Common Air Conditioning Problems and Solutions
There’s nothing like a warm summer day to remind you just how much you rely on your air conditioner. When it’s working, you barely think about it. But the moment something feels off—too warm, too humid, too noisy—you notice it right away.
Most homeowners have a love-hate relationship with their AC. You love it when it’s running smoothly… and the moment it doesn’t? It’s confusing, inconvenient, and often uncomfortable.
So let’s break down some of the most common air conditioning problems we see at Thornton Plumbing and Heating, along with a few signs, possible causes, and when it’s okay to troubleshoot on your own—or not.
The Airflow Feels Weak
You hear the AC running, but the air coming out of your vents is barely there. Maybe it used to blast cool air and now it just… trickles.
This is usually a sign of restricted airflow. Could be a clogged air filter. Could be an issue with your blower motor or ductwork. Sometimes it’s as simple as dust buildup. Other times, it’s a deeper mechanical issue.
Try this first: Check and replace the air filter. If that doesn’t make a difference, the system might be overdue for a cleaning—or a more serious inspection.
It’s Blowing Warm Air
Warm air from the AC? That’s never a good sign—especially when you’re trying to escape the heat.
There are a few reasons this could happen:
- The thermostat is set to “heat” by mistake (yes, it happens)
- Low refrigerant levels
- A dirty condenser coil
- A malfunctioning compressor
You can start by double-checking your thermostat settings and replacing your air filter if it’s clogged. But beyond that, you’ll probably need a licensed technician to check refrigerant levels and inspect the unit.
The Unit Keeps Turning On and Off (Short Cycling)
If your air conditioner keeps kicking on and off every few minutes, that’s called short cycling. It’s not just annoying—it’s inefficient and hard on the system.
Possible causes include:
- Oversized system (it cools too fast, then shuts down)
- Thermostat problems
- Electrical issues
- Dirty or frozen evaporator coils
Short cycling puts a ton of stress on the components and can shorten the lifespan of your AC. If you notice it happening often, don’t ignore it. Even if the house feels cool, something behind the scenes isn’t working right.
It’s Making Weird Noises
Air conditioners make some noise—it’s part of the deal. But if you start hearing banging, grinding, hissing, or buzzing, that’s something else.
Common noise issues:
- Banging could mean a loose part
- Hissing might point to a refrigerant leak
- Buzzing could be an electrical issue
- Squealing may come from a worn belt or bearing
You don’t need to know exactly what each sound means, but trust your instincts. If it sounds different than usual, it probably is. And it’s worth having a professional listen to it before the problem gets worse.
The AC Won’t Turn On at All
When your system doesn’t turn on at all—no fan, no compressor, no nothing—it’s a little alarming. But don’t panic yet.
Start with the basics:
- Is the thermostat working and set to cool?
- Is there power to the unit?
- Did the circuit breaker trip?
If those boxes are checked and it’s still not responding, you could be dealing with a failed capacitor, thermostat issue, or deeper electrical fault. That’s the point where you should stop poking around and bring someone in.
It’s Running Constantly
Maybe your AC does turn on… but never shuts off. It just runs and runs. That’s usually a sign that it’s struggling to reach the temperature you’ve set—or something’s off with the thermostat communication.
Could be a dirty air filter again (notice a theme?), an issue with the condenser, or a system that’s too small for your home.
Either way, an AC that never shuts off is going to wear down faster and run up your energy bill in the process.
The House Still Feels Humid
Your air conditioner is supposed to remove moisture from the air, not just cool it. So if your home still feels sticky even when the temperature is okay, the system may not be dehumidifying properly.
That can happen if the AC is short cycling, oversized, or has a refrigerant imbalance. You might also just be asking too much of it on those high-humidity days.
In some cases, a dedicated dehumidifier can help. But you’ll want to make sure your AC isn’t falling short first.
When to DIY vs. When to Call Thornton
There are a few things you can absolutely do on your own:
- Replace your air filter (every 1–3 months)
- Make sure vents are open and unblocked
- Check your thermostat settings
- Flip the breaker and reset the system
But for anything involving electrical components, refrigerant, or internal mechanical issues—it’s best to call a pro.
Air conditioning systems are more complex than they look, and guessing your way through a repair can cost more in the long run.
A Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way
A lot of these issues? They’re preventable. Or at least catchable early. Regular maintenance—once a year, ideally before summer—can help you avoid emergency breakdowns and keep your system running at its best.
At Thornton Plumbing and Heating, we offer seasonal tune-ups that cover everything from filter replacements to refrigerant checks and coil cleaning. It’s a simple step that can save you time, stress, and money.
If your AC is giving you trouble—or hasn’t had a check-up in a while—call Thornton today at 317-697-9265. We’ll help you get cool, stay cool, and keep your system humming.
