Air conditioners in Ocala work overtime in our hot climate, so it’s no surprise that they occasionally encounter issues. As the AC repair experts in Ocala, FL, Vetcon HVAC & Plumbing Services has seen and fixed it all. In this article, we’ll cover five common air conditioning problems that local homeowners face – and explain how our team typically resolves them. If your AC isn’t performing as it should, one of these issues might be the culprit.
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1. AC Blows Warm Air
The Problem: You set your thermostat to cool, but instead of refreshing cold air, you feel lukewarm or even hot air coming from the vents.
Likely Causes: This often means a refrigerant issue. The system could be low on refrigerant due to a leak, which reduces its cooling ability. It might also be a compressor problem (since the compressor circulates the refrigerant). In some cases, an electrical fault or incorrect thermostat setting can make it seem like the AC isn’t cooling.
Our Fix: First, we check refrigerant levels and pressure. If there’s a leak, we’ll repair it and recharge the system with the proper refrigerant amount. We also ensure the compressor is running properly; if not, we test and replace any failed electrical components (like capacitors or contactors). We verify the thermostat is working and set correctly. Once these issues are addressed, your AC will blow cold air again.
2. Weak or Insufficient Airflow
The Problem: The AC is on, but the airflow from your vents is very weak. Some rooms might barely receive any cool air.
Likely Causes: A clogged air filter is a top cause – a dirty filter can drastically reduce airflow. Other culprits include problems with the blower fan (if the motor is failing or the fan is dirty) or leaky ductwork that lets cool air escape before reaching the vents. In some homes, closed or blocked vents and dampers can also restrict airflow to certain areas.
Our Fix: We start by checking the air filter and replacing it if it’s dirty. Next, we inspect the blower in your indoor unit: cleaning the blower wheel and ensuring the motor and its capacitor are functioning. If the blower motor is faulty, we replace it. We also examine accessible ductwork for obvious leaks or disconnections and can seal them to improve airflow. After our service, you’ll feel stronger, more even cooling in every room.
3. AC Frequently Turns On and Off (Short Cycling)
The Problem: The air conditioner cycles on, runs only a short time, then shuts off – only to restart again after a brief period. The house doesn’t reach the desired temperature due to these brief cycles.
Likely Causes: Short cycling can be caused by an overheating or stressed system. Common reasons include a dirty evaporator coil or air filter (leading to overheating), low refrigerant, or a malfunctioning thermostat or sensor that misreads temperatures. In some cases, the AC unit might be oversized for the home, but if this behavior is new, it’s usually a component issue rather than system size.
Our Fix: We’ll clean or replace dirty filters and check the evaporator coil; if it’s grimy or iced over, we’ll clean it and address the cause of icing (often low refrigerant or poor airflow). We test the thermostat and any temperature sensors, recalibrating or replacing them if needed. We also verify that safety controls (like overload protectors) are working properly. Once we correct the underlying issue, the AC will run in proper, longer cycles that effectively cool your home.
4. Unusual Noises from the AC
The Problem: Your AC unit is making strange noises – perhaps banging, grinding, squealing, or buzzing – that you haven’t heard before.
Likely Causes: Different noises point to specific issues. A banging or clanking sound may indicate a loose or broken part (like a fan blade or a component in the blower or compressor). Grinding or squealing can signal a motor bearing issue or, in older units, a worn belt. Buzzing or humming might be related to electrical problems or a failing compressor. Essentially, any new, loud noise means something in the AC isn’t operating smoothly.
Our Fix: We’ll listen to the noise and then carefully inspect the AC’s components. If it’s a banging noise, we look for loose parts – for example, a loose fan blade in either the indoor blower or outdoor condenser can be tightened or replaced if bent. For squeals, if your system has a blower belt, we may adjust or replace it. We also check motor bearings; sometimes adding lubricant can quiet a squeak, but often a worn motor might need replacement to fully resolve the noise. For any electrical-related sounds (buzzing at the outdoor unit, etc.), we test the capacitors, contactors, and compressor health. We won’t consider the job done until your AC is operating quietly and smoothly again.
5. Water Leaking from the Indoor Unit
The Problem: You notice water pooling around your indoor AC unit or dripping from the unit (often located in a closet or attic). This can lead to water damage on floors, ceilings, or walls if not addressed.
Likely Causes: The usual suspect is a clogged condensate drain line. Your AC not only cools the air but also removes moisture, which collects as water and drains out via a pipe. If that drain is clogged (often by algae or debris), water backs up and overflows the drain pan. A dirty evaporator coil can also cause excess dripping, and in rare cases a condensate pump (if your system uses one) might fail.
Our Fix: We’ll clear the condensate drain line by flushing out the blockage and ensure the drain pan is positioned correctly. We inspect the evaporator coil; if it’s dirty, cleaning it will help water flow properly and prevent freeze-ups. If your system uses a condensate pump (common when the AC is in a basement or far from an external wall), we test the pump and repair or replace it if it’s not working. These steps stop the leakage, so water goes safely down the drain instead of onto your floor.
Keep Your Cool with Vetcon’s Help
These five issues are among the most frequent AC problems we tackle for our Ocala customers, but rest assured, Vetcon HVAC & Plumbing Services can handle any air conditioning trouble you’re experiencing. From weird noises to lack of cooling, our skilled technicians have the knowledge and tools to get your AC back on track. We always start with a thorough diagnosis and communicate clearly about the needed repairs, so you’re never caught off guard.
If your AC is acting up in any way, don’t hesitate to reach out. Addressing these common problems early can prevent bigger breakdowns and keep your cooling costs down.
Need AC Help? Contact Vetcon Today
When it comes to AC repair in Ocala, FL, we are the trusted professionals you can count on. If you’re facing any of the problems above (or something else with your cooling system), call Vetcon HVAC & Plumbing Services at (352) 254-5022. We’ll schedule a prompt service visit to diagnose and fix the issue. You can also visit us at 710 NE 30th Ave, Ocala, FL 34470 to speak with our team about your air conditioning concerns. For easy directions to our office, see the map below. Let us fix your AC problems so you can enjoy a cool, worry-free home again:
