When the summer heat rolls in, there’s nothing worse than discovering your AC isn’t working properly. Whether it’s blowing warm air or refusing to turn on at all, air conditioner problems always seem to strike when you need cool air the most.
To help you stay comfortable (and avoid emergency repair bills), here are the top five air conditioning problems homeowners search for on Google — and how you can prevent them.
1. AC Blowing Warm Air
Why it happens:
This is one of the most common AC complaints. The system runs, but instead of cool relief, you get a blast of warm or room-temperature air. Possible causes include:
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Dirty air filters
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Low refrigerant levels
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A frozen evaporator coil
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Thermostat settings in the wrong mode
How to avoid it:
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Change your air filter every 1–3 months.
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Schedule a spring AC tune-up to check refrigerant and airflow.
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Double-check thermostat settings before assuming there's a breakdown.
2. Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On
Why it happens:
You lower the thermostat, but nothing happens. This could be due to:
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A tripped circuit breaker
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Dead thermostat batteries
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A clogged drain pan triggering a safety shutoff
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A blown capacitor or faulty contactor
How to avoid it:
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Check your breaker box and thermostat batteries first.
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Have your system inspected annually for worn-out electrical parts.
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Keep the condensate drain clear to prevent water overflow shutdowns.
3. Weak or Uneven Airflow
Why it happens:
One room feels like a sauna, while another is an icebox. Poor airflow is often caused by:
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Clogged air filters
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Leaky or blocked ductwork
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A failing blower motor or dirty fan blades
How to avoid it:
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Replace filters regularly.
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Have your ducts professionally inspected for blockages or leaks.
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Invest in airflow testing or a zoning system if you have hot/cold spots.
4. Frozen AC Coils
Why it happens:
It might seem strange for your AC to freeze in the summer, but it’s actually a common issue. It’s usually the result of:
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Restricted airflow (due to dirty filters or blocked vents)
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Low refrigerant levels
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Running the AC too hard in extreme heat
How to avoid It:
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Keep filters and vents clean and clear.
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Don’t crank your AC below 68°F—it can stress the system.
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Get refrigerant levels checked during your annual tune-up.
5. AC Running Constantly or Short Cycling
Why it happens:
If your system never shuts off—or turns on and off too quickly—it’s likely:
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The thermostat is in the wrong spot or malfunctioning
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The system is improperly sized
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You have dirty coils or a clogged air filter
How to avoid it:
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Install a programmable or smart thermostat in a central location.
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Clean your condenser coils annually.
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Ensure your system is properly sized for your home (an HVAC pro can help with this).
Pro Tip: Annual Maintenance is Your Best Defense
A quick AC tune-up each spring helps catch small issues before they become big ones. During a professional maintenance visit, technicians will:
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Clean condenser coils and drain lines
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Check refrigerant levels
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Inspect electrical components
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Ensure efficient airflow
This small investment can extend the life of your system, lower energy bills, and give you peace of mind all summer long.
Common AC Questions from Homeowners
Q: Why is my air conditioner running but not cooling the house?
A: This is often due to low refrigerant, dirty filters, or a frozen coil. Try replacing the filter first and call a professional if the issue continues.
Q: How often should I have my AC serviced?
A: At least once per year, ideally in spring before peak summer use.
Q: What’s the average lifespan of a central AC system?
A: With proper maintenance, 12-18 years. Without it, systems may fail in 10 years or less.
Q: Can a dirty air filter cause AC problems?
A: Absolutely. Dirty filters are one of the top causes of airflow issues, frozen coils, and system failure.
Stay Cool All Summer Long
Don't wait for a breakdown to deal with your AC problems. Most issues are preventable with regular maintenance and a little know-how. If your system is acting up—or you want to avoid mid-July emergencies—schedule an AC maintenance today with your local HVAC pros. At ECI Comfort, we’re here to keep your home cool, efficient, and stress-free all summer long.
If you live in the Delaware Valley/Greater Philadelphia area and would like to find comfort within your home, visit our website or give us a call at 215 - 245 - 3200 to learn more.
