Air Conditioning Problems: How does a Home Warranty Help

Most U.S. citizens own an air conditioner, especially those living in the southern region. Data says that almost 90% of U.S. homeowners need their air conditioners 24/7 during the summer. Not only residential infrastructure but also commercial infrastructure requires some kind of HVAC during the summer. Due to the unit’s ceaseless functioning, breakdowns and malfunctions are common, and people depend on their homeowner’s insurance or the manufacturer’s warranty to repair or replace the unit. And when they run out of both options, they can subscribe to one of the home warranty companies. But most of them don’t know how to get a home warranty to replace their air conditioner.

In this article, you will learn about the common problems with air conditioners, how to prevent them, and how to get your home warranty to replace the unit.

What are the Common Air Conditioning problems and how to fix them?

As mentioned in the beginning, air conditioners face breakdowns and malfunctions occasionally. There are many reasons for that other than continuous functioning. Following is a list of common problems seen in an air conditioning unit and effective ways to  prevent them:

1. Airflow problems

Problems related to airflow are common in AC units. Sometimes, they blow hot air, and sometimes, no air at all. Lack of airflow could be because of a torn blower belt, a low refrigerant level, blockage in vents, or leakage in the ducts. If your AC is blowing hot air, it could be a sign of the compressor overheating. It happens because of debris, dirty air flow, or obstructions in the ducts.

Solution 

You can solve these problems by following the below-given steps:
-For weak airflow

• Regular maintenance
• Repair or replace old or worn parts

-For hot airflow

• Regular maintenance
• Replace the air filter periodically
• Clean ducts at least once a year
• Add refrigerant when required

2. Malfunctioning of the thermostat

Short cycling of the AC and an inability to cool the room are signs of a faulty thermostat. This issue can occur because of dead batteries, dust or corrosion, incorrect calibration, placing the thermostat directly below sunlight, or a clogged air filter.

Solution 

To solve these problems, follow the below-given steps:

• For dead batteries, replacing them at fixed intervals is the only solution.
• For air filter clogging, remove the cover and other removable parts and clean the inside with a soft brush.
• For corrosion and dust, call a technician to inspect and do what’s necessary.
• Move the thermostat away from the sunlight and place it where people hang out more.
• For incorrect calibration, place a thermometer near the thermostat and compare the readings. If you get a different reading on the thermostat, recalibrate it.

3. Noise problem

AC units make various noises when they malfunction and there can be many reasons behind that, such as:

• Banging, rattling, or clicking noise comes from clogged capacitors, AC fans, motors, or compressors.
• Bubbling noise is from leakage of refrigerant and moisture buildup.
• The squealing noise is from the misaligned belt.
• Grinding noise is caused by issues with motor bearings.
• Buzzing noises from faulty electrical components.

Solution 

When you hear strange noises from the unit, never try to fix them yourself. Even though you may know where the sound is coming from or which part is broken, you must call a professional to fix the issue. The technician understands the core issues as they are knowledgeable and experienced in solving the underlying problems of the AC unit.

The technician will fix the belt, lubricate the bearings, patch the leakage, refill the refrigerant, etc. Scheduling periodic maintenance for your unit will ensure its smooth functioning throughout the summer.

4. Damaged compressor

The AC compressor may fail due to multiple reasons. Dirty condenser coils and a lack of lubrication are two major reasons for the failure. Dirt in the condenser coil makes the refrigerant level change drastically, making the compressor heat up or build pressure inside the unit. All of this will lead to the failure of the compressor.

Solution

If your compressor is malfunctioning and the cooling power is decreasing, call the repair technician to sort out the underlying issues. If they are beyond repair, replacement is the next best option.

5. Water leakage: indoor & outdoor

Indoor water leakage is a sign of a lack of regular maintenance. The reasons for the leakage could be the breaking or clogging of the condensate drain or pump (because of dirt, dust, or lint) or a low coolant level.

An outdoor leakage problem might be because of a broken condensate pan or dry air filter. Incorrect installation could also cause leakage in the AC compressor and bad indoor air quality.

Solution

In both cases, you need to call a professional. If clogging is the only problem, you can use a vacuum machine to unclog it and pour vinegar to kill the algae and fungi.

6. AC fan failure

The fan moves the indoor heat to the outside, and when it doesn’t work, the compressor overheats. This could cause major issues with the AC unit, making it non-repairable.

Solution 

Turn the power off and remove the casting to do a proper inspection. It could be a wiring problem or an issue with the fittings. If you cannot figure it out, call a repair technician.

7. Capacitor failure

Capacitors are responsible for kick-starting the motor. Your unit won’t even start without the capacitor. During the summer, when the AC works for longer periods, the capacitor burns due to overheating. Fluctuations in the power supply could also kill this component.

Solution 

You must never try to repair this component, as there is a risk of electrocution. Calling a certified technician is the only solution.

8. Refrigerant leakage

Refrigerant leaks are one of the most common issues in AC units, and are dangerous for people and the environment. The leakage often appears in the coolant lines. The degrading of connections and lines in the unit is one of the reasons for the leakage. Refrigerant leakage causes coil freezing, uneven cooling, low efficiency, and high energy consumption.

Solution 

If your refrigerant starts leaking, you need to call the technician. They will fix the leakage and refill the refrigerant. Charging the refrigerant to the level specified by the manufacturer will let the AC perform to its full potential.

9. Electric control failure

Just like using the AC unit 24×7 causes damage, switching the unit on and off frequently causes electric control failure. The motor, AC compressor, blower, and a few other components need to connect and function together for the AC to operate properly. If any one of them fails, the whole AC system shuts down.

Acid formation and corrosion on wires or terminals can also cause electric control failure.

Solution

If it’s a minor problem that requires reconnecting a few wires, you can do it yourself. However, if the problem is serious, calling your technician is the best choice.

How Long Do AC Units Last?

A typical AC unit lasts from 10 to 20 years. A window unit will last about 10 years, while a central AC unit can go on for more than 10. Portable units’ lifespans vary from 5 to 10 years, and the Ductless Mini-Split ranks at the top with an average lifespan of 20 years. With proper and regular maintenance, you can increase the lifespan of an air conditioner irrespective of their type..

How Much Does it Cost to Replace an AC Unit?

You can find various HVAC brands on the market. Hence, the replacement cost depends on the brand and type of AC you are buying. A low-end model will cost you around $2,000, and a high-end model from a top brand can cost you up to $15,000.

How does Home Warranty work for Air conditioners at home?

Homeowners subscribe to home warranty plans to safeguard their systems and appliances from damage and breakdown. The homeowners pay a small subscription amount every month or annually to the home warranty company and get coverage for the home appliances and systems listed in their plan.

At the time of the breakdown or malfunctioning of the AC, the homeowner can contact the warranty provider for the repair or replacement expenses. They have to pay the service fee to the technician, this amount differs depending on the plan and coverage.

What Types Of Air Conditioning Units Does A Home Warranty Cover?

The home warranty covers almost all types of air conditioners, such as:

• Geothermal systems
• Mini-splits
• Ducted central electrical split/package systems
• Water source air conditioners
• Wall air conditioners

Does A Home Warranty Company Replace The Air Conditioner?

Many homeowners are worried about “how to get a home warranty to replace their air conditioner.” And the answer is simple. If repairing it is not an option, American Home Shield, Choice Home Warranty, and many other warranty providers can replace your unit, subject to contract limitations and exclusions. Hence, if your AC unit is too old and may break down completely in the future, you must check the company you are subscribing to and its replacement policies.

Top 5 Home Warranty for Air Conditioning Units

Service Plus Home Warranty$41.66-$45.8330 days$75

$150 off on any plan

2 extra months free

NR

Company name	Premium / month	Activation Days	Service fee	Offers	BBB rating	View Plan CTA
Select Home Warranty	$35.75-$42.66	30 days	$60-$75	$150 off on any plan + 2 extra months free	B-	Get Quote
Choice Home Warranty	$46-$55	30 days	$60-$85	1st month free with any plan	C	Get Quote
American Home Shield	$24.99-$64.99	30 days	$75, $100, $125	$25 Amazon gift card on referring $25 Amazon gift card for your friend too	B	Get Quote

How We Picked The Home Warranties?

We picked the companies based on multiple factors. The main factors are the premium charges and the service offered. The companies we listed above offer coverage for more appliances and systems. We also considered their service fee, affordability, customer service, and current offers for new subscribers. The Better Business Bureau ranking and customizability of plans also played a role in the listing.

Conclusion

The malfunctioning or breakdown of AC units is inevitable, especially during the summer season. Having a home warranty always comes in handy, as you will have a technician at your beck and call (arranged by the warranty provider) and wouldn’t have to pay a high price for the repair and replacement of components. A regular checkup and yearly HVAC maintenance will be a great idea, and you will seldom face the usual air conditioner problems.

FAQs

How soon can I use the home warranty after purchase?

You can use a home warranty after 30 days of purchase. Why? Because you can buy a home warranty at any point in time, but the activation happens only after a certain period. Most warranty companies have a 30-day activation period because it will save them from misuse of their warranty service.

Will a home warranty cover my AC unit if it has a pre-existing condition?

No warranty provider will cover your AC’s pre-existing conditions. Some companies, like American Home Shield, do provide coverage for appliances with undetected pre-existing conditions. You can confirm such details with the warranty provider to which you plan to subscribe.

Which are the hottest states in the U.S. that need AC warranty coverage?

Some southern states have warmer climates, such as Texas, Florida, Arizona, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Mississippi. The highest temperature of all these states easily crosses 100°F (or 37.7°C). And because of the heat, you will keep your AC running most of the time, increasing the chances of failure or malfunctioning; hence, subscribing to an AC warranty provider will be a good idea.

Will American Home Shield replace my HVAC unit?

Yes, if American Home Shield cannot repair the covered issues, they will replace your HVAC unit, subject to contract limitations and exclusions.

Is an HVAC home warranty worth it?

Yes, the HVAC home warranty is of absolute importance if you use your HVAC system throughout the year or during the summer season. And if you are staying in one of the southern states, you will have to keep the HVAC system running all the time. More usage means more issues and breakdowns, and you will need to repair or replace components occasionally. Having a home warranty will help you fix those issues without breaking the bank.

How is home insurance different from home warranty?

Both are meant to protect your home. However, there are some differences in the things they cover and the conditions under which they operate. Home insurance covers property and structural damages caused by vandalism, burglary, or a natural disaster. Home warranties deal with appliances and system damage due to wear & tear and other internal issues.