AC not working? When the summer heat in Oregon starts to rise, a malfunctioning air conditioner can quickly make your home unbearable.

If your AC isn’t working, don’t panic! Many common air conditioning problems can be fixed without needing professional help.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most frequent issues and provide simple troubleshooting steps to get your AC back up and running.

Common Air Conditioning Problems in Oregon and How to Fix Them

 

1. AC Won’t Turn On

If your AC unit isn’t powering on, the issue might be as simple as a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. Here’s what to do:

• Check the thermostat: Ensure it’s set to “cool” and the temperature is lower than the current room temperature.
• Inspect the circuit breaker: Look for tripped breakers and reset them if necessary.
• Replace thermostat batteries: If you have a battery-powered thermostat, try replacing the batteries.

2. AC has Low or No Airflow

No or little air blowing out from the vents and AC even when it’s on? Check for these:

• Replace Dirty Air Filters: A clogged air filter can restrict airflow and cause the AC to freeze up.
• Check for Blocked Vents: Leaks or duct blockages can clog airflow. Seal any leaks and remove blockages to restore proper airflow. In Oregon, it’s recommended to clean your ducts and vents every 3-5 years. Check if you need a cleaning today.
• Clean the Evaporator Coils: Dirty coils can reduce airflow efficiency. Turn off the unit and carefully clean the coils with a soft brush or a vacuum.

If none of these applies to you, you might need a professional repair or replacement to address:

• Broken Blower Motor: If the blower motor isn’t functioning, it may need professional repair or replacement.
• Low Refrigerant Levels: Low refrigerant levels can reduce cooling efficiency and airflow. If you suspect this, don’t do it yourself — call a professional to inspect and recharge the refrigerant when necessary.

Quick Tip: The evaporator coil is located inside the indoor unit and absorbs heat, while the condenser coil, part of the outdoor unit, releases heat. Both need regular maintenance to ensure efficiency.

3. AC Running Constantly

If your air conditioner won’t stop running, it can lead to higher energy bills. Here’s what to do:

• Check the Thermostat Settings: Ensure the temperature isn’t set too low.
• Inspect the Fan: A faulty fan motor might be causing the unit to run continuously.
• Examine the Ductwork: Leaks in the ductwork can cause the AC to work harder to maintain the desired temperature.

Advantage’s Energy Savings Tip

1. Don’t wait until it’s too hot to turn your AC on.
2. Adjust the temperature 2-3 degrees at a time.
3. Make sure to set it and forget it.

If you try to have your AC lower your temperature by more than 5 degrees, it’ll have to use a lot of energy to cool everything, including all your furniture that absorbs heat in the house, to the set temperature.

4. Water Leaking from AC

Water pooling around your AC unit can be caused by:

• A Clogged Drain Line: A common culprit. Clear the drain line using a wet/dry vacuum or a plumber’s snake.
• Dirty Air Filter: A clogged filter can cause the evaporator coil to freeze and eventually lead to water leakage. Replace the filter regularly.
• Low Refrigerant Levels: This can also cause the coil to freeze. Call a professional to check and recharge the refrigerant.

5. Strange Noises Coming from AC

Unusual noises can indicate underlying problems:

• Buzzing: Could be caused by loose parts, debris, or electrical issues.
• Clicking: Might indicate a failing capacitor or relay.
• Rattling: Could be caused by loose screws or components. Tighten any loose parts after turning off the unit.
• Squealing: May indicate a problem with the fan motor or blower motor belt.

When to Call a Professional to Fix Your AC that’s Not Working

Diagnosing and DIY troubleshooting can be overwhelming. There are also issues that require professional expertise:

• Refrigerant Leaks: Handling refrigerants requires special training and certification.
• Electrical Issues: If you suspect electrical problems, call an HVAC expert to avoid potential safety hazards.
• Major Repairs: Problems with the compressor, condenser, or evaporator coil should be addressed by a professional.

Need professional help? Get a reliable, same-day repair by NATE & EPA-certified HVAC technicians. Advantage provides everything you need to know about your system in one visit.

Let us restore your safety, comfort, and peace of mind with a full system check including refrigerant, electrical components, thermostat, and filters, as well as peak performance and safety testing.

Schedule your repair service today or call (503) 393-5315.

AC Not Working: Tips for Oregon Homeowners

You can prevent your AC from not working with simple maintenance once a year. Think of it as changing the oil in your car every year. Not only can you keep your AC strong for a long time, but you can also protect your warranty, as most manufacturers require regular maintenance.

Here’s what you should check:

• Replace air filters: Once before each season is usually enough in Oregon. For AC, just change the filter before you turn it on in the summer.
• Professional inspection & tune-ups: Have a professional inspect and service your AC before the summer season.
• Inspect the thermostat: Test it periodically to ensure it’s functioning correctly.

Enjoy year-round comfort, safety, and peace of mind for just $18/mo. Join our VIP maintenance plan, where Advantage takes care of everything — so you never have to worry about missing seasonal maintenance again.

With your plan, you’ll enjoy:

1. Annual full-system tune-ups ($338 value)
   • 22-point inspection, safety check, and a free filter change (for standard filters)
   • Automatic scheduling reminders, so you never miss maintenance
   • Protect your warranty — most manufacturers require regular maintenance
2. Exclusive member-only pricing
   • $50 discount on every diagnostic visit
   • 20% off parts and labor for repairs
   • Special prices on duct cleaning and indoor air quality products
3. Priority scheduling & more!
   • Sign up today and start saving on every visit — discounts begin immediately! Just let us know during your call that you’re interested in joining the VIP Maintenance Plan!