Keep your cool and troubleshoot these common AC issues before calling a professional.

1. AC Not Blowing Cool Air

• Causes:
• Dirty evaporator or air filter
• Low refrigerant levels
• Extreme outside temperatures
• Solution:
• Lower the thermostat by 5°F and check if the air cools.
• Clean or replace the air filter.
• Call a pro to check refrigerant levels and possible leaks.

2. Weak or No Airflow

• Causes:
• Tripped circuit breaker
• Worn blower belt
• Low refrigerant levels
• Solution:
• Check and reset the circuit breaker.
• Call a pro to inspect belts and refrigerant levels.

3. AC Constantly Turning On and Off (Short-Cycling)

• Causes:
• Dirty air filter or condenser
• Oversized AC unit
• Solution:
• Clean the air filter and condenser unit.
• Have a professional evaluate if your AC is the right size for your home.

4. AC Runs Constantly

• Causes:
• Low thermostat setting
• Broken thermostat, compressor, or electrical parts
• Solution:
• Increase thermostat temperature to see if the unit shuts off.
• Call a pro if it continues to run.

5. AC Won’t Turn On

• Causes:
• Tripped circuit breaker
• Faulty wiring
• Solution:
• Check the fuse box for a tripped breaker.
• Call an electrician or HVAC pro for wiring issues.

6. AC Leaking Liquid

• Causes:
• Condensation (normal outside)
• Refrigerant leak (colored or inside leaks)
• Solution:
• Turn off the AC and call a professional immediately to address leaks.

7. Frozen Condenser Coils

• Causes:
• Running the AC continuously
• Dirty air filter
• Solution:
• Check for ice on coils.
• Replace the air filter and have a pro inspect for underlying issues.

8. Unpleasant Smells

• Causes:
• Electrical odors: Faulty wiring or motor
• Musty smells: Mold or mildew in the system
• Solution:
• Turn off the unit for electrical smells and call a pro.
• Replace air filters and clean the unit for musty odors.

9. Strange Noises

• Causes:
• Squealing: Belt issues
• Grinding: Motor problems
• Solution:
• Schedule professional maintenance to diagnose and fix the problem.

10. Thermostat Malfunction

• Causes:
• Dirty or unlevel thermostat
• Low battery power
• Solution:
• Replace batteries and clean the thermostat.
• Call a pro if issues persist.

Pro Maintenance Tips

• Clean regularly: Remove debris from the outdoor unit.
• Replace filters: Every 1-3 months, depending on usage.
• Inspect ducts: Clean them if they’re dirty or clogged.
• Annual check-ups: Have a professional perform yearly inspections and preventative maintenance.

By following these steps, you can often resolve AC issues yourself or know when to call in the experts!

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