3 Common AC Problems In The Spring

3 Common AC Problems to Watch Out For

Before the summer heat arrives, it’s important to make sure your air conditioner is ready to perform. If you haven’t turned it on yet this season, you’ll likely be doing so soon. Ideally, you should have a licensed HVAC technician perform a maintenance check before starting up your system. Turning on your AC before maintenance increases the risk of running into preventable issues.

1. Short-Cycling

Pay attention to how often your air conditioner turns on and how long it runs each time. When everything is working correctly, your AC should cycle a few times per hour and run for several minutes at a time—just long enough to reach your desired temperature.

If your system turns on and off every couple of minutes (or even seconds), it may be experiencing short-cycling. This issue is often overlooked by homeowners, but it can lead to more serious damage if not addressed.

There are a few common causes of short-cycling. One of the simplest is a clogged air filter—a frequent problem for households with pets or those who forget to change filters regularly. If your filter looks clean, inspect beneath the AC unit for signs of a refrigerant leak. Pink or green fluid under the system may indicate a leak, and in that case, professional service is required right away.

2. Ice Buildup

Take a quick visual check of your outdoor AC unit from time to time. If you notice it starting to ice over—even if it’s still blowing cool air—turn it off immediately. Ice buildup can damage the coils and may lead to refrigerant leaks or compressor failure.

Ironically, refrigerant leaks can both cause and result from ice buildup. When refrigerant levels drop too low, the remaining refrigerant expands excessively and gets too cold, causing condensation to freeze on the unit. Ice buildup may also be caused by restricted airflow. Make sure your vents are open, and ask your HVAC technician to inspect the ductwork for obstructions.

3. Unpleasant Odors

If you notice musty or foul smells in your home when the air conditioner first kicks on, your AC system may be the source. Several common causes include:

• A dirty or moldy air filter
• Mold growth in the ductwork (often due to excess humidity or past plumbing leaks)
• Animal activity (such as droppings or a deceased critter in the vents)

Start by changing your air filter and checking inside the accessible vents for signs of animals or debris. If the smell persists and you can’t identify the source, have a licensed HVAC technician conduct a deeper inspection of your ducts and system.

Get Ahead of AC Issues This Spring

The best way to avoid these problems is to schedule professional air conditioner maintenance before turning your system on for the season. An experienced HVAC technician can detect issues like blocked ducts, refrigerant leaks, and dirty components before they lead to performance problems, ice buildup, or odors.

If you’re in the Tomball, TX area—including Spring, The Woodlands, Cypress, Magnolia, and Northwest Houston—contact Reid’s AC & Heat to schedule an air conditioner service call, and stay ahead of the heat.