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Air conditioning systems are a vital part of many Maryland households, especially during the hot and humid summer months. However, like all mechanical systems, they can sometimes malfunction or break down.

Knowing common air conditioner problems may help you differentiate between the normal noises ACs make and signs it’s time to call in a professional.

Taking preventative measures and getting problems fixed as soon as they arise is the best way to ensure your AC system continues running smoothly and your family stays cool and comfortable all summer long.

Bad Capacitor Inside the Condenser Unit

The capacitor is a small cylindrical device that stores an electrical charge and helps start the compressor and fan motor in the condenser unit. Even the best capacitors won’t last forever and it’s possible you’ll need to replace one before your air conditioning unit reaches the end of its useful life. One thing that speeds up their deterioration is dirty condenser coils and filters (so be sure to clean the former and frequently replace the latter).

If the capacitor goes bad, the compressor and fan motor may not start properly, or they may not run at all. This can cause the AC unit to not cool effectively, or to not cool at all.

Symptoms of a bad capacitor may include the air conditioner not turning on, a humming noise coming from the unit, the unit turning off on its own or warm air blowing from the vents. A bad capacitor will typically bulge on the top and pop off but that’s not always the case (in many cases, it’ll look just fine and you won’t be able to tell it’s dead).

If you suspect a bad capacitor, it's important to have a professional HVAC technician diagnose and repair the issue, as attempting to replace the capacitor yourself can be dangerous and may cause further damage to the AC unit. A technician can test the capacitor with a multimeter and determine if it needs to be replaced.

AC Unit Is Low on Refrigerant

Your central AC is a permanently sealed system, meaning whatever refrigerant is in there, remains for the life of the unit. Thus, if your AC is low on refrigerant, there’s more than likely a leak either in the outside unit or the coil that’s on top of your furnace.

The fastest solution is to call an HVAC technician to top off the refrigerant, but the downside of this is that it's a temporary fix and won't address the underlying problem of the leak. Continuing to run your AC with a refrigerant leak can damage the compressor and cause even more expensive repairs.

It's important to have the leak located and fixed as soon as possible to ensure the proper functioning of your AC system and prevent further damage. If the leak is found in the coil, it typically cannot be fixed and the entire coil will need to be replaced. A trained HVAC technician can identify the source of the leak and repair it, ensuring that your AC is running efficiently and effectively.

Plugged Condensate Drain

A plugged condensate drain in your AC system can cause a variety of problems for your home. Your air conditioner pulls moisture from the air as it runs. The moisture then condenses and needs to drain out of the HVAC system. If the condensate drain becomes clogged, it can cause water to back up into the system, which can lead to water damage in your home, mold growth and in severe cases, electrical problems. When you’re dealing with plugged condensate drain, you may notice water pooling around your indoor unit, a musty smell or even a loss of cooling efficiency.

It's important to have a professional HVAC technician address this issue as soon as possible to prevent any further damage or health risks to your home and family. A certified repair person will typically clear the blockage and ensure that the drain line is properly cleaned and maintained to prevent future clogs.

Malfunctioning Control Board

The control board is the brain of your HVAC system and is responsible for sending power to the unit based on your thermostat settings. When the control board malfunctions, it can cause a variety of problems, from intermittent operation to complete system failure.

One of the most common signs of a malfunctioning control board is the air conditioner turning on and off frequently or not turning on at all. The control board may also fail to send signals to the compressor or fan, causing them to run erratically or not at all. Additionally, the control board can cause the air conditioner to blow hot air instead of cool air or not blow any air at all.

A malfunctioning control board can be caused by a variety of factors, including power surges, age and wear and tear. In some cases, it may be possible to replace a single component of the control board, while in other cases, the entire board may need to be replaced.

If you suspect that your air conditioner's control board is malfunctioning, it's wisest to call a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and repair the problem. An HVAC control board is an intricate and complicated panel and attempting to repair or replace it yourself can be futile and even dangerous.

A trained technician will have the knowledge and tools necessary to safely and effectively repair or replace the control board, restoring your air conditioner to proper working order.

Schedule Your Annual AC Maintenance with Home Air Services

There’s a lot that can go wrong with your AC, but many issues can be avoided with proper maintenance. Don't wait until the hottest day of the year to find out your AC needs repairs.

Call (301) 585-8100 today to schedule your annual AC maintenance with Home Air Services and ensure your unit is in top shape for the summer.

Our extensive service area covers several cities and neighborhoods in Maryland, DC and Virginia.