Three common problems with air conditioners that require a professional to repair

All Hours Staff • July 29, 2022
HVAC tech repairing a ductless mini-split air conditioner

Air conditioners are complex units full of condensers, coils, wires, fans, and many other components. Last week we discussed three reasons to not DIY an AC repair yourself. Here’s the cliff notes version of that blog post: (1) DIY repairs can be dangerous to you and your unit, (2) DIY repairs will cost you money, time, and frustration, even on some simple repairs, and (3) DIY repairs can void your units warranty.


This week, we’re giving you our list of the top three AC problems you should get a pro to check out. (And if you think we’re biased and are just trying to get you to give us a call… that’s true, we are, and it would be a great idea for you to give us a call! Shameless plug). Next week we’ll look at some problems you might be able to diagnose and fix yourself!

Your AC unit stops working

If your AC unit won’t turn on and it’s not a simple fix like resetting a switch on your breaker panel or replacing the batteries in a thermostat, you’ll want to call in a pro who can quickly isolate the issue, tell you what’s wrong, and give you some options. Sometimes the problem will be an easy fix that might require some quick electrical work. Sometimes it will require work on the compressor or a replacement. Either way, you’ll want a pro who knows what they’re doing so you don’t get shocked and your unit stays in great shape.



Your refrigerant is leaking

As a general rule, you should leave anything related to refrigerant to the pros. The stuff is toxic, and chances are you won’t be able to tell if you’re getting a dangerous amount of exposure. If you notice inefficiencies, frozen coils, a hissing sound, or condenser damage (if you want a bonus fourth category, it’s always advisable to hire a pro for condenser repairs), you’ll want to bring someone out to resolve the issue quickly and safely.


Your AC is making noises

You want to keep up with your unit. Check on it every month or two (or at least once per season—another good occasion to call a pro for regular maintenance). You might already know what to look and listen for, but here are some clear, audible signs your unit might need professional attention:

  • Hissing (often signaling a refrigerant leak)
  • Banging, rattling, thumping (usually from blower/motor assembly)
  • Screeching (especially from the compressor or fan motor)
  • Buzzing (particularly from electrical components—ever been close to a power plant or large power lines? Listen for that sound)


You can never go wrong calling a pro. Give us a call or send us a message through our contact form anytime and we can get you sorted out quickly and affordably!


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