DIY AC Troubleshooting Guide for Houston Homeowners

Living through a hot and humid Houston summer without air conditioning can be downright miserable. As a Houston homeowner, having a reliable AC unit that provides cool, comfortable indoor air is essential. But when your AC suddenly stops working on a sweltering summer day, it can cause panic faster than the temperature rising on the thermometer. Before calling in the pros, there are a few do-it-yourself troubleshooting steps you can take to pinpoint and often fix the problem yourself. With this DIY AC troubleshooting guide, Houston homeowners can save money on service calls for minor issues and know when it’s time to call in the experts.

Why Your Houston AC Unit Might Stop Cooling

There are several common reasons why your Houston AC system may stop blowing cold air and providing relief from the heat and humidity. Here are some of the most likely culprits:

• Dirty air filter – If your filter is clogged with dust, pet hair and other debris, not enough air can pass through it to be cooled. This is one of the easiest fixes.
• Refrigerant leak – The refrigerant is the chemical that allows the AC system to produce cold air. If there is a leak due to a crack or gap in the coils, there won’t be enough refrigerant flowing to cool your home.
• Broken fan – The fan in your outdoor AC condenser unit needs to spin to blow the refrigerant through the system. If it breaks, the cooling process stops.
• Frozen evaporator coils – Sometimes ice can build up on the coils when there is low refrigerant flow. The ice prevents air from passing over the coils to be cooled.
• Faulty thermostat – Problems with the thermostat that controls your AC system can prevent the unit from turning on and maintaining the right temperature.
• Blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker – Like any major appliance, an issue with the electrical supply to your AC can cause it to shut down.
• Compressor failure – The compressor is the heart of the AC system. If it stops working due to age, wear and tear or an electrical issue, your system won’t run.

Pinpointing the exact problem is the first step toward getting your cooling system back up and running. Here is how Houston homeowners can troubleshoot some common AC issues.

DIY Troubleshooting for Window and Wall AC Units

Window air conditioners and through-the-wall AC units are simple, self-contained products that are easy to install and service yourself. Here’s how to troubleshoot two common problems:

AC not blowing cold air

• Check the temperature setting – Make sure your desired temperature is lower than the current room temperature.
• Check the air filter – Dirty filters reduce airflow. Clean or replace it if dirty.
• Make sure the coils are not blocked or covered by curtains or furniture.
• Check for ice buildup on the coils indicating low refrigerant levels. Unplug and allow ice to melt.

AC blowing air but not cold

• Clean the reusable filter or replace disposable filters.
• Make sure there is at least 6″ of clearance on all sides for proper airflow.
• Ensure the outdoor part of the AC is not obstructed.
• Call a technician to inspect refrigerant levels and recharge if low.

Troubleshooting Split System Central ACs

Split system central air conditioners have an outdoor condenser and evaporator coils paired with an indoor air handler or furnace. Here are some common problems and solutions:

AC not turning on

First, check your electrical panel for a flipped breaker or blown fuse for the AC and reset or replace them. If that does not work:

• Adjust the thermostat setting to 5 degrees below room temp.
• Check thermostat batteries are fresh and inserted correctly.
• Inspect the contact between thermostat wires and connections to ensure a tight fit.
• Test voltage to the AC unit with a multimeter. No voltage indicates a failed transformer.

AC blows warm air

• Dirty air filter – Replace or clean the filter according to manufacturer guidelines.
• Frozen evaporator coils – Turn off AC and allow ice to melt. Causes include low refrigerant and improper airflow.
• Broken fan motor – The fan won’t spin to blow air across coils. Test with multimeter and replace motor if faulty.
• Refrigerant leak – Have an HVAC technician inspect for leaks and recharge refrigerant if low.

AC short cycling

If your AC keeps turning off after only a few minutes, it is short cycling and not running long enough to cool your home. Potential causes include:

• Dirty air filter limiting proper airflow
• Blocked condenser coil due to dirt or debris
• Refrigerant overcharge – Too much refrigerant can cause pressure issues.
• Thermostat malfunction
• Incorrect thermostat settings
• Low refrigerant levels

Water leaking from AC

• Clear debris from condensate drain line so water can exit properly.
• Check drain pan for cracks and overflow. Condensate should flow out the exterior drain line.
• If water leaks anywhere inside when AC is running, call for service to inspect for clogged drains or cracked evaporator coils.

Noisy AC operation

• Dirty or deteriorating fan blades – clean debris or replace fan if blades are damaged.
• Worn motor bearings – Have bearings lubricated or replace fan motor.
• Debris in outdoor condenser – remove sticks, leaves, grass clippings.
• Low refrigerant causes gurgling/bubbling sounds. Have refrigerant level inspected.

When to Call a Professional Houston AC Repair Technician

While many minor AC problems can be resolved with regular maintenance and DIY troubleshooting, there are some issues that require professional expertise:

• Refrigerant leaks – Only certified HVAC technicians have the tools and skills to detect and repair refrigerant leaks. Operating the AC with low refrigerant can damage the compressor.
• Electrical problems – Faulty capacitors, relays, contactors, and fuses should be diagnosed and replaced by a licensed technician. Improper electrical work can lead to dangerous shocks or fires.
• Compressor failure – Diagnosing issues with the AC compressor using specialized tools is best left to the professionals. Replacement or repair of compressors requires proper handling of refrigerant.
• Major clogs in condensate drain line – Severe blockages in the drain line may require chemical treatment or replacement of parts to fully clear.
• Multiple failed parts – If you’ve replaced the filter, cleaned the coils, and confirmed proper airflow and refrigerant charge but the AC still fails to cool, there is likely an underlying issue that requires expertise to identify and repair.

As a Houston homeowner without formal HVAC training, knowing when to call in a pro can save you time, money, and ongoing headaches. Have your AC inspected annually before the cooling season begins to identify and address minor issues before they become major repairs.

Professional AC companies like Turbo Home Services have the skills, experience, diagnostic tools, and inventory of replacement parts to get your system running cool again quickly and correctly. Their technicians are local experts in providing AC service and installation that is tailored for Houston’s climate.

Preventative Maintenance Tips for Houston Homeowners

While even well-maintained ACs can break down, completing simple maintenance steps can minimize problems, extend the life of your system, and keep your home comfortable during the brutal Houston summer heat.

• Change filters regularly – Clogged, dirty filters are one of the most common causes of AC failure. Change disposable filters at least every 30-60 days. Clean permanent filters monthly.
• Clear debris – Keep plants, mulch, grass, leaves and other debris at least 2 feet away from the outdoor condenser unit. Clogged airflow leads to failure.
• Check drainage – Clear mucus, algae and debris from condensate drain lines to prevent clogs and back ups.
• Seal ductwork – Repair and seal leaky ducts so cooled air gets delivered to your home instead of escaping into the attic or walls.
• Tune-ups – Just like changing the oil in your car, having an annual AC tune-up by a licensed technician can improve efficiency and prevent breakdowns.
• Set thermostat wisely – Don’t drastically turn down the temperature when trying to cool a hot house. Keep it set at one comfortable temperature.
• Use a ceiling fan – Circulating air allows you to set the thermostat higher and reduces running time.
• Upgrade older units – If your AC is over 10 years old, replacing it with an energy efficient model can save on costly repairs and electricity usage.

With proper maintenance and some DIY troubleshooting, Houston homeowners can keep their air conditioning systems running smoothly all summer long. But when your efforts fail to resolve the issues, rely on the expertise of local professionals like Turbo Home Services. Their skilled technicians have the training, experience, and diagnostic tools to precisely identify AC problems and make the necessary repairs.

Turbo Home Services has been providing quality heating and cooling installation, maintenance and repair in Houston since 2011. Call them at (281) 626-5938 or visit https://turbohomeservices.com/contact-us/ to schedule AC service and finally get cool relief from Houston’s sweltering summer heat.