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What are some of the most common air conditioning problems that home owners encounter, and what should you do when they occur?

Poor Air Intake / Outflow

This problem is often caused by a clogged air filter. While we may change the air filters inside of the home, such as the small air filters in the corner of the living room or by the vents inside the house, we also need to change the air conditioner’s air filter on the air intake. If the condenser fins of a heater do not get enough air, the condenser will freeze up. Blocked outdoor grills will interfere with the air intake of the unit and can cause it to labor or shut down.

Warm Air Blowing

Refrigerant in an air conditioner is similar to the oil in your car. It can leak. It can deteriorate over time. It needs to be replaced or topped off periodically. If refrigerant has been added recently and the AC is blowing warm air, you probably have an electrical problem or parts that need to be replaced. The condenser is the likely culprit. Contact an HVAC contractor to have the issue troubleshot.

Unit Will Not Come On

This could occur if the power breaker has tripped due to high electrical demand. A wire could have burned out or an animal could have chewed through it. If the thermostat or transformer in the unit is malfunctioning, you need to call an HVAC contractor.

Condenser Is Not Running

If the evaporator inside of the house is running but the outside unit is not, the condenser is not running. If the condenser is not running, check for a blown out fuse in the fuse box. Make sure the circuit breaker has not been tripped. Another potential cause of this problem is the thermostat. Turn down the temperature a few degrees and see if the condenser kicks in. If it doesn’t, there is probably a mechanical problem that needs to be reviewed by a repair man.

On and Off

An air conditioner may turn on and off periodically throughout the day. This problem is often traced to the condenser when it needs to be cleaned. Clean off any debris and dirt. If the unit continues to turn on and off, contact a professional for assistance.