AC Troubleshooting Tips for When It’s on the Fritz
On February 25, 2026 By newsroom Topic: Home Services
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!
