Here in Colorado, it can often get hot during the summer months, so you’ll need to have an air conditioning system in your home to help maintain a comfortable temperature.
Typically, AC units are designed to last a decade or more, but they can still run into problems over the years. When you are having trouble with your cooling system, you’ll want to deal with it as quickly as possible to restore your home’s interior temperature and minimize the risk of further damage to your equipment.
Let’s take a closer look at five of the most common AC repairs in Colorado, what might be causing them, and what you can do about it.
Want to schedule an AC tune-up? Contact Cooper Heating & Cooling today. In less than an hour, one of our highly trained techs will conduct a 17-point safety and performance inspection to help lower your energy bills and keep your AC running as long as possible!
AC Running Constantly
An air conditioner running constantly is a common AC problem with many potential causes. Before calling an HVAC contractor, check your thermostat to ensure it is set correctly, as someone else may have adjusted your settings, causing the system to stay on rather than cycling on and off.
If the thermostat settings are correct, you may be dealing with a problem with the compressor or other electrical parts within your cooling system. For these issues, you’ll need an experienced AC repair technician, as the repairs can often be quite complex, so don’t attempt to complete them yourself.
If your air conditioner turns on but won’t turn off, don’t delay calling in an HVAC technician. Leaving your system running for an extended period can cause significant wear and tear on the equipment, not to mention the waste of electricity or gas to power it. Constant running can also expose your system to the risk of overheating, potentially leading to a fire or other disaster.
AC Not Turning On
At the other end of the spectrum, you may have an issue with your system not turning on at all. While this won’t impact your energy costs like constant running, it can affect your comfort level, especially if it is a hot day.
As in the previous section, you may first need to check your thermostat settings to ensure everything is where it should be. It could also be that the air conditioning system, appliance, or electrical outlet has tripped your circuit breaker. Switching it back on should solve this problem. If that still doesn’t fix the issue, it is likely a problem with the wiring, which will require a professional to repair it.
No Cool Air Flowing
Is your air conditioning system turning on, but no air is coming out of the vents? This is another of the most common AC issues we see here in Colorado, and it can have a number of possible causes.
For starters, verify that your air vents are fully open. They may have been closed inadvertently during cleaning or dusting, so don’t skip this quick but crucial check. Next, check your air filter. Over time, dust and other debris from the air gets trapped in the filter, and it can become clogged if not changed regularly. Depending on the style and quality of the filters you choose, you’ll typically need to change them every three months. Check them regularly to determine an appropriate schedule for your home. If the air conditioner continues to run with the dirty filter it can also cause the indoor coil to freeze. If you find your filter dirty check the insulated copper pipes going into the system to check for any ice build up. If there is ice, make sure you let the system thaw for 24 to 48 hours before turning back on after you change the filter.
Beyond those basic fixes, you could have an issue with the blower motor, which pumps the cool air from the air conditioning unit into your home. There could also be a leak in your ductwork that allows the cool air to escape before reaching the vents. A professional AC technician can quickly identify the problem and advise you on the next repair steps.
Hot Air Blowing Out
This is incredibly frustrating, as you expect your AC system to do the opposite. Again, first, check your thermostat to ensure it hasn’t unexpectedly been switched to heat or just a fan with no air conditioning. Check the air filters as well, as blocked filters can make your system work harder, potentially leading to your compressor overheating.
After you have tried these fundamental fixes, if you are still getting hot air from your vents, the problem is likely in the air conditioner itself. The evaporator coils could have gotten dirty over time, or you might be out of refrigerant or have a refrigerant leak. It could also be an issue with the compressor.
For all these problems, you’ll need a professional to complete the repairs to ensure everything is done correctly. If the technician replaces your refrigerant, they should also check your system for leaks, so you don’t waste the new refrigerant.
Refrigerant or Water Leaking
While some condensation on or around your system is to be expected, dripping or pooling liquids are not. If you notice excessive water around your air conditioning unit, it could signify a leak or a problem with the compressor. This is one of the most expensive air conditioning components to repair or replace, so you’ll want to deal with the problem immediately before it gets worse and potentially even more costly.
If you notice that the fluid leaking out is brightly colored, it is likely the refrigerant. As soon as you realize you have a refrigerant leak, shut down your AC system immediately, as low refrigerant levels can wreak havoc on the compressor. Call a professional immediately to locate and fix the leak to get your system back up and running.
Get Help with Common AC Repairs in Colorado
Here at Cooper Heating and Cooling, our highly trained technicians are here to help with all your AC repair needs. We have been operating in the local area for over 40 years, so you can count on us for expert advice, high-quality workmanship, and friendly customer service. We offer a 100-percent satisfaction guarantee, so get in touch with us immediately if your AC system needs repair or even a regular tune-up. We’re always happy to help.
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Luke Cooper is the General Manager of the Cooper Green team and son of Gary Cooper, owner and CEO of Cooper HVAC. After years in the field, Luke took his talents to management and has helped thousands of Colorado homeowners during hot summers and frigid winters. His decade of experience in the field and guiding the company makes him one of the most knowledgeable individuals in Colorado on HVAC, plumbing, electrical and other home services.
