Believe it or not, even the best AC units can experience air conditioning problems in Phoenix. And whether you’re living in Scottsdale, Peoria or any city inside the Phoenix Valley, it is very possible that your AC system is close to breaking down and requiring emergency repairs. Most of these issues however, can be solved through routine maintenance check-ups for AC systems in Phoenix. And just like routine maintenance for a car, it’s best to schedule an AC service tune-up before you experience any of these typical AC problems.

Top 7 AC Troubles In Phoenix

#1 – The Air Conditioning Unit Doesn’t Cool

Yes, you are living in Arizona and your AC unit doesn’t cool you’ve got a serious problem. That might go down as one of the most obvious statements of all time. But, there are several specific issues that could be causing this to occur inside your home or commercial building:

The AC system is low on coolant
The AC thermostat is out of calibration
The AC filters are clogged up and need to be replaced
The AC belts are broken, loose or simply need to be adjusted

The easiest way to solve this particular issue is to contact an experienced AC repair specialist in Phoenix to come and complete a routine service check-up. Most of the time, if you tell them that your AC system is not cooling but it is running, the solution can be very simple to fix.

#2 – The AC System Is Leaking Water

Among Phoenix homeowners, the issue with AC systems leaking water can be very frustrating. However, there are several

potential culprits that cause this issue including:

The AC drain line is not tight or has come apart
Low refrigerant levels that cause excess freezing inside the unit. When the unit warms up, the ice turns to water that leaks
Ductwork that is not sealed can lead to AC system leaking water
Condenser unit is not working properly – this tends to be the big one here in Phoenix

A leaking AC unit is not something that you want to put off fixing. This could be a minor issue now, but if left unattended, it can— and often will— lead to further problems developing. Make sure if you have any AC leaking issues to contact your local HVAC repair specialist.

#3 – AC System Is Making Loud Noises

One of the most annoying air conditioning problems in Phoenix is an AC system that is making loud noises. This problem, however, can be attributed to something loose or broken within the internal AC system. If you notice that your AC unit is making more noise than usual, you need to quickly address this by contacting a repair company as soon as possible.

#4—The Air Conditioner Is Blowing Out Warm Air

It’s one thing when your AC is masquerading as a fan. It’s quite another when it is actually blowing out warm air. Arizona is hot enough in the summer on its own! This could be caused by:

A dirty air filter that is no longer protecting your AC’s inner parts from dust and dirt
A thermostat on the wrong setting (heat vs. cool)
A condenser unit that might be experiencing a blockage due to debris, dirt, dust, and the like

If the first three possible causes are not the issue, it could be something more complex, like leaking air ducts or leaking refrigerant, which require the help of an HVAC contractor.

#5—Your Thermostat Isn’t Functioning Properly

Your thermostat is the brains of the operation when it comes to cooling and heating your home. If it’s on the fritz, your AC unit won’t know what to do. The following are signs of a faulty thermostat:

AC won’t turn on
AC runs constantly and doesn’t turn off
AC runs briefly and then turns off before reaching the set temperature
Room temperature doesn’t reflect the thermostat setting

Before calling in a pro, make sure the thermostat is on, is on the right setting (cool vs. heat), and that it is set to “auto.” Also, be sure it doesn’t need new batteries if it is electronic.

If this troubleshooting doesn’t fix the issue, the culprit could be something else, like dust accumulation or wiring issues, which would require the help of an HVAC expert.

#6—The AC Smells Bad When It Kicks On

You shouldn’t smell anything when your AC unit starts running, so this is a tell-tale sign that something is wrong.

Stinky sock smells could indicate sitting water due to a clogged or dirty AC unit, while burning smells often point to a shorted-out circuit board or fan motor. Exhaust fume smells can mean a fluid leak in the system. In any case, it’s time to call a trusted HVAC provider to diagnose and fix the issue.

#7 Your Electric Bill Skyrocketed

If you open the mail to find that your electric bill has recently doubled, and it doesn’t line up with how much you’ve been using your AC, it’s an indication that something has gone wrong with your air conditioner. Some causes could be:

A malfunctioning thermostat switch
Ductwork leaks
A unit near the end of its lifespan (around a decade)

Call your trusted Arizona HVAC company to take a look and help you determine the best path forward.

It’s very possible that you’ve experienced, or are currently experiencing, one of these common air conditioning problems that happen frequently in Arizona. If this is the case, don’t delay. Make sure to take a proactive step by contacting your local HVA service company to come and inspect and repair your system as quickly as possible. Doing so will ensure that you will save money on expensive, major AC repair in Phoenix Az, and have an AC system that will keep you cool all year.

When you are ready to take care of those annoying AC problems give Scottsdale Air Heating & Cooling a call at 480-359-7141 today!