Common Air Conditioner Problems

Why is my AC unit squealing?

When transitioning from winter to spring weather, your AC unit may need routine maintenance — and a high-pitched squealing noise is one of the most common signs. If the noise persists after cleaning and basic maintenance, it is likely one of three things: the bearings on your condenser fan's motor, the belt connecting the motor to the blower has slipped, or it's actually not a problem at all.

How lightning strikes affect your AC

A nearby lightning strike can affect your home's electrical wiring, including your HVAC unit. Arkansas has 100 days of precipitation a year on average, which means it's highly likely that a nearby lightning strike during a thunderstorm can damage electrical and plumbing fixtures.

Why does my AC smell funny?

As summer progresses and you use your air conditioner more regularly, you may notice a strange odor when you run your unit. The type of smell — musty, burning, or chemical — can point to different causes ranging from mold in the ductwork to electrical issues.

Why is my air conditioner leaking water?

Homeowners sometimes experience water leaking around their indoor coil near the furnace. Possible causes include: a stopped-up drain clogged by dirt dauber nests or sludge buildup, a dirty air filter affecting performance, or a refrigerant leak that can cause the system to freeze and then drip when it thaws.

• Stopped-up drain — dirt dauber nests or sludge clogging the drain pipe
• Dirty air filter — restricting airflow and affecting AC performance
• Refrigerant leak — can cause the system to freeze and later drip as it thaws

AC can't maintain the thermostat temperature

Sometimes your air conditioner runs continuously but doesn't get cold. This could be a sign of a problem with the blower, the compressor, the condenser fan motor, the capacitor, or the contactor. So many variables go into diagnosing this — we recommend calling an HVAC professional.

Blower running but condenser won't come on

If your AC is running but not blowing cold air, this usually involves a contactor or capacitor issue. Before calling a technician, try these steps:

• Confirm the thermostat is set to cool and lower the set point 5°F below room temperature
• Check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker at your main electrical panel
• Reset any tripped breaker by flipping it fully off, then back on
• Check the shutoff box near the outdoor AC unit and replace the fuse if needed

Why is my air conditioner frozen?

You wake up to find your home isn't as cool as yesterday, and the unit is covered in ice. Restricted airflow around the evaporator coil is the most common culprit — often caused by a dirty air filter, clogged ducts, an inefficient blower motor, or debris on the coil. Other causes include:

• Refrigerant leak or low refrigerant levels in the line
• Running the AC when outdoor temperatures drop below 60°F