners are an integral part of most homes in Pittsburg, especially during summers. AC use increases significantly during this time. However, you may face certain issues with your AC unit when switching it on. While you may be able to diagnose and solve some of the minor problems, you will have to contact professional AC repair technicians to solve others. AC repair in Pittsburgh involves the technicians visiting your home, inspecting the AC unit, and providing recommendations and repairs based on the problem. But even before contacting professionals, you must be aware of the common issues that an AC unit may face. Given below are common air conditioner problems:

Air Conditioner Not Turning On

This is the most common air conditioner problem faced by homeowners. Check your thermostat batteries if your AC is not turning on. The batteries could be dead because of which your AC is not working. Replacing the batteries should solve the problem in such cases. If your batteries are working fine, you must check your thermostat settings and see if the cooling mode is on with the correct temperature settings. You will have to check the circuit breaker if your thermostat is on and your AC still doesn’t work. The AC will not turn on if your circuit breaker has tripped. You can reset the circuit breaker by flipping the switch off and then on.

AC Not Blowing Cold Air

The AC will not blow cold air if a dirty filter blocks the airflow. The dirty air filter will further freeze up the condenser unit and limit the cooling ability of your AC. Ensure you change the air filter in your unit every month to avoid this problem.

Water Leaks in the Indoor Unit

Water leaks in the indoor AC unit indicate overdue maintenance. The condensation drain in the system could be clogged up due to fungi or algae, causing the water to back up the pipe and into the room. Another reason for the water leak could be a malfunctioning condensate pump. You can unclog the clogged pipe with a dry or wet vacuum. You can also pour vinegar into the drain line to kill the algae and fungi. You will have to replace the condensate pump if the cause of the leak is a pump malfunction.

Dirty AC Filter

Air conditioner filters keep the airflow clean and free from pollutants and dust. If your air filter is clogged, the airflow can get restricted, bringing down the unit’s efficiency. The dirty filter will also slow down cooling. Try cleaning the air filter if you feel the AC is not cooling enough or is letting out dirty air. Ideally, you should clean the air filter every two weeks and change it every two months during peak season when the AC is most used. 

Frozen Evaporator Coil

A frozen evaporator coil can affect your AC’s cooling. It typically occurs when the unit doesn’t get enough air to operate normally due to dirt and debris build-up. The dirt on the coil restricts the airflow, preventing the warm air from reaching the refrigerant. As a result, the refrigerant becomes very cold, and any moisture present on the coil freezes. If ignored, the coil will get covered with ice over time and prevent the refrigerant from absorbing latent heat. If you feel you have a frozen evaporator coil, let it thaw for some time. You must not use your AC if you want to defrost the coil. Please disconnect the power to the unit and leave it for about 24 hours for the coil to defrost completely. 

Compressor Damage

The compressor is an integral part of your AC unit. It helps the refrigerant carry out heat exchange and regulates AC pressure. Your AC compressor can fail because of changes in refrigerant levels, dirty coils, and lack of lubrication. The compressor will become hot and stop working if the unit doesn’t have enough refrigerant. If the unit has excess refrigerant, it will cause increased pressure and lead to compressor failure. Your AC may not cool properly or have a weak airflow if the compressor has issues. You will have to contact a professional to repair the problem. In some cases, you may have to replace the compressor if the damage is severe. Professional AC repair technicians like Pittsburgh Appliance Repairs can help you with your AC repairs. They offer quick same-day repairs and have a team of well-trained technicians to do the job.