Seven Most Common AC Problems and How to Fix Them

When your home’s air conditioner breaks down, you deserve to get the issue dealt with as soon as possible. Annoyingly, there could be hundreds of reasons why your AC unit isn’t functioning properly. How do you know which one is affecting you? There are a handful of problems that are more prevalent, and determining what they are is helpful when your Donelson Air Service Experts Expert is going over options for resolving the problem with air conditioning repair in North America. 

Here are the top six common air conditioner problems that can cause your air conditioning to stop working. 

1. Thermostat Problems 

Your thermostat tells your air conditioner when to start and for how long to run. If the thermostat settings are wrong, your air conditioning might not run like it should. And if the batteries died in a programmable thermostat, you’ll have to charge the batteries before you can use it. Try this quick checklist to make sure your thermostat is receiving power and functioning properly: 

  • Replace batteries if the screen is blank (programmable models) 
  • Make sure your thermostat has power (smart models) 
  • Confirm that it’s switched to cooling mode 
  • Ensure your set temperature is below the current room temperature 

2. Dirty Air Filter 

Dirty or inefficient air filters are notorious for turning a perfectly functional and effective air conditioner into a slow and inefficient one. In fact, dirty filters will sometimes cause multiple problems, like decreased airflow, lower indoor air quality and excessive power usage. They can also make the air conditioner work harder and stop working if the coil ices over. 

You can easily avoid AC problems by regularly cleaning or replacing your air filter. How do you know whether you should change the filters? If you can’t remember the last time you changed them, it’s almost surely time to. But for a standard rule of thumb, make sure you try to exchange flat filters each month and pleated filters every three months. 

3. Frozen Condenser Coils 

Your air conditioner’s coils are crucial components because they discharge heat from your home into the outdoor air. But even during the summer, ice can build up on the coils. Frozen coils won’t be able to manage the cooling process as precisely, and in some cases enough ice can block the AC from running outright. 

Freezing can be linked to multiple issues, such as: 

  • Dirty coils caused by ignoring annual maintenance 
  • Dirty air filters, which restrict airflow 
  • Clogged drain line, which can result in moisture buildup 
  • Refrigerant leaks, which reduce cooling power 

If your air conditioner has frozen, turn it off and let the ice melt. This could take up to 24 hours, but you can accelerate the process by switching settings to “fan only.” This will blow warm air over the coils without starting a refrigeration cycle. 

It’s recommended to inspect the air filter first. If you can’t see light through it, change it out. The other challenges, such as dirty coils, a clogged drain line or refrigerant leaks, will require professional assistance. 

4. Refrigerant Leak 

Your cooling employs refrigerant to convert heat. When it doesn’t have enough refrigerant, you could notice you’re getting a lot of hot air. Here are some signs you’re dealing with a leak: 

  • Inadequate cold air 
  • Home feels humid 
  • Extended cooling cycles 
  • Ice forming on the evaporator coils 
  • Dripping or hissing air conditioner sounds 
  • Sweet smell nearby the air conditioner 

If your air conditioning system was installed prior to 2011, it most likely uses Freon® or R-22. This refrigerant is no longer being manufactured due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer. Only recycled portions of Freon are accessible, which makes refrigerant leaks more costly to repair. 

If your R-22 AC unit is struggling with a refrigerant leak, we recommend air conditioning installation due to age and the refrigerant being obsolete. Modern air conditioners utilize Puron or R-410A, which is superior for the environment. 

We realize that replacing your air conditioner can be an emergency that you aren’t equipped for. Ask us about our Advantage Program™, which gives you a new air conditioner for just one affordable monthly fee. Repairs and maintenance are included, and you’ll get to keep any useful manufacturer’s rebates. 

5. Water Leak 

Your air conditioning uses a condensate drain line to flush water it eliminates from the air. If you’ve overlooked air conditioning maintenance, this drain can become plugged up with mold and cause water to back up. If this happens, you’ll notice water leaking. 

Switch off your air conditioner to minimize damage and call us at 866-397-3787 for assistance. 

6. Tripped Circuit Breaker 

There can be a number of reasons why your air conditioning system is repeatedly tripping its circuit breaker. Here are some of the most prevalent ones: 

  • Dirty air filter is significantly constraining airflow. 
  • Your air conditioning system overheated caused by insufficient refrigerant. 
  • Condenser coils are dirty and reducing airflow. 
  • Condenser fan motor has malfunctioned and coils are overheating. 
  • Electrical connections are worn or loose. 
  • Blower motor is malfunctioning. 
  • Compressor is drawing excess power or wiring is malfunctioning. 
  • Capacitor in charge of starting the compressor has gone out. 

Like we discussed earlier, check your air filter first, as that is most likely to be the culprit. Any other problems will need to be taken care of by an HVAC pro like Donelson Air Service Experts. 

7. Short Cycling 

A faulty cooling cycle can also be part of the problem. Short cycling is an annoying issue when the system shuts down before the desired temperature has covered the rest of the house. If you think your AC unit is short cycling, watch how long the air is active before it turns off. Your ordinary air conditioner usually runs for 15 to 20 minutes and stays off for close to a similar period of time. But when it’s short cycling, your air conditioning is turning on and off in quick bursts. 

This adds heavy strain on moving parts and key components such as the blower motor. Short cycling or any form of irregular cooling cycles are routinely a consequence of overheating. The internal chamber gets too hot and then safety components turn the AC off. This happens again and again, particularly if the root cause of the overheating isn’t resolved. 

Trust the Experts for Your Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance Needs 

The best way for you to prevent air conditioning problems is to participate in a preventive maintenance plan. At Donelson Air Service Experts, we promote several HVAC memberships to accommodate your needs and budget. Bad wiring, low refrigerant and dirty coils can be found and fixed with routine maintenance. 

Occasionally repairs are inescapable, but as a maintenance member, you’ll receive special discounts on service, 24/7/365 priority service, no trip or overtime charges and more. Ready to join a membership program or to request your repair appointment? Call us at 615-953-9885 today! 

Savings For You

See All Offers Here >
Offer

10% OFF FOR ACTIVE DUTY OR VETERANS

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

10% OFF Any Product or Service*
For all Active-Duty, Retired, and Veteran Military Personnel 

  • It’s our way of thanking you for your courage, dedication, and sacrifice to protect our freedom
  • All worked performed by licensed experts, and backed by a written, 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Service Experts is proud to be affiliated with Military Makeover and Hiring Our Heroes

print
Offer

THREE LIMITED-TIME WAYS TO SAVE WITH AN ADVANTAGE PROGRAM BUNDLE

  • Bundle two HVAC systems through the Advantage Program and save $20 a month!
  • Bundle an HVAC and a Water Heater or Water Treatment System through the Advantage Program and save $15 a month!
  • Bundle a Water Heater a Water Treatment System or Indoor Air Quality through the Advantage Program and save $10 a month!

print

© 2025 Service Experts, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and the Service Experts logo and design are registered trademarks of Service Experts LLC and used under license by SE Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved. *Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.

Chat with a Service Experts Professional