Having an air conditioner is necessary to be comfortable in the summer, but it can break down over time. There’s usually a simple reason why your AC isn’t cooling right, making weird noises, or won’t turn on. You can fix a lot of problems yourself, which will save you time and money.
In this article, we’ll talk about the 10 most common air conditioner problems and give you simple ways to fix them. We’ll help you figure out what’s wrong with your unit, whether it’s leaking water, blowing warm air, or running all the time.
1. AC Won’t Turn On
Having an air conditioner that won’t turn on is one of the worst things that can happen. The power could be out, a breaker could have tripped, or the thermostat could be broken.
Reasons Likely to Be:
- The circuit breaker tripped, or the fuse blew
- The thermostat is not set correctly.
- Power loss or wiring that isn’t connected
To begin, make sure the thermostat is set to “cool” and the temperature is low enough. If the settings are right, check your circuit breaker panel and reset any breakers that have been tripped. If the problem keeps happening, it might be with the wiring or internal parts, and you might need to get professional help.
2. Poor airflow
If your AC is on but the airflow feels weak, it could be because the filter is clogged, the vents are blocked, or the fan motor is broken.
Reasons Likely to Be:
- A dirty air filter that stops airflow
- Air vents that are blocked or closed
- The blower fan is not working
First, clean or replace the air filter. This should be done every one to three months. Next, make sure that all of the vents are open and not blocked. If the airflow is still not strong, the blower motor might need to be fixed.
3. AC Putting Out Warm Air
If your AC blows warm air, it’s not doing its job. Usually, this problem is brought on by issues with the coolant, a broken thermostat, or dirty coils.
Reasons Likely to Be:
- Low refrigerant levels (indicating a leak)
- Dirty condenser coils reduce efficiency
- Incorrect thermostat settings
First, verify that the thermostat is set to “cool” and not “fan” or “heat.” If the settings are correct, check the outdoor unit for dirt and clean the condenser coils. If the AC still blows warm air, you may have a refrigerant leak, which requires a professional technician.
4. AC Leaking Water
Water pooling around your AC can lead to damage and mold growth. The most common cause is a clogged condensate drain line.
Reasons Likely to Be:
- Clogged drain line
- Frozen evaporator coils thawing
- Improper unit leveling
To fix this, locate the drain line (usually a PVC pipe near the indoor unit) and clear any blockages using a wet/dry vacuum or a pipe cleaner. If the coils are frozen, turn off the AC and let them thaw completely before restarting.
5. AC Freezing Up
Ice buildup on the evaporator coils can prevent your AC from cooling properly.
Reasons Likely to Be:
- Low refrigerant levels
- Poor airflow due to a dirty filter
- Faulty blower motor
Turn off the AC and let the ice melt completely. Replace the air filter and ensure the vents are open. If freezing happens again, you may need a refrigerant recharge or motor repair.
6. AC Making Strange Noises
Unusual sounds like grinding, squealing, or banging indicate mechanical problems.
Reasons Likely to Be:
- Loose or broken fan blades
- Debris in the outdoor unit
- Failing motor or compressor
Turn off the AC and check the outdoor unit for debris. Tighten any loose parts, but if the noises continue, a professional should check the motor or compressor.
7. AC Short Cycling
If your AC turns on and off frequently, it’s called a short cycle, which strains the system.
Reasons Likely to Be:
- Dirty air filter
- Oversized AC unit
- Refrigerant leak
Clean or change the filter first. If the problem continues, the unit may be too big for your space or have a refrigerant issue, requiring expert diagnosis.
8. AC Smells Bad
Musty, burning, or foul smells from your AC can indicate mold, electrical issues, or pests.
Reasons Likely to Be:
- Mold in the ducts or evaporator coils
- Burnt wires
- Dead animals or trash in the unit
Clean the coils and change the filter. If the smell continues, have ducts cleaned or inspected for electrical problems.
9. Thermostat Not Working
If your AC isn’t responding to thermostat settings, the problem may be with the thermostat itself.
Reasons Likely to Be:
- Lack of power
- Not right setting
- Fixes for wiring
Make sure the thermostat is set properly, and replace the batteries. If the problems keep happening, you might want to replace or re-calibrate the thermostat.
10. Huge bills for energy
You might be using more energy than you should if your energy bills go up all of a sudden.
Reasons Likely to Be:
- Not clean coils or filters
- Aged and ineffective unit
- ducts that leak
Cleaning filters and sealing ducts are two examples of regular care that can make something work better. If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, you might save money in the long run by getting a new one.
Last Thoughts
Many common Air Conditioner issues can be fixed by following some easy steps. Most problems can be avoided by doing regular maintenance, such as changing the filters, cleaning the coils, and checking the amounts of refrigerant. If the problems don’t go away, though, don’t wait to call a professional HVAC expert to stop more damage.
